Jennifer Lopez

Britney Spears

Summer Project - Preparing for Unit 1

A key media skill is to be able to analyse images using subject specific terminology to decode signs. When analysing still images you have to explore aspects of mise-en-scene and camera. There are links in the side bar that will take you to a fantastic site that will explain these terms in detail.

Your task is to analyse the representation of a celebrity across four different magazine front covers. We have included Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez as examples in case you can't find your own (above posts).

Use the following bullet points as a template to complete an 800 word comparitive analysis. Remember, you should explore the way that the celeb has been represented through the construction of mise-en-scene and use of camera shot.

• What magazines are you analysing and who are the target audiences for each?


• What type of shot has been used and why? What relationship does it create with the audience?


• Describe the costume in detail and what is says about the celeb. Has this changed over time?


• Have any props been used? What do these suggest?


• Describe the celebs body language and facial expression. What mode of address are they using and how would the audience react to this?


• How has colour been used to create meaning?


• What type of lighting do you think has been used? What atmosphere is created?


• What are the connotations of the setting and decor?


• Are there any intertextual references and what are the connotations of these?

Overall do you think that the way the celeb is represented depends on the type of magazine and/or target audience? Has the stars image developed and changed at all over time?

Taster Day!

You will be spending a double period with the media department where we will develop some understanding of media analysis and basic skills in Photoshop and InDesign.
You will analyse the cover of a music magazine in order to develop understanding of page layout. You will also analyse cover images focusing on representational issues. This will culminate in the creation of your own cover for a new college magazine.

Unit 3 Details

Aim & Purpose
The aim of this unit is to develop understanding of and skills in research relevant to creative media production. You will present your findings in both written and oral forms and will learn how to cite and reference sources.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit a learner should:
1 Understand the nature and purposes of research in the creative media industries
2 Be able to apply a range of research methods and techniques
3 Be able to present results of research.

Unit 2 Details

Aim & Purpose

The aim of this unit is to ensure that learners are able to communicate effectively in creative media production contexts in writing and orally.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit you should:
1 Be able to extract information from written sources
2 Be able to create a report in a media production context
3 Be able to pitch a media production proposal using appropriate technology.

Unit 1 Details

Aim & Purpose
This unit will develop your understanding of and skills in pre-production. The unit covers planning and resourcing requirements for production and post-production, how to locate resources and how to organise their deployment. You will also develop understanding of health, safety and legal issues in relation to pre-production.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you should:
1 Understand requirements for a specific media production
2 Be able to prepare pre-production documentation for a specific media production
3 Be able to apply pre-production planning for a specific media production.

This unit will centre around the pre-production work that goes into creating a new music magazine and will involve developing understanding of the codes and conventions of magazine; budgeting; planning resources and personnel; consideration of legal and ethical issues; health and safety assessment and evaluation skills.