Component 3 Non Examined Assessment: Overview (for 2022)
- 1. COMPONENT 3 Cross-Media Production A LEVEL MEDIA STUDIES NON EXAMINED ASSESSMENT (NEA) FOR SUBMISSION IN 2022
- 2. INFORMATION AND ADVICE You must complete an individual cross-media production, applying your knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework (media language, representation, media industries, audiences). Unassessed participants may act in, or appear in the media production, or operate lighting, sound, recording and other equipment under your direction if required. You are required to create an individual cross-media production in response to one brief chosen from the list, following the instructions provided.
- 3. Statement of Aims & Intentions You will be required to complete a brief outline of your aims and intentions for the media production that must be submitted with the production. This will be assessed with the production and will enable you to explain the ways in which you will apply knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework to the production and target the intended audience. This is a compulsory component of the non-exam assessment and you must complete the statement of aims and intentions in Section B of the cover sheet using approximately 500 words.
- 4. Research and Planning In preparation for the practical work, you will undertake research and planning during the production process. The research and planning will not be assessed, but you will be assessed on the production outcomes that result from these stages. The cross-media production must be conceptualised as a complete package of interrelated products in two forms, reflecting the nature of the contemporary media and the importance of different platforms in distributing, and enabling audiences to access, the media.
- 5. Research and Planning You should undertake preparatory work to develop your understanding of the theoretical framework in relation to your intended production including: Analysis of the use of media language in similar media products to identify the codes and conventions of the particular genres and forms. Analysis should focus on how specific techniques such as: layout and composition; editing; sound, etc. are used to create meaning, and the way in which representations of events, issues, individuals and social groups (as appropriate) are constructed, considering how the choice and combination of elements of media language influences meaning and conveys viewpoints and ideologies.
- 6. Research and Planning Research into how the industry context (the media organisation, production processes, distribution and marketing, scheduling/positioning, regulatory issues etc.) impacts on a production. Research into the ways in which media industries use digital convergence across different platforms – how media products are interrelated and how different media platforms can be used to promote and distribute products and engage audiences in different ways. Identification of examples from similar products analysed.
- 7. Research and Planning Research into the methods used to target and address audiences, analysis of the techniques used to appeal to, engage and position an intended audience. Identification of examples from similar products analysed. Research into audience responses to, and interaction with, media products. Secondary research - academic theoretical research appropriate to A level to develop understanding and support analysis. Primary audience research such as focus groups research prior to completion of production work.
- 8. Research and Planning You should also plan your production work carefully to ensure that you apply your understanding of the theoretical framework to the media production. The planning work may include: A pitch or treatment for the cross-media production, considering the convergence of the products in two forms and how they will be interrelated, but also distinct, to engage the intended audience in different ways. A project plan including a timeline and the planned use of, for example, resources, equipment etc. Planning documents appropriate to the forms/products undertaken such as: a step outline; a shot list; a storyboard; a script; draft designs; mock-ups of composition and layout.
- 9. Production Work You are required to create original material for this component. The use of existing media brands or products is not permitted and the images, footage and text that you use in your media production must be original. You are permitted to use existing generic logos such as production company logos, logos for social media sites, age certificate logos and barcodes. You are permitted to use an existing song by a band or artist for the music video production option, provided the track chosen for the music video does not have an existing video. You may use existing music for an audio-visual soundtrack, but this must be copyright-free. All other aspects of the cross-media production must be your own, original work. Any non-original music used as a soundtrack or in a music video must be acknowledged on the cover sheet. You should create different material (such as images, footage, or written text) for each cross-media production task. Images/sections of written text must not be repeated in the cross-media production.
- 10. Production Work You are required to create original material for this component. The use of existing media brands or products is not permitted and the images, footage and text that you use in your media production must be original. You are permitted to use existing generic logos such as production company logos, logos for social media sites, age certificate logos and barcodes. You are permitted to use an existing song by a band or artist for the music video production option, provided the track chosen for the music video does not have an existing video. You may use existing music for an audio-visual soundtrack, but this must be copyright-free. All other aspects of the cross-media production must be your own, original work. Any non-original music used as a soundtrack or in a music video must be acknowledged on the cover sheet. You should create different material (such as images, footage, or written text) for each cross- media production task. Images/sections of written text must not be repeated in the cross-media production.
- 11. Production Work The cross-media production will consist of two ‘tasks’, in different media forms. Task 1 is compulsory and you must choose option a) or b) for Task 2 Brief Television Magazines Film Marketing Music Marketing Task 1 Audio Visual Print Print Audio Visual Task 2 Option a) Print Online Online Online Task 2 Option b) Online Audio/Visual Audio/Visual Print