Wednesday, 20 May 2026

His Dark Materials

 Language:

1) His Dark Materials fits the genre of fantasy through the props and CGI used to create this fantasy effect. The talking daemons, and flying witches display this theme as it shows that the world Lyra is in, is nothing like reality.

2) Lyra's mum fits the character theory of the villain. Lyra is the hero as she is trying to find all the missing kids. Will would be the helper.

3) In His Dark Materials, some obvious enigma codes are seen at the end of the episode, when Lyra is told by the alethiometre that Will is a murderer, and the ending scene shows will sneaking around. This will leave questions and wanting to watch more from the audience as throughout the entirety of the episode, Will was presented as the friendlier and more approachable character compared to Lyra, and for the ending scene to reveal such an accusation will leave viewers intrigued to learn about the backstory of Will .

4) An example of binary opposition seen the episode, is Lyra helping man frozen at the water tap; she saw someone in need of help, and assisted him, whereas her mum, was torturing the witch to gather information on Lyra's whereabouts; she hurt someone for the benefit of her own.

Representations:

1) In this episode, women are displayed in a way which subverts the typical stereotypes of women in media. Lyra and her mum both assert dominance and independence in the episode; Lyra's mum is part of the magisterium, which is a type of government predominantly led by men, and Lyra was the leader in sense as to Will following her around, and listening to her ideas and suggestions without questioning her authority.

Wednesday, 13 May 2026

Magazines and Music video assessment learner response

 1) WWW: thoughts on celebrity were clear and effective.

EBI: read what the questions is asking carefully.

2) Q1) 1/2

Q2) 6/12

Q3) 5/6

Q4) 3/3

Q5) 0/6

3) 3 connotations: 

a) Emma Weymouth's outfit and setting connotes class.

b) placement of the image connotes equality to both the reader and Emma Weymouth by placing the central image in a place most likely to be met with the audiences gaze.

c) The fonts colour scheme connotes that the magazine is modern and fresh.

4) Harry and Meghan are prominently featured- combining British royalty with the royal family.

5) 3 answers: Arctic Monkeys

  • The band are represented as ‘everyday lads’ with typical clothes, costumes, acne. They make eye contact with each other and look to be having a laugh. The audience might feel they are achievable role models

  • music videos might employ ‘behind the scenes’ footage enabling the fans access to the band and breaking down the barriers between star and fan. Whilst this video is not the traditional imagery of the band in dressing rooms or waiting to go on stage, the mise-en-scène of the garage and basic rehearsal space gives fans a sense of exclusivity and seeing the band in the raw.

  • the performance element of most music videos directly addresses the viewer with the artists, connecting with the fans through use of close-ups and breaking the fourth wall. The drummer winks and mugs to the camera and the band laugh and gurn as they ‘perform’. The audience has a sense they are seeing the ‘real’ Arctic Monkeys as they are not putting on an act


6) 3 things to include in BLACKPINK CSP answer:

. BLACKPINK shows surveillance by watching other cultures/lives to learn
. Vicarious pleasure; you feel energetic and hyped up because they are
. This could appeal to aspirer psychographic group due to the large budget used

7) Arctic Monkey re-write: 


Wednesday, 29 April 2026

Doctor Who: LIAR

 Language:

1) a. Todorov's Equilibrium: The episode commences from the concern of Susan's home life initiated by Ian and Barbra. Disequilibrium: The teachers find themselves in the TARDIS and they start to time travel. New Equilibrium: The TARDIS lands in a desert with a alien approaching.

b. Propp's character theory: Doctor=villain,  teachers=heroes,  Susan=princess, 

c. Barthes's enigma and action codes: action codes: when the TARDIS begins to shake violently as they time travel, suggesting something dramatic is about to happen. 

d. Enigma codes: when they arrive in the desert with an alien outside; creates curiosity for the audience and pushes them to watch more.

e. Levi Strauss's binary opposition: in the first episode, the binary opposition between human alien is seen in the teachers and Susan.

2) In my opinion, I believe that the most important scene is when the Ian and Barbra discover the TARDIS as they are finally made aware of the living situation for Susan, and her exceeding level of intelligence at her age makes sense.

3) "An Unearthly Child" is made obvious to portray a sci-fi series. Certain scenes show this theme; when entering the TARDIS, all the gadgets and technology ahead of the time the show was actually made in. Additionally, the use of time travel, a physically impossible thing to do in reality, is shown as something common to the non-human like characters.

4) In terms of social and historical context, this is displayed in a particular scene as when talking to Ian and trying to lower the teachers suspicions, the Doctor blatantly dismisses Barbra, trying to make point in saying that Ian would understand his point, and she, as a woman, wouldn't.

Representations:

1) A stereotype that has been subverted was Susan being so smart and intelligent for a 15 year old girl in her time. In the 60s, misogyny was very much an active ideology that existed and was believed amongst most, so having a girl being more knowledgeable than her teachers, one being a male, was a subverted stereotype. A stereotype that was reinforced was the woman not driving. This wasn't common or expected to be of ease or ability to women.

2) A stereotype that was subverted for men was when entering the TARDIS, Ian was confused and couldn't fathom what was going on around him. A stereotype that was reinforced was the Doctor dismissing Barbra when trying to explain why the teachers should leave, as if she wasn't able to comprehend what he was saying.

3) By showing Susan being so smart and intelligent, shows them trying to push the drive on education. The Doctor being seen as intelligent and knowledgeable displays the typical characteristics of elderly people.

4) Every character in the episode was white. This isn't a uncommon representation of the time as racism was very normalised and especially in British TV, white people on TV for decades, so having a black person act, would've been uncommon and controversial.

5) Access to knowledge and science is for the upper class people, and those in education are portrayed as sophisticated and well-spoken.

Audience: 

1) When launching the series, I believe the target audience was directed to young men, and slightly older than adolescents males. However, with the shows progression of inclusivity in demographics of characters, I believe the modern target audience is aimed to anyone who simply enjoys science fiction.

2) Personal identity: Susan being portrayed as strange for a girl her age, may have seeked comfort in girls who felt out of place in society. Diversion: Typically, science-fiction is usually a form of escapism for mnay as its so far from reality and can distract the audience from the reality of their difficulties.

3) This would provide escapism and diversion for a modern audience as a 2000s science-fiction is such advanced in technology , that it doesn't compare to reality.

4) Vicarious pleasure may be applied to this episode as Susan, one of the main characters, is very intelligent for her age, and advanced, so young girls who may surpass their typical age normality, may be feel understood.

5) Doctor Whos fan base are called the "whovians". They have an online fanbase is called "whoniverse" which consits of podcasts and spinoffs which keeps the spirits of the shows alive.

Industries:

1) In 1963, TV was limited to 2 TV channels: BBC1 and BBC2.

2) An Unearthly Child reflects its time of TV as the audio wasn't recorded properley and some mistakes were made as it was too expensive to re-film.

3) The Doctor Who sereis is such an important franchise as it has lasted decades and is loved by everyone. It was the first BBC recorded series and has gone down in history.

4) Some spinoffs of the series are The Sarah Jane Adventures, Torchwood and many more.

5) Doctor Who has alot of merchandise beacuse of its 60 year successful legacy.

Wednesday, 25 March 2026

Arctic Monkeys: I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor

 Audience:

1) The demographics are mainly young boys; adolescents and young men. Psychographics are primarily reformers and explorers.

2) An audience pleasure that the music video offers is vicarious pleasure meaning the audience is feeling like they're part of the experience.

3) a. 0:11 - this part of the video shows the front part of the stage including the cameras and lights which may allow the audience to feel like they're part of the set themselves.

b. 0:45 - at this part of the video, the vocal singer in the back briefly joins the main singer creating layers and depths into the lyrics.

c. 1:49 - the lighting and up close shot creates a cinematic feeling .

4) Arctic Monkeys used to play at local pubs and clubs, and would hand out their CDs for free, then those who didn't like their music, would pass it on to friends , and eventually they branched out across the UK and gained recognition. Additionally, using P2P file sharing, allowed people to share the music globally.

5) Arctic Monkeys want their audience to feel apart of their band; form bonds and connections. They want the audience to feel indulged.

Industries:

1) Arctic Monkeys realised people were using Myspace to share and listen to their music. When coming to this realisation that people were sharing their songs on P2P websites, they encouraged these actions when making more music.

2) People using Myspace and sharing songs on P2P websites was unexpected due to the fact that social media was used infrequently and the use of sharing music was relatively new and began when the their music was newly launched.

3) Arctic Monkeys evolution differed entirely from BLACKPINK, as they didn't start with millions of pounds, marketing strategies, and their intentions weren't to go global, however, BLACKPINK intentions were to become a known band globally, and make a name for themselves. The girls were in training from young adolescents to the age they are now. They prepared for the frame and expected it come.

4) Domino records was Arctic Monkeys record label, and they managed to sell over 350,000 copies within the first week of releasing their debut album. Changing their record label wasn't of interest to them as they wanted to remain with the level of creative control they had.

5) Overall, the internet has positively impacted the music industry including artists and record labels. Music videos are a modern concept which allows the audience to connect with the song and have a better understanding of the songs' message/meaning. However, some may say that the internet has taken away the true beauty of music, and music doesn't need visuals, it requires a few minutes on indulgence to truly understand the idea with your ears.

Wednesday, 18 March 2026

Introduction & BLACKPINK: How You Like That CSP

 Introduction Qs:

1) key conventions of music videos: movement, performance, narrative, visual effects, promotional device, editing & sound, mise-en-scene

2) Intertextuality means when one piece of media text refers to another.

3) Music videos became a major part of music in 1981 on channel called MTV.

4) In 1981, MTV, a music channel, was launched which became a big of part of music as it brought the sound to visuals.

5) In todays society, music is shared through phones, iPad and all types of devices. It can be sent within a few seconds and can distributed via many apps.

BLACKPINK: How You Like That Qs:

Audience

1) BLACKPINK fans are known as "Blinks", and they typically fall into the demographic of young girls, and those who have a particular interests in Korean culture fall in the psychographics.

2) The music video offers visceral pleasure as the speed and intensity of the video may offer a feeling of thrill and rush.

3) a) 0:04, the silhouette creates an exciting intro

b) 0:07, the low angle creates dominance

c) 2;05, the high angle shot allows the setting and the whole group to be seen.

4) The promotion of video was followed by teaser trailers, and reality show called "24/365" was created to see the lives of the band members.

5) K-pop is global phenomenon because of the recognition and contentment received from the west. Because of bands like BTS, and BLACKPINK, Korean music, as well as culture, has branched from out to around the world.

Industry

1) BLACKPINK were a "manufactured" by YG entertainment in 2016, and by 2020, they the most successful Korean band ever.

2) YG entertainment have also created other successes such as "BIGBANG" and "2NE1".

3) Technological convergence changes the way audiences consume music videos as they don't create an indulgence for the actual music, but make the videos fast-paced and busy to keep the audience interested.

4) K-pop has become global as BLACKPINK sold out arenas in the UK and USA.

5) Uk based music videos have age ratings and content waring e.g., flashing lights, nudity, violence ect.


Monday, 9 March 2026

Media Assessment 2: Learner Response

 1) 22/34   Grade:5   Next Step: consider how independent films look to bridge the gap.   Q6.

 2) Consider how independent films look to bridge the gap. Disruption tactics, outspoken directors, etc. How do they make up for lesser funds? Does this work?

 3) Q1: 1/1  Q2: 1/1  Q3: 5/8  Q4: 0/2  Q5: 2/2  Q6: 14/20 - In question 3, I could've added more connotations of the woman's' body language as it showed strength and independence which is a subversion of how women are illustrated in the media.

 4) I didn't write completely successfully as I only gained 5 marks. I could've added more detail on how the advert subverts a typical woman portrayed in the media and how her hair being tied back connotes hard work, and her being ready to take on the hard work.

 5) Vertical integration is a business strategy when a company gains control over it's supply chain by owning its' competition. Two benefits of vertical integration are that it gives the company greater control over every stage of production and how increases profit.

 6) . It's important to judge the success in different aspects

. Daniel Blake are not attempting to compete with Disney and Marvel and instead are

trying to exist on their own terms.

. The film is extremely political and intended to inform its audience of the damage the

government’s austerity and benefits cuts were having on ordinary working class British people. In

order to promote the film, director Ken Loach and distributors Entertainment One used cheap and

creative methods to create a word of mouth buzz around the film.

. In contrast, Marvel’s Black Widow arguably disappointed in purely box office terms despite making a

huge amount more money than I, Daniel Blake.

. Unfortunately, the film was hit hard

by the global Covid-19 pandemic and therefore made much less at the box office than other Marvel

releases.

 

His Dark Materials

 Language: 1) His Dark Materials fits the genre of fantasy through the props and CGI used to create this fantasy effect. The talking daemons...