MS2 Pre-Production - A Guide
TASK: Devise and create a storyboard for a specified scene of a film, trailer or TV programme in a genre of your choice.
You should use this piece of work to show your understanding and knowledge of genre, audience and narrative (ie. key concepts).
You should also submit:
N.B. Your research portfolio is submitted as evidence of the range and depth of research you have carried out. It will not be sent off to the examiner however it will be assessed by your teachers when awarding marks.
The pre-production report is preparation for your formally assessed and submitted evaluation, to be written after you have completed your production piece. It will not be formally marked at this stage.
REQUIREMENTS:
THE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AO3: Demonstrate the ability to plan and construct media products using appropriate technical and creative skills
AO4 Demonstrate the ability to undertake, apply and present appropriate research
You will be assessed on the following:
You should also submit:
- An online research portfolio containing evidence of the research you have done (e.g. links to web pages, summaries or copies of pages from books and/or magazines, copies of audience surveys with a summary of your findings and analysis/conclusions, notes made when analysing media texts…). Use wordpress.com.
- A short (no more than 500 words) pre-production report outlining the research and planning you undertook for your storyboard. This report should include the following:
- an outline of your approach to the task;
- details of any research undertaken;
- a brief overview of your target audience;
- an explanation of your intended audience was targeted.
N.B. Your research portfolio is submitted as evidence of the range and depth of research you have carried out. It will not be sent off to the examiner however it will be assessed by your teachers when awarding marks.
The pre-production report is preparation for your formally assessed and submitted evaluation, to be written after you have completed your production piece. It will not be formally marked at this stage.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Aim for 12-18 shots as a basic length.
- You should draw or photograph each shot individually, making sure it is easy to ‘read’ (i.e. to figure out what’s going on) and is sufficiently detailed.
- Beside each shot you should note down the following:
- the camera angle used and any editing taking place between shots (fade, cut, zoom, wipe etc.);
- sound information, including dialogue, music and sound effects;
- information on mise-en-scene, visual codes, lighting etc. (link this to genre);
- a note re: the intended effect of the shot on the audience (what emotion does it evoke? What information does it communicate and how?) as well as any relevant information about how the narrative structure of your scene overall.
- Don’t forget to use your terminology!
THE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AO3: Demonstrate the ability to plan and construct media products using appropriate technical and creative skills
AO4 Demonstrate the ability to undertake, apply and present appropriate research
You will be assessed on the following:
- Audience research – how much have you done and how many sources can you identify as having used? The more sources you use the higher mark you receive, but remember to keep it focused.
- Structure and organisation – how well have you organised, analysed and evaluated your research? You should try to not only demonstrate how much you know about audiences but also that you understand how texts are targeted at them. In other words, how are you applying the information that you gather through research when constructing your storyboard? Show that you understand how your piece communicates with its audience by making the way you address them (through text or image) appropriate. This doesn’t just have to take place in the report – it should be obvious from looking at your finished piece.
- The English-y Stuff – Make sure your ideas are expressed clearly and your meaning is not obscured by poor grammar or spelling. You will be assessed on spelling, punctuation and grammar, so proofread your work carefully and try to make as few errors as possible.
- The storyboard itself – Your storyboard should demonstrate your skill with the technology you are using and understanding of the task and research undertaken. It should show that you understand the purpose of the task and should (as already covered in ‘structure and organisation’) demonstrate that you understand the link between a text and its audience, showing this through, for example, mode of address. Again, the focus is on genre and narrative codes and conventions, so your storyboard should demonstrate a good understanding of these. Try to be original or innovative with your ideas.
PRESENTATION:
Please word-process your report on A4 paper and make sure you keep it in good condition. Your research portfolio should be submitted as an online blog. It is important you keep a note of the source of all your research as you will need this when writing and submitting your final report.
Your storyboard should be neat and presented on A4 paper in good condition. You can hand-draw the images; however accompanying labels should be word-processed. Try to avoid sticking lots of bits of paper onto each other, as they tend to get lost and/or look messy. Photocopying is always an option!
Deadlines:
MS2 Research Portfolio - complete by Fri 18th Oct
MS2 Pre-Production storyboard (1st look) to be handed in on Fri 18th Oct
You will have your work returned to you on Monday 21st October.
MS2 Pre-Production storyboard (final) to be handed in on Tues 5th Nov
MS2 Report - research (1st draft) to be handed in on Fri 11th Nov
You will need to organise your time carefully:
• Time to take and process your own photos
• Time to create your artefact and have it checked before handing in
• Time to organise your research portfolio for submission
• Time to write your report
Please word-process your report on A4 paper and make sure you keep it in good condition. Your research portfolio should be submitted as an online blog. It is important you keep a note of the source of all your research as you will need this when writing and submitting your final report.
Your storyboard should be neat and presented on A4 paper in good condition. You can hand-draw the images; however accompanying labels should be word-processed. Try to avoid sticking lots of bits of paper onto each other, as they tend to get lost and/or look messy. Photocopying is always an option!
Deadlines:
MS2 Research Portfolio - complete by Fri 18th Oct
MS2 Pre-Production storyboard (1st look) to be handed in on Fri 18th Oct
You will have your work returned to you on Monday 21st October.
MS2 Pre-Production storyboard (final) to be handed in on Tues 5th Nov
MS2 Report - research (1st draft) to be handed in on Fri 11th Nov
You will need to organise your time carefully:
• Time to take and process your own photos
• Time to create your artefact and have it checked before handing in
• Time to organise your research portfolio for submission
• Time to write your report
Links and resources