Mest 1: Blog Feedback

MEST 1 FEEDBACK DECEMBER 2016

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·         You are really up-to-date with all your work which shows that you are spending the right amount of time on the subject and aiming for the highest levels. It is also clear that you enjoy engaging with the Media outside of the classroom which will help you so much as we approach the exam topic and you want to push yourself. You also choose to focus on a wide range of different genres and text types (from more dated texts like Speed, to more modern franchises) when you are choosing media to analyse which shows breadth as well as depth.

·         Your blog is in depth, detailed and consistent in its level of accuracy but you now need to focus on your media literacy. I really enjoyed reading the analysis of media texts that you have chosen but more in depth analysis will really push this up to A level standard. You need to be really careful that you say HOW texts link to media theories rather than just giving narrative examples to show that they do eg for the Lord of the Rings, you say that there is Equilibrium and give an example in the narrative but you need to take this a bit further – how do you know this is equilibrium and why is it like this at the start? What does this offer as an appeal for the audience?

·         Your literacy levels are getting a lot better which shows your hard work. Your use of media specific terminology is impressive considering that you have not studied Media at GCSE- well done! A tip - when you are engaging with higher level media texts such as the factsheets that we have read and used to answer questions, don’t be vague and general with your points but be really specific.

EBI

·         You are still missing a tiny amount of work that needs to be added to your MIGRAIN index- I think it is only the work on the Fact sheet for Audience and your Photoshop work on Representation (important as you may not have done this before and need to practise these skills for your coursework at MEST2).

·         Applying theory is a really important skill at A Level so make sure that you are trying to bring in the theorists that we have looked at, as often as possible and applying them accurately. Get into the habit of putting all your media language into bold text so that I can see the progression and check your accuracy.  

·         Sometimes you are a little vague –always think of the WHY eg when you are talking about Waterloo Road and answering the David Chandler questions, you say that you find the ‘genre intriguing’ but you do not go into enough details. What are the conventions of this type of genre? Is there anything subversive about the example you have given (anything unexpected for the genre)? Are the representations dominant? Try and use ALL the theory that we have looked at as often as possible in all your work now.

Audience Pleasures: The Battle Of The Christmas Advert

John Lewis AD 2014

John Lewis AD 2015

John Lewis AD 2016

Sainsbury's AD 2016

Heathrow AD 2016

Very AD 2016

Aldi AD 2016

M&S AD 2016

1) Which do you think is the most appealing and why? Try to use some of our audience theory in your answer. 

In my opinion, If I had to pick the top three it would be John Lewis 2014 with Monty the penguin because it uses the innocence of a child to bring a toys happiness. Also,the heathrow advert has a warm family feeling- the idea that Christmas is't only for children but for all generations. Finally, the M&S advert as is quite uncommon to see  Mrs Claus, also the fact that it is based on family love and we get a child's point of view

2) Are there any audience pleasures that two or more of the adverts have in common? Choose two examples to illustrate your point.

In some of the adverts including John Lewis, Aldi and Heathrow  they bring objects to life. For example John Lewis a toy penguin, Aldi a carrot and Heathrow teddy bears.This also makes more children involved making them want something animated.

3) Choose a different advert and identify the target audience for the advert. Answer in terms of demography and psychography. What tells you this?

This is the Christmas advert to Littlewoods 2016. This is a very family orientated advert with a little humour. In terms of demography, age group could be seen as for teenagers, children and adults from the products that were shown. The advert has a middle class, very typical looking family (mother, father children, and grandparents) which is what you would expect during Christmas. In terms of psychograpgics, the two families that cross paths  look as if they both live similar lifestyles (middle class, good income) with each of the family member mimicking the other (different genders- so it is targeted towards both genders) therefore they had similar attitudes and values - the parents,the grandparents, the children both had toys and the teenagers both had headphones. This tells us that Christmas is for everyone, every family.

4) Why do you think Christmas adverts, in particular, often use emotive language and narratives to appeal to a wide audience?

Christmas adverts use emotive language to capture their audience. Christmas is a time for family and friends so this language gives the audience Christmas spirit and a warming feel to be around those we care about. The more welcoming and relatable it is towards the target audience the more successful.

5) Choose an advert with a narrative and, just for fun, apply one of our narrative theories to it. Why does a narrative have a place in an advert? 

This is the Christmas advert to Sainsbury's 2014 which in my opinion was very successful. They reinforce the idea of sharing with others and bring in the aspect of true events to life.They used the idea of the Christmas Truce during world war one to make it more relatable in terms of the history that brings everyone together. The audience develop an attachment with the characters in the story and is heartwarming in the way that in a war zone Christmas can bring them together.

MIGRAIN Indext

Media Consumption

Language and Genre: Reading An Image- RBK Advert Analysis

Language and Genre: Reading An Image- Tomorrowland Advert Analysis

Institution: Major Media Institution Research, Presentation & Feedback/LR

Institution: Brand Values

Narrative: Narrative Theory Youtube Clip Analysis 

Genre: Factsheet Questions and Chandler: Genre Analysis

Audience: Psychographics

Audience: Audience Theory Questions

Audience: Effects Theory: Factsheet and Questions

Audience Pleasures: The Battle Of The Christmas Adverts

Representation: Clip Analysis- Dominant and Alternative Representation

Ideology: BBQ QT Analysis and Binary Opposition

MEST 1 Exam Feedback

The British Film Industry: Institutional Context

Representation: The Place Beyond The Pines

This is the trailer to The Place Beyond The Pines. A story about family and the consequences to the choices that we make in life. Also, teaches the audience a vital life lesson that some people look and act as if they are immoral but do it for the right intentions and are the most wholehearted people. In this trailer many different groups are represented including: men , women, teenagers all that live in America.

In this film the men are represented in very different ways, both are very masculine, typical men living in America. Although, they represent two very different lifestyles. One as a police officer (Avery) and the other as a criminal (Luke). Stereotypically, a male police officer would be represented as the moral and reasonable person whereas a male criminal to be ruthless and dishonourable.However, the beautiful thing about this film is that it reverses these roles. The police officer is determined that his job protects and makes him a better person but blinds him of some of the heartless things he does. The criminal has good intentions to provide for his family and to be a good father nevertheless, this lead to his ultimate downfall. [Alternative] 

The women in this trailer are presented to be supportive in some aspect but mainly contradicting the male characters. For example traditionally women are presented to being supportive and obedient towards their husbands but the women are subversive. The police officers wife (Jennifer) does not support his role as an officer going against this typical wife stereotype. This this also shown through Romina. She was a lone parent mother which also go against what is expected of a women. Both portray women having to deal with difficult situations. [Alternative] 

Another group presented in this trailer are teenagers specifically Jason (son of Luke) and AJ (son of Avery). Both are presented to behave in completely different as a result of their fathers. Jason begins to go down the same root his father took but is grateful of his family. This contradicts AJ character to being quite spoilt. They behave in very typical ways of their class AJ being more privileged then Jason yet both attending the same school. [Dominant and Alternative]

Narrative Theories

This is a scene from the franchise The Lord Of The Rings where the protagonist and his companions try to pass the mines to continue their quest.

In terms of Todorov's theory of Equilibrium, the equilibrium would have been before when the protagonist Frodo and the 'fellowship' enter the mines of Moria and try to pass.The disequilibrium would be when their quest is disturbed by orcs and later conflicted with Balrog a demon of the ancient world. Lastly, the new equilibrium is the end of the scene where Gandalf defeats the demon by throwing him off the cliff, however,  he is taken by it, leaving the others to complete the quest alone.

According to Propp's character theory, the ultimate hero in the franchise is Frodo as he is the one who has been chosen to take the ring to Mordor and destroy it. The dispatcher is Gandalf as he is the one who tells Frodo of the situation and sends him on the journey to Mordo. In the film the overall villain is Sauron however in this scene it is the orcs and Balrog (they try to end the quest and take the ring). The main donors are Bilbo (Frodo's uncle)  who gives him the sword that glows when the orcs are near so that he is able to escape. Also, Galadriel (elf) who gives Frodo a star (source of light) to help him in darkness. The helpers are the fellowship who set on his quest to help Frodo with his task but the main helper is Sam who helps Frodo till the end. It could be argued  that the princess could also be Frodo where he is tempted by the ring and so he needs to be saved from himself. In this scene, however, you could argue that Gandalf was the princess while he was fighting Balrog. Those who have seen the films will know that the false hero is Gollum who once was a hobbit but deteriorates as the result of the evil power of the ring. He begins to help Frodo and Sam but ultimately betrays them.

Barthes had the idea that there are enigma and action codes the audience understand. In this scene, the main enigma code was when the characters were running across the plank creating tension for the audience to wonder if they will get across. Also, when  Gandalf was in a battle with Balrog the audience think about whether he will survive the fight. Equally the action codes,in violence scene, when the fellowship were attacked by the orcs and they had to defend Frodo as well as themselves. For example the swords, bow and arrows etc.

This is a scene from the series Lucifer where the protagonist (Lucifer) is helping detective Chole to find out who was responsible for the murder of Delilah.


According to Todorov's theory of equilibrium, it begins with Lucifer and detective Chole who are questioning a man to confessing a murder he committed. This is interrupted when the man holds a gun and points it towards an innocent and is shot by the detective. The new equilibrium is the when the detective is shot and Lucifer throws the man in question against the glass and tortures him.


As stated by Propp, all narratives have different characters.The stereotypical villain would be Lucifer (the devil) however, in this particular scene the villain is Jimmy, the man in question responsible for the murder.The hero is arguably Lucifer as he is the main character but, could also be Chole. The helper is Lucifer/Chole who have been assigned the task of finding the killer.The helper is in the majority of this scene and throughout the series making her one of the main characters.The dispatcher could be the police who assigned them the case. The first princess is the singer who is threatened with a gun pointing towards him nevertheless, Chole is also a princess by the end of the scene as she needs saving after being shot. 

The first enigma code the audience is made aware of is when the man is being interrogated it creates tension as to what will happen next. This is then followed by action codes of guns being taken out which signifies a violent scene. Another action code is when then man's head is smashed against the glass which again implies violence as he then screams when he sees Lucifers true form.

This is a scene from Speed where the protagonist Alex must save an innocent who is being held hostage by an ex-police officer/criminal.

In terms of Todorov's theory of Equilibrium, the equilibrium would be Annie who is being kept prisoner and has a bomb attached to her. The disequilibrium is when the police officer Alex climbs the moving train to try and save her.

According to Propp's character theory, the hero in the film, as well as this scene, is Alex the police officer. The villain is Jimmy an ex-police officer. The helper is the police force but also Annie who helped save people from the previous scene. However, Annie could also be seen as the princess as she is the one who needs saving. The dispatcher would be the police force that Alex works for.

The first enigma code is when Alex is on a moving train this gives the audience the impression that he has not been noticed yet. An action code that is followed by this is the gun signifies violence to come. Another enigma code is the bomb wrapped around Annie. This creates tension on whether she will survive. Another enigma and action code is at the beginning where the villain starts to shoot at the ceiling of the train create a sense of mystery and apprehension as the audience know the hero is there and wonder whether he survives. 

Psychographic Group: Succeeders

This is Julian (25) and Scarlet (23) they met in a business conference five years ago after they both had finished at Oxford and Cambridge university, Julian studying business and Scarlet studying advertising and marketing. When they first began to spend time together they found out that they both has ambitions they wanted to achieve in the future, both agreed that in order to succeed you much work hard. Scarlet enjoyed school as a child she has many privileges that many children did not have. However, she had a difficult childhood at home as her parents were always on business trips and did not have time to be with her, she saw her maid as her only parental figure but learned to be independent. On the other hand, Julian had quite the difficult childhood.He was the son of immigrant parents who found it difficult to adjust to the environment around them. His father became an alcoholic so he had to work at a very young age to provide for the rest of his family. He tried at school put was put down by the majority of the students in his class. His motivation was his ultimate goal and the need to help his family. Now they are both happily married to each other and spend the majority of their time together; at work and in their private life. They have just recently bought a property they were dreaming of being their first business.

Genre

General

The text I have chosen is Peaky Blinders.

1) Why did you choose the text you are analysing?

I have chosen this text because I found it entertaining and interesting in the way that it is a period drama as well as it having elements of crime and romance. Also, the fact that it shows how young soldiers where dramatically effected from the aftermath of the war.

2) In what context did you encounter it?

I encountered this when the advert first appeared on BBC Three. After watching I was addicted.

3) What influence do you think this context might have had on your interpretation of the text?

The fact that the series is located in England and has a historical feel to it which i find quite interesting.

4) To what genre did you initially assign the text?

This is a gangster drama located in the streets of post-war Birmingham on the verge of the 1920s. I personally believe that this also fits in he genre of crime, drama and romance. 

5) What is your experience of this genre?

I find this genre very entertaining as it has all these different types that fit really well together and addresses different concepts.

6) What subject matter and basic themes are the text concerned with?

I would base this subject matter to crime mafia in the UK during the 1920s.

7) How typical of the genre is this text in terms of content?

Of the generation we live in today, period dramas with crime and gangsters may not be as popular as it once was.

8) What expectations do you have about texts in this genre?

I had originally thought that it would only be violent as the story line is based on gangsters but there are also elements family and romance which all combine well together 

9) Have you found any formal generic labels for this particular text (where)?

10) What generic labels have others given the same text?

12) To what extent does this text stretch the conventions of its genre?

I think it stretches its dramatic conventions to the point where it becomes more expected for these events to happen. 

13) Where and why does the text depart from the conventions of the genre?

14) Which conventions seem more like those of a different genre (and which genre(s)?

15) What familiar motifs or images are used?

Throughout all series, there are elements of the same issues that make the audience think about and understand the possible outcomes.

Mode of address

1) What sort of audience did you feel that the text was aimed at (and how typical was this of the genre)?

I feel that this show is aimed more at mid teenagers and young adults 

2) How does the text address you?

We as an audience follow the struggles that some of the characters go through so its more consuming in the way that you feel for the main characters.

3) What sort of person does it assume you are?

Due to this, it assumes that I enjoy watching crime dramas.

4) What assumptions seem to be made about your class, age, gender and ethnicity?

As well as this being about the life of a gangster, it also addresses some of the struggles of that time, the audience have an insight on the corruption that happens in different places that would not be expected such as in the police force.

5) What interests does it assume you have?

This may assume that I am interested in crime and violence as well as  

Relationship to other texts

1) What intertextual references are there in the text you are analysing (and to what other texts)?

This could possibly be linked to another series 

2) Generically, which other texts does the text you are analysing resemble most closely?

I think is mostly resembles  crime in England during the 1920s

3) What key features are shared by these texts?

They both share similarities in terms of themes and in terms of the narrators in the way that each character is their own story.

4) What major differences do you notice between them?

In my opinion, I think that Peaky Blinders is more

Media Factsheet 03 - Genre: Categorising texts

1) What example is provided of why visual iconography are so important?

Visual and aural iconography are not the only way that genres can be identified. Genre can also be indicated in the way the story is told via its narrative (the structure of the storytelling) and plot (the events and occurrences within the story).

2) What examples are provided of the importance of narrative in identifying genre?

The article declares that the story lines of soap operas and sit-coms are similar but the way the narratives develop makes it easier to distinguish the difference between the two.

3) What is the difference between character representation in action movies and disaster movies?

In an action film, the hero is typically not with the rest of the characters (separated) whereas in a disaster film the heroes remain together in one group.

4) What are the different ways films can be categorised according to Bordwell? 

Bordwell believes films can be grouped  by the period/ country they are set in and also by the director or the stars of the film. For example, Tim Burton has a specific style of film-making then the audience know what to expect. Another of Bordwell's methods of categorisation  the  audience are able to identify when watching certain films. Another method is series which enables film franchises like Lord of The Rings, The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner to be in the same category. The last method Bordwell suggested is that films can be categorised based on their audiences because specific genres of films will have specific audiences.

5) List three ways genre is used by audiences.

One way audiences use genre is by using the knowledge they already have about that genre to see whether they enjoy the text. Another way audiences use genre is being able to compare texts with ones they already know.The third way audiences use genre is, using their existing knowledge to  decide not to see a certain text because they know it won't interest them.

6) List three ways genre is used by institutions or producers.

One way the genre is used by producers is by seeing what has already got the audience's attention so they can create something that will entertain their audience .Another way genre is used by producers is by producing what they think will be popular among audiences.The third-way the genre is used by producers is by telling the audience what the genre of the text will be before delivering the texts.

7) What film genre is used as an example of how genres evolve? 

What films and conventions are mentioned?The film genre mentioned in the article is Gangster films such as The God Father and The City Of God.

Media Factsheet 126 - Superheroes: A Genre Case Study 

1) List five films the factsheet discusses with regards to the Superhero genre.

Batman, Spiderman, Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers

2) What examples are provided of how the Superhero genre has reflected the changing values, ideologies and world events of the last 70 years?

One example of a superhero text that

3) How can Schatz's theory of genre cycles be applied to the Superhero genre?

Schatz's theory of genre cycles can be applied to the Superhero because in these type of films there is always a cycle in how the hero falls but then picks themselves up and saves everyone. For example, spiderman almost loses himself when his suit turns black and take control but he overcomes this.

Institution: Major Media Institution Research, Presentation and Feedback/LR The BBC

Teacher's Feedback

• Started- Name subsidiaries- pair work excellent getting them thinking about brand synergy!-Good feedback
• Lovely engaging images
• Led nicely onto history and low payment is taken and used.This linked nicely to later slide about what the Public Broadcasting Service means- what they have to do, be objective, have British shows
• Loved the video, very informative and gave good overview of the long history and success of the corporation
• Excellent sense of how pioneering BBC was eg first colour TV, Live Aid, Royal Family etc, BBC online, catch up TV etc
•  Spoke about mission statement and values- very impressive 

• Bake off could have said more about love productions - problems of imports from the USA taking audience share/ how can BBC compete?
• Could have thought about brand identity -more serious- news based, middle-class audience etc? How things are changing now digital age has changed the landscape of broadcasting?
• Maybe more iplayer? convergence now means we can access BBC on all media platforms.
• Controversies eg Savile?
• Plenary could have bought this together

My Feedback

• I feel that I need more information on The British Bake Off
• Add more about the different type of medias
• A plenary to bring the lesson together

Audience Theory

1) Summarise the two-step flow model. In your opinion, is the two-step flow theory still relevant today? 

The two-step flow model is the idea that the audience is influenced by "opinion leaders" (individual or organisation that influence public opinion) in the media and how the audience reacts to different media.This theory suggests the media is not all powerful and that social factors are also important.

2) How does this YouTube blogger fit into the two-step flow model?

 This YouTube blogger fits into the two-step flow model as he is influencing people's thoughts on the game, giving them an idea of the game perhaps for viewers to see the game without having to pay.

3) How this  Telegraph article on influential tweeters fit the two-step flow model?

 This Telegraph article on influential tweeters fits into the two-step model as famous people like One Direction have a large fan base. From the article we can see that they have more followers than more important people, therefore, this means that people follow them as a result of their status.

4) Read this BBC profile of Jamal Edwards. How does Jamal Edwards link to the two-step flow model?

Jamal Edwards links to the two-step flow model because his YouTube channel has a lot of subscribers meaning that his point of view is heard and consumers may be influenced by his opinion.