AS Media Studies

Overview of the examination paper

The examination is two hours (including 30 minutes for viewing and making notes on the moving image extract) and candidates are required to answer two compulsory questions. The unit is marked out of a total of 100, with each question marked out of 50.

There are two sections to this paper:
Section A: Textual Analysis and Representation (50 marks) 
Section B: Institutions and Audiences (50 marks) 

Section A: Textual Analysis and Representation 
An ‘unseen’ moving image extract with one compulsory question dealing with textual analysis of various technical aspects of the languages and conventions of moving image media. You will be asked to link this analysis with a discussion of some aspect of representation within the sequence.

You must be able to demonstrate textual analysis of all of the following technical areas of moving image language and conventions in relation to the unseen extract:
• Camera Angle, Shot, Movement and Composition 
• Mise-en-Scène 
• Editing 
• Sound 

The focus of study for Section A is the use of technical aspects of the moving image medium to create meaning for an audience, focussing on the creation of representations of specific social types, groups, events or places within the extract.

The unseen moving image extract will be four to five minutes long and will be from the following genre: TV Drama. 

The sequence will be taken from a contemporary one-off drama or series or serial drama programme scheduled on British television stations including some sourced from other countries.

Section B: Institutions and Audiences 
One compulsory question to be answered.

You need to demonstrate understanding of contemporary institutional processes of production, distribution, marketing and exchange/exhibition at a local, national or international level as well as British audiences’ reception and consumption.

There should also be some emphasis on your own experiences of being audiences of a particular medium.

Your focus is on one of the following media industries:
• Film Industry