Exam Tips

Here are some useful tips that will be necessary to pass the Media exam in June. They were discussed that the briefing sir attended and the bold parts were the ones which were spoke about the most which would maybe suggest that is what will be included in the exam.

• Take into exam: Coloured pencils, Fine liners and a Ruler
• Will have to pitch a Crime Drama (either characters, settings release) 

                    - DVD Cover
                    - Magazine Cover
                    - Website Design
                    - Storyboard

• You should make sketches and diagrams to help develop your answers where possible.
• Remember to write in role.
• Show passion in answers about Crime Dramas and show that you believe in what you're writing about.
• DON'T GO INTO SURVIVAL MODE WHEN IT COMES TO REVISION!! Relax and be prepared.
• Have depth knowledge of 3 Crime Drama's (Luther, CSI & Sherlock)
• Include independent viewings when answering questions to show you have a wider knowledge of different shows. (variety)
• For A/A* Grades you need to include 2(or more) theories

                    - Uses and Gratification theory:
                      1. Information
                      2. Entertainment
                      3. Personal Identity
                      4. Personal Relationships
                    - Propps (characters) theory
                    - Todorov theory: [structure of Crime Drama's]
                      1. Equilibrium (normality)
                      2. Disruption (problem)
                      3. Resolution
                    - Levi-Straus theory: [narratives]
                      1. Binary Opposites Police vs. Criminals, Good vs. Bad, Turth vs. Lies, Man vs.Woman.
                    - Barthes theory: [enigma]
                      1. ALWAYS a plot/enigma
                      2. Makes audience QUESTION!

• Detailed knowledge of characters.
• Discuss 'vices'.
• Necessary to have a detailed knowledge of settings. (CSI Las Vegas, Miami, New York)
• Set pieces and iconography needs to be well-known about. (see previous blog posts)
• Jargon - words associated with Crime Dramas (see glossary tab)

                     - MO: how a criminal works eg. Serial Killer stabs victims 5 times every time.

• Think logically and put yourself in examiners minds.
• Makes things realistic and possible.
• The pitch must include persuasive, exotic language.
• Rationale: Reasons for things (EXPLAIN)
• Backup all your points with reasons.
• Annotate ALL drawings/storyboards.
• If you were asked to do a TV Mag make sure the sell lines and stories included are relevant to the target audience and genre.
• Write in bullet points and refer to the pre-released material at all times.