Learning Media Arts
Area of Study 1
From the Victorian Certificate of Education: Media Study Design: "On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse how narratives are constructed and distributed, and how they engage, are consumed and are read by the intended audience and present-day audiences. To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 1."
Key Knowledge
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Key Skills
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COdes & Conventions
When creating or analysing Media products, we must understand that there is rich history from which these products are created and understood. Over time, audiences have held and built expectations around the types of products they consume and what products should include in order to be engaging and successful.
Codes and Conventions are specific 'rules' that act as a guideline for the way the media products are created.
Codes and Conventions are specific 'rules' that act as a guideline for the way the media products are created.
Audience
As outlined in the Media Study Design we need to look at the relationships between texts and audiences. Reception context is how an audience engages with a narrative, this can affect their understanding, experience, and response to the film. When we look at our two films think about the following points:
- PLACE: The director of both films made these with the intention of the audience watching it in a darkened cinema in comfortable chairs free of distractions. Where did you watch the film? How has this impacted on your engagement or understanding? What were your surroundings? Were you distracted by things around you: windows, doors, or posters/photos on the wall? How comfortable was your chair? What time of day did you watch the film? Were you tired?
- PRODUCTION PERIOD: When was the film made? What affect does this have on you the audience watching it today?
- EXPECTATIONS: When thinking about audience, our expectations of a film are linked to if we enjoy it or are disappointed. What prior ideas do you have about our two films? Where did your expectations come from?
- PERSONAL: Our personal life experiences also affect our engagement with a film. Often an audience member will be able to relate to certain characters within a film.
- GENRE: Audiences today are familiar with genre codes and conventions. This knowledge helps with their understanding of a film. Directors make use of codes and conventions to help communicate ideas to the audience in a short period of time.
- QUALITY: As outlined above the intention was for the film to be watched in the cinema. What technology was used when you watched both films? How did this affect your understanding?