Hints and tips for getting started- Including moderated Examiner feedback on coursework

Pick groups Get everyone’s mobile numbers Set up a twitter/group WatsApp etc. Choose a song as soon as possible

Keep it short (3 mins 30 secs, maximum)

Choose a track which stimulates some visuals as it may be easier to storyboard if the song has elements of narrative

Watch some music videos in the same genre as the one you are going to film and take notes on props, camera angles, locations etc

Watch LOTS of other videos from this genre and research code and conventions of your chosen genre in detail

“ensure research on real media is reflected in the plannning and

construction of candidates own work”Consider research and planning as part

of a whole process and apply your findings effectively to your media product

Produce a strong and simple idea Have a clear concept which is workable Be realistic Be original Compromise

Start thinkin about your blog NOW This year more than ever it is important to

be‘media rich’

Spend some time researching new apps/technology which you can use- see list

Be origional and creative- innovative even! Make full use of technology such as Prezi-

explore multimedia possibilities of the format

Work as a team Share responsibility rather than passing

blame Quality control expert- appoint a

member of the group to make sure ALL posts meet a high standard from the outset

Coursework is key to achieving a good overall grade- so help each other!

Start thinking about people, places, props, costumes

Planning and forward thinking are key- locations (find out early if they are available), costume, props, actors etc.

Plan to shoot more than you think you will need

Should demonstrate the journeyNot to be completed in

retrospect after filming is complete as examiners picked up on this

Full text production- detailed planning before filming

The video lasts at least as long as the track (can be longer if you have an intro or outro or both)

The video features the artist/band quite prominently The video features some element of performance-

singing and playing instruments (usually miming) and often dancing or acting too

The video has some kind of concept along with the track

The video does not feature a complete narrative but the concept may involve fragments of narrative

Different genres of music produce slightly different visual conventions in music videos

Wide range of shots and effective editing which was “imaginative and challenging”

Convincing use of generic conventions/music

Effort and attention to mise en scene Candidate engagement was evident in

final product

Blogs must be organised and clearly accessible for the examiner

Complete in-depth consideration of audience

Research into similar products- VERY important- needs to be detailed to achieve top grades

Director commentary- analyse choices rather than explaining the process

Important- new role of technology in the production process

Through consideration of gender representation needed (if relevant)

Experiment with quality of fonts, credits when producing titles for your video

“It was obvious from the blogs that the candidates were well supported by their teachers in the structuring of their coursework….this resulted in high standard, creative texts of which they should be proud”

Coursework Moderator