Exam Advice

MISE EN SCENE

Costume, make upLighting - high key, low key, interior, exterior, artificial, back lightingProduction DesignPropsPerformance (body language, facial expressions)Space, setting

CINEMATOGRAPHY (CAMERA WORK)

Close up, extreme close up/long shot, mid shot, two shot, POV, high/low/canted angle, over the shoulder, composition, inside/outside framing, rule of thirds, deep/shallow focus, tracking, panning, zooming, tilting, craning

SOUNDSound bridge, motif, non-diegetic/diegetic, ambient, instrumental, soundtrack, tone, tempo, dialogue, voice over, direct address, sound effects, sting, contrapuntal, synchronous/asynchronous, incidental, music score, theme tune

EDITINGFast/slow pace, long/short takes, fade, dissolve, cut, transition, invisible, 180 degree rule, montage/continuity editing, jump cut, match on action, eyeline-match, cross cutting/parallel editing, flash back, chronological, credits, freeze frame, juxtaposition

Marking Criteria

Frequent and Accurate use of media terminology

Consistent evidence from the extract offered. Offers frequent relevant examples from the extract

Clear analysis of how the technical aspects are used to construct the particular representationUnderstanding of the constructed nature of representation

10

Terminology

20

20

Use of Examples

Analysis/Explanation

Weak Responses

Described the action rather than analysedFocused primarily on one area and neglect othersStray from the relevant question- discuss gender/social class etcWere concerned with TV Drama as genre rather than focus onrepresentationUse terminology rarely or inaccuratelyWrite a short response, intro and conclusion included

Strong Responses

Use note taking effectively and were well practiced in working under timed conditions.Understood the constructed nature of representation and were able to explore this through all four micro elementsUsed media terminology frequently. Selected the most relevant examples form the extract and analysed how the technical aspects constructed age.Could see the range of representations rather than ‘old’ and ‘young’Considered whether these representation were conformed to or subverted stereotypes

EditingWeakest area of analysis. Some candidates making no reference at all.

Stronger responses discussed the use 180-degree rule and continuity editing. These candidates also referred to eyeline matches, shot reverse shot, simultaneous action and use of ellipsis. Also some discussed the pace of editing to represent chosen issue e.g. age

SoundWas tackled well by some but too much focus on dialogue.

Clear distinction between diegetic and non-diegetic sound by some candidates. Need to address use of music in more detail-tempo, pace, sound bridges and link specifically to representation.

Mise-en-sceneOften very well discussed but at times too much focus on this area. Some entirely focused on mise-en-scene

Concentration on clothing and props but little exploration of lighting.

Must link to how it constructs representation.

CinematographyWell handled by most with the most confident use of terminology in this area.

Problems for some in just identifying camera shots/angle/position and not linking this to the construction of representation.

How to Revise• You need sugar paper, A3 paper, coloured pens and a computer• Create a visual poster for each of the 4 areas: Mise en scene, camera work,

editing, sound – this will allow you to revise the key terms • Create 7 visual posters for the Representation areas: Gender, Age, Disability,

Sexuality, Class and Status, Regional Identity, Ethnicity – include a definition, stereotypes, examples, positive/negative representations

• Look at all of the exemplar essays on my blog• Highlight the key areas in the mark scheme so you are familiar with what you are

being assessed on• Look at all of the past TV Drama clips on my blog – time yourself 1 hour, view the

clip 4 times (whilst making notes), then write up your response• Using the mark scheme, self assess your essays and/or pass any to me you want

marking• Make sure you have practiced all of the 7 areas – you never know which issue

will come up in the exam!