Year 11 MediaRepresentation Orientation

Learning FocusTo understand how representations are constructed and how to write an analysis explaining this.

Success CriteriaBy the end of this lesson, students will:be able to list some of the elements used to create a representation in film and print images.have written an analysis (minimum one paragraph) about 3 different media texts.

Selling Burgers

Construction of RepresentationsMedia codes and conventions and representations, like the language we speak, are products of the culture in which the media text is created. While they might seem obvious to us, not all people would attribute the same meaning to them.Codes and conventions are commonly constructed through the use of production elements.

Camera AnglesThe angle of the camera can influence how the audience feel about the characters.

High and Low Camera Angles

LightingLighting can change the way an audience perceives a character. The angle and intensity of the light are strategically controlled in film and photography.

Framing and CroppingThis involves cutting off of masking the unwanted parts of an image or footage.

The art of editing profile photosPhotographs can be intentionally cropped to only show us part of a whole story.

Photo manipulation

CostumingThis is part of the production element mise-en-scene (which roughly translated means everything in the scene). Audience members often make judgements of characters based on what they are wearing.

Music and Sound EffectsThese elements are used subtly in film to change the way the audience feel about a character or how a character is represented.

Music can influence our emotions during a scene. This is used in all forms of film based media, including advertising.

Writing an analysis

Analysing a media textWhen analysing a media text, I recommend following the format below for each paragraph. Name: the text, creator (if known) and the element that you are discussing. Describe: what you can see, hear or what is happeningWhy: discuss why the creator has constructed the text in a particular wayEffect: what does the audience think or believe as a result of this construction?

Example AnalysisIn the opening of 10 Things I Hate About You music is used to help us understand the character of Kat Stradford. The scene shows Kat pulling up in a car at the lights with music loudly blaring, including the lyrics I dont give a damn about my bad reputation. This is designed to indicate to the audience that Kats character is rebellious. The effect of this is that the audience knows that she will not conform to what is considered social teenage norms.

How does the lighting make us feel about the subject in this still shot from a music film clip?

ReviewTo check if youve structured your responses correctly, highlight or mark the sentences. NameDescribeWhyEffect

Holiday homeworkFind 4 different representations of women. If they are pictures: print them, if it is a video/film: get a still shot and/or URL. Write a paragraph about each using the writing structure you learnt today. Find 4 different representations of teenagers. If they are pictures: print them, if it is a video/film: get a still shot and or URL. Write a paragraph about each using the writing structure you learnt today. (Name, Describe, Why, Effect)