PAPER 1 Section B COMPUTER GAMES Assassins Creed Franchise and key game

 Complete a written case study of the Assassins Creed franchise and the key game ,    focusing on all of these elements, using the information from the  video links and websites.

INDUSTRY AND AUDIENCE

Ownership and Franchise

Give summary of company who owns the product and a summary of the  history of the Assassins Creed franchise : focus on key narrative elements, genre, recurring themes and USP of franchise as well as range of consoles and individual games in franchise. 

Maximising income

Other ways the franchise  has to maximise income for the producers and increase the audience ?

 Links to other media e.g film/TV and any physical merchandise ?

KEY GAME : e.g   Black Flag , Valhalla , one of your choice

Select a key game from the franchise to focus on. 

Production/Distribution

When was the game released in different formats  and was it a global release ? Was it released in physical and online form ? 

Marketing and Advertising 

How was game advertised ( trailers,posters, articles etc.) and what elements of the game/format were featured and focused upon and why ?



Maintaining and developing the audience

Are there methods to allow audiences to be more active , such as online multiplayer, in game purchases,  choice of avator , fan communities and other interactive features ?

Reception

Summarise the sales of the game , the critical reception on different formats and audience/fan responses and feedback.

Regulation

Summarise the role of the organisation responsible for regulating the game's content and giving it a relevant age rating.

TEXT

Summarise genre, avator ( including personas) , world( setting, era etc.) controls, rules  and goals of game,  multiplayer options and limitations . Any representation issues in terms of gender,ethnicity,nationality,religion ? 






KEY SEQUENCE : analyse in writing  the game elements and technical codes of one sequence from the game in detail. 

e.g    Long battle and escape ( first 5 minutes ) from Black Flag

         Impaling the seax ( from Valhalla )       

Summarise the following :

Use and control of avator, display e.g first/third person, graphics, camera movement, gameplay, controls, menus and inventories, use of sound, goals and narrative purpose of sequence. 

How sequence demonstrates changes in technology e.g quality of graphics and sound, size of world, cut scenes, narrative and representation, as well as which computer game elements and audience pleasures have remained the same for decades. 

RESOURCES TO HELP YOU :

EDUQAS RESOURCE SHEET

PRODUCER WEBSITE

Article about the franchise

History of the franchise

4 : Black Flag

TRAILER for GAME

  VIDEO ANALYSIS OF THE GAME

Valhalla ( 2020 )

TRAILER

video review 

PAPER 1 SECTION B COMPUTER GAMES Initial research

Feature length documentary  about the history of computer games ( presented by Charlie Brooker)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32wN4IIDW1o 

Another history of games 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuxoThzFPPw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoyGlyrYb9c

History of consoles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5ROTfHOvNI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWmdxeAFS-I

Research the history of video games and answer the questions below.

1 How have video games and consoles  changed through history? 

Create an illustrated  timeline document ( in blogger , word or other format )  highlighting major changes of each  decade from 1970s-2020 s ( or before if you wish )

Consider:

•  which consoles/devices were available and the most popular ( and why )

•  the important and influential games of the time

•  the advances in technology and playability ( including the creation of the internet and online play

 •  main audiences ( age , gender etc. mainstream or niche , fans of other media products e.g films, TV  )

2. List and summarise the various audience pleasures and experiences that computer games can provide  ( e.g completing levels , making  money , competition with others , forming communities , achieving goals , improving skills etc. swapping tips and watching other gamers etc. )  Give examples to support your points from the videos above and your own gaming.

How did the creation of the internet and online play affect these pleasures ?

3  Summarise the ways producers of modern consoles and games maximise their income. List the ways in which they can make money from their audiences .

4. What moral or social issues  have been raised by games ?  ( e.g violence, representation and attitudes to women etc   )  Give examples.

EXAM QUESTION : Paper 1 Section A

 Explore the representations and use of media language in the unseen audiovisual text and compare it to the music video for either Formation ( Beyonce ) or Dream ( Dizzee Rascal )   

   30 marks 1hour

( 1500 words minimum ) 

Please write in Word and  submit on moodle (   moodle / my courses /  Media Studies A Ll L6 )

by Thursday November 25th 

In your answer you must:
 consider how the representations construct versions of reality ( using technical codes)
 consider the similarities and differences in how audiences are positioned ( encouraged and 
     guided  to respond ) by the representations
 make judgements and draw conclusions about how far the representations relate to relevant    
     media contexts

POINTS ( several relevant effective and detailed points )

e.g The main ways the videos represent gender /social issue etc.

Use and subversion of sterotypes

Challenging or following audience expectations about genre, the artist's profile  , narrative etc.

EVIDENCE

Specific and relevant examples from the videos , focusing on technical codes such as camera shots, lighting and colour ,costume and body language , conventions of music video such as artist performance and the  artist's star profile or persona  

EXPLAIN

Develop your point , contrast to other video or other points you've made, link to theory, link to genre/audience, make further related points about technical codes 

 

THEORY 

link to and use   relevant theory ( representation and media language )  e.g binary opposites, Hall's stereotypes.

Band	AO2 1 and 3   Apply knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework of media to: ·         analyse media products, including in relation to their contexts ·         make judgements and draw conclusions
5	25-30 marks ·         Excellent, consistent and accurate application of knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework to analyse the unseen and set videos ·         Analysis of how representations in the videos construct versions of reality is perceptive, detailed and may be informed by relevant theories ·         Detailed and appropriate comparisons of audience positioning by the videos ·         Judgements and conclusions regarding how the videos relate to relevant media contexts are perceptive, insightful and fully supported with detailed reference to specific aspects of the texts
4	19-24 marks ·         Good, accurate application of knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework to analyse the unseen and set videos ·         Analysis of how representations in the videos construct versions of reality is logical and may be informed by relevant theories ·         Reasonably detailed, appropriate comparisons of audience positioning by the videos ·         Judgements and conclusions regarding how the videos relate to relevant media contexts are logical and are supported with appropriate reference to relevant aspects of the vidoes
3	13-18 marks ·         Satisfactory, generally accurate application of knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework to analyse the unseen and set videos ·         Analysis of how representations in the videos construct versions of reality is reasonable and straightforward ·         Satisfactory comparisons of audience positioning by the videos, although there may be more focus on one of the artists ·         Judgements and conclusions regarding how the videos relate to relevant media contexts are straightforward and supported with some reference to relevant aspects of the videos

KEY TEXT Paper 1 Section A : DREAM Music Video ( an alternative to FORMATION)

VIDEO



Analyse  the content of the music video for Dream , using the technical codes ( use of camera, lighting, props , costume, iconography etc ) to focus on the following areas :


Narrative

What is the main narrative and message  of the song  , and how is this   added to or altered by the visual elements of  the video and the techniques used ? Does the video   subvert or confirm the messages and content of the song ?


Representation 

How is ethnicity, age , gender and class represented in the video ? What binary oppositions are created or shown in the video between different stereotypes? What stereotypes are used to represent different social groups ?

How is the concept of inequality or social power demonstrated  in the technical codes or narrative of the video ?



Intertextuality : What cultural or media references does the video and song make and why ?

This could include social or news events such as......https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2016/mar/22/good-in-the-hood-fall-and-rise-hoodie-us-society-prince-harry-rihanna-haute

or specific media texts  such as this one


or other cultural references

THEORY  



Barthes  : Semiotics 

Identify objects, characters or props/costumes that connote a deeper layer of meaning about the messages and themes in the video ( e.g hoodie +youth rebellion)

Levi-Strauss  Binary Oppositions

Identify a rage of binary oppoisites in the video and how they add meaning to  the narrative and themes of the video




Postcolonialism( Gilroy) : Does the video refer to "traditional white " UK culture and create a binary opposition with modern multicultural Britain ? How ?

KEY TEXT MUSIC VIDEO : Formation by Beyonce

 VIDEO 

INDIVIDUAL WRITTEN ANALYSIS: complete by Friday 

Contexts :    

Summarise the social , political and historical  events and issues  that are directly  referenced  in the video. 

Star persona : 

How does Beyonce represent herself in this video ? Personality, use of sexuality and sex appeal , ethnicity and background , perspective on social and historical events ? Is she just a glamorous pop star dressing up  or expressing something more profound ? Is she representing something beyond herself ? 

Representation :  

Find some examples from the video of the different ways social issues , people,  America ,ethnicity, gender and any other factors  are represented in the video , focusing on social status and power as well as any use or subversion of stereotypes. Look at relevant technical codes like iconography and costume, framing, camera angles and lighting/colour. What are the messages in the video ?

These resources may help :  

Rebecca Fisher excellent video essay

KEY ARTIST RESEARCH : Beyonce

 

Extension  task

Please choose  two other  official  music videos  by Beyonce ( not Formation ) from throughout her career and summarise how  the following are used in different ways.

You can work individually or in pairs and please publish on the blog by Friday

Style of video  Is the video primarily focused on the artist's performance or a storytelling narrative ?

 Star Persona 

 Which elements of Beyonce's personality and persona does the video focus on and highlight ? Romantic partner, independent woman , social activist ,  sex object , glamorous and aspirational role model ?

Themes  and issues  explored in the song and video  e.g politics, relationships , ambition , love and  commitment 

Representation of gender and ethnicity in the video e.g stereotypes, contrasts, social status etc.

Technical codes to support your points e.g costume, performance, body language, lighting and colour, camera angles and shot types, pace of editing  etc.

FILMING AND EDITING YOUR CHARITY ADVERT

Complete recording of video and audio  and edit your advert together using imovie , adding in music , text and  found footage  where appropriate, 

When complete , save as a mov or mp4 file and add to your google drive. You can then create a link and put this on the blog. 

Extension Task  :

Make another advert using a different style/audience appeal or aimed at a different target audience

MUSIC VIDEO INTRO : Artist profile RESEARCH TASK

Complete a written summary of  how an artist or band uses the technical codes, techniques, style and purposes of music videos   to define, explore and develop their star persona and any relevant social or personal  themes.   You should also focus on the uses of any relevant representations of gender, ethnicity or age.

 Focus on at least 3 different music videos by the artist if you can.


You can include basic factual information  and a summary of the use of narrative /performance in each video before more closely analysing technical codes such as use of camera, editing,lighting and colour, iconography and representation, particularly focusing on how the artist is portrayed .

WRITING YOUR CHARITY ADVERT

WRITING

When you have finished planning and researching your  charity advert , you need to write a script which includes all of the spoken content and text that will be heard and seen in your charity advert, as well as a description of the shot types e.g close up , establishing shot  

Your advert should be  30seconds -1 minute approximately, but can be longer if necessary.

Make sure you include persuasive and emotional language to target your audience effectively , and accurate and relevant factual information and statistics     

Use these headings where appropriate : 

 

                                             MVO ( Male voiceover )

                                              FVO  ( Female voicover )

                                             Male/female character name 

                                              SOUND FX

                                                 MUSIC

                                              

DOWNLOADING FOUND FOOTAGE

Before you start filming , you can also search for any relevant stock found footage that can be included in your advert using this website... 

Website for free video footage

CREATING YOUR OWN CHARITY ADVERT CAMPAIGN

 In groups of 2-3  plan , write , record and edit your own  charity advertisement for an original campaign  about a specific issue . This can be a local ,national or global issue .  

EXAMPLES OF GLOBAL CHARITY ADVERTS

PLANNING 

Discuss and explain the following  on the blog or document :

Charity title  

( either an existing charity  e.g Greenpeace, Save the Children etc or an original organisation )

Campaign /Issue

( e.g " Rain for Good " or " awareness of anxiety"  )

Purpose

( e.g raising money , raising awareness of issue )  

Target audience

( age, location, gender ,income, class etc )

Techniques

Format e.g talking head, narrative, documentary  

 Appeal to audience ( guilt, hope, empathy, humour  etc)

Mode of address 

Other techniques e.g voicoever, celebrity endorsement , storytelling , facts and figures ,found footage,slogan

How audiences can feed back or give money ( e,g phone number , email address etc. )

Narrative of advert 

summary of story/structure/content of advert

Ideas for technical codes

( e.g location , use of lighting and colour, use of close ups or found footage ,use of sound and music , use of text , logo  )

Ideas for representations

( e.g gender , age, place , social issue ) 

KEY TEXT : Wateraid charity advert

Analyse how the Water Aid charity advert Rain for Good   uses its technical codes to provoke responses, emotions and connections with its target audience.




How is the UK represented in the advert ?  Look at the opening shots and what they suggest about location , class and income , and attitude to water.

Who are the target audience ? How can you tell ?


How is the landscape of Africa represented in the advert ?


How are the people in Africa represented in the advert ? Focus on the main character as well as  other people you see. Think about wealth, community, work, lifestyle and goals.

What does water represent in the advert and how is it shown in different parts of the advert ? Look at lighting , language and how people in the advert treat it.

Does the advert follow or subvert the conventions and techniques of the  charity advert genre ?

Explain the use and type of audience appeal ( sympathy, hope,shock tactics etc. ) and mode of address 

What is the central message of the advert and how does it achieve this ? 

Is there any opportunity for the audience to give feedback or communicate with the producer ?

Give specific examples of technical codes ( camera shots , lighting, graphics etc. ) to support your points 

PAPER 1 Key text KISS OF THE VAMPIRE 1963 Exam question

Using the technical codes ( images, language and lexis, use of colour, layout, iconography , body language , mise-en-scene etc. )  explain  how  the film poster  for Kiss of the Vampire ( 1963)  creates meaning about the following elements  for its audience  :



Repetition/differences in genre conventions  ( horror and vampire subgenre, links to other genres)
 REFER TO NEALE's GENRE THEORY


 Representation of gender ( include genre conventions and links to cultural contexts such as beginnings of feminism in the 1960s  )



Industry context ( how film fitted into previous work by Hammer  studio and franchises ) 

( 15 marks)




Make sure you analyse the poster as it would appear to its 1960s audience and use your research into the era carefully.   




Try to follow this structure in your written response for each section

POINT                                  EVIDENCE                                    EXPLAIN

Main pint about text       specific example from text          link to audience, further detail or theory 

EXTENSION : Research television charity adverts and create a blog post/document with three charity adverys which you feel are effective or creative.

Examples

KISS OF THE VAMPIRE Cultural contexts research

Research  and summarise the following cultural contexts

Typical 1950's and  1960s horror posters

Style, content , representation of gender 

Hammer studios ( 1950s-1960s in particular) basic facts, key films .genres and horror subgenres

 

Hammer Horror

Conventions of the vampire  movie ( 1920s-1960s) characters, settings, iconography etc.

Social change and beginnings  of modern  feminism in the 1960s-1970s ( e.g birth control.employment,representation etc.) Some key events and dates

1960s  early progress

1970s the rise of second wave  feminism

MEDIA THEORIES 1 : Tide

 

Summarise the following media theories and give a brief example of how each of them can  be applied to the content , representations or social issues  in the Tide 1950s print advert

Barthes : Semiotics

Hall : Representation

Gauntlett : Identity Theory

KEY TEXT 1 : Tide Print advert

Analyse how the technical codes are used to persuade the specific audience at this specific time to buy the product.

You should include the following technical codes and historical contexts : 

Layout and design

Lighting and colour

Images

Graphics

Clothing /props/ gesture/expression

Lexis

Hard/soft sell

Unique selling point

Mode of address

Endorsement





the 1950s consumer and technology  boom

the stereotypical housewife

the American dream of success and upward mobility

post-war American wealth

The growth in American suburbs

1950s fashion and film imagery

WELCOME

Welcome to A level Media Studies !  On this course you will analyse a wide range of media products and industries such as music video, computer games, magazines , advertising ,social media ,  news and radio , develop your knowledge of concepts such as representation and genre, apply a wde range of theories and concepts such as postmodernism and identity theory and also create your own cross-media production , such as a muuscic video and magazine article.

          Look  at the component  overview pages  for more detail.

 

 
                                                  

                                                  Creating your own blog

                                              BLOG INSTRUCTIONS
 

First written task

My Media Products report 

Create a new post on your blog

In a written report, explain your  favourite  specific examples of products in the following media industries :

Computer games 

Social media

Magazines

Music

Film

Television

Radio

Any other

If you don't use any products in a particular industry , just leave blank. 

You should define why these products appeal to you ( audience pleasure ), add in any images and video links  and explain the content of these products using  terms such as genre or any technical codes ( sound,colour, narrrative etc.) where relevant.

EXTENSION TASK  :

Explain  how gender ( male or female ) is represented in at least one of the products you have written about. Is it positive or negative ? Does it rely on stereotypes and cliches about how men or women are meant to look or act ? 

INDUCTION PRACTICAL TASK

In pairs or groups of three , research, plan, record and edit a short set of audio or audiovisual  interviews( 8 questions +) with each other. 

This should  include the following :


Personal background information

Hobbies and interests ( including areas of the media)

Media products or characters  that help represent their personality 


Plans for the future



You can choose relevant recording spaces and other audiovisual content that helps represent the interviewee, and record/edit with your phones.

 

Induction Extended written task

 You need to complete a written report as part of induction  as a chance to demonstrate your specific areas of  interest in the media and to introduce you to some of the key concepts you will study.

( 800 words minimum) 


INDUCTION PRODUCT REPORT TASK

Explore how gender and/or ethnicity   is represented  in at least three specific  examples from  the media ( TV, film, magazines , music videos , games, , film, advertising etc) .

You should look at how the media texts reinforce or challenge positive or negative stereotypes about men and/or women  and how this connects with the genre, purpose ( to entertain , inform , sell a product etc.)  and narrative ( story ) of the media text.

What type of product are you analysing?
Who is the target audience ? How can you tell?
Who is being represented and how ?


You should try and use examples of  technical codes ( e.g  camera angles, use of colour , sounds, props, costume , facial expression etc. ) to support your points 

 

EXAMPLE

Upload and publish your report on your college blog