How to answer section B Institutions and audiences

What you should have done Studied a specific studio or a production company within a modern film industry that targets a British audience (eg Hollywood, Bollywood, UK film), including its patterns of production, distribution, exhibition and consumption by audiences. This should be accompanied by study of contemporary film distribution practices (digital cinemas, DVD, HD-DVD, downloads, etc) and their impact upon production, marketing and consumption.

Types of questions Discuss the issues raised by an institution’s need to target specific audiences within a media industry which you have studied Discuss the ways in which media products are produced and distributed to audiences? Media production is dominated by global institutions, which sell their products and services to national audiences. To what extent do you agree with this statement What significance does the continuing development of digital media technology have for media institutions and audiences? Regardless of the question you must discuss such key concepts: Audience, Production, Distribution, Exhibition and Exchange. Remember to also use and apply concepts such as Technological Convergence, Synergies, Media Convergence (for media ownership) etc.

What the examiner is looking for Explanation/analysis/argument (16-20 marks) Shows excellent understanding of the task Excellent knowledge and understanding of institutional/audience practices – factual knowledge is relevant and accurate A clear and developed argument, substantiated by detailed reference to case study material Clearly relevant to set question Use of examples (16-20 marks) Offers frequent evidence from case study material – award marks to reflect the range and appropriateness of examples Offers a full range of examples from case study and own experience Offers examples which are clearly relevant to the set question Use of terminology (8-10 marks) Use of terminology is relevant and accurate

What significance does the continuing development of digital media technology have for media institutions and audiences? This type of question types of areas you would cover The impact of new technology on media industries (Production and exchange) The transformation of distribution and marketing strategies by media institutions (distribution, marketing) The use of new technology to facilitate more accurate targeting of specific audiences (audience) How audiences embrace the use of new digital media technologies (exchange and audience feedback). Use examples from your case studies to support this. All of these areas do not need to be covered but these are possible ways you could discuss it, but make sure you cover all production, distribution, exchange, exhibition and audience.

You need to use your case studies to discuss your answers. It is always good to have contrasting case studies so that you can achieve a high grade. Compare and contrast is high level thinking, with justification and evidence to support your argument.

Lets attempt a question together? “Media production is dominated by global institutions, which sell their products and services to national audiences. To what extent do you agree with this statement” How are we going to start this? What words would so we circle first. How are we going to discuss key concepts? How are we going to use our case studies?