Below is the question I would like you to do for Fri 28 Feb:
From January 2011 exam:
Discuss the issues raised by media ownership in the production and exchange of media products in a a media area you have studied.
As is, and will always be the case, though you may not immediately realise it, you have enough noted in your books to answer this (or any other) question.
It's all about knowing what will always by expected.
1. A competent grasp of media terminology
2. Examples from at least two case studies - preferably one from a Hollywood production (Star Trek) and one from the independent sector (Shifty).
3. The ability to apply EXPLANATION/ARGUMENT & ANALYSIS to the given question.
Always ensure you know what the question is asking by identifying the key words.
Discuss - you don't have to agree or disagree with anything - you merely have to show that you understand what you've learned
Key issues - what we've been learning. In this case how and why small independent producers fare in the marketplace compared to Hollywood producers and how the rise in the use of digital technology has affected their ability to compete AND how Hollywood has responded with it's use of digital technology.
Media Ownership - this always flummoxes students. By ownership, they simply means, who owns the product at any given stage of production. So all that is being referred to is the PRODUCTION companies and the DISTRIBUTION companies (these are always different at the level of low budget independent film making).
Production and exchange - See above. This refers to the business practices that go along with production and distribution (the course specification talks about "exhibition and exchange" all this refers to is the different outlets that now exist for consumers to get the product because of digital technology. Exhibition tends to mainly refer to cinema screenings, whereas exchange can mean anything from DVD/BLURAY to a download to your phone or laptop or straight to your SMART TV).
In regards to the distribution aspect of this question, you must also consider marketing methods and will be expected to acknowledge the importance of cross-media convergence (both in raising the film's profile through marketing methods and consumption of the products) and the influence of synergy in raising awareness but also in maximising profits. This is one of the areas where the ownership of the film will become most significant - consider the vast number of "tie-ins" with third parties for Star Trek.
Note on Audiences
Remember this unit is called Audiences and Institutions you will therefore be expected to demonstrate your understanding of how different films are constructed with a specific audience in mind (this is an institutional practice) and are then marketed accordingly.
Also include how the products reach the audience and comment on the impact of digital technology on this. So sort of effective comparison between the the different practices of Hollywood and independent film makers will be invaluable here.
It is also worth considering how audience fragmentation may be affecting the ease with which major media producers reach their audiences and how they have adapted to that. Are independent producers and distributors more innovative in their use of digital technology to reach audiences.
You may also find it helpful to read the examiner's report in this question which can be found here - http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/59844-examiners-reports-january.pdf - on pages 11-12.
Plan well and do your best. Try to keep it to 5-600 wds as you'll likely not write more than this in the exam.
Good luck.
