PLANNING CHECKLIST MEST 2

Level 4 (16-20 marks)

The evaluation and pre-production materials contain extended evidence and application of research and
give a clear description of the target audience(s) and how the candidate intended to target them (AO4).

There is effective analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the productions which demonstrates
sound understanding of the media concepts and contexts relevant to the work undertaken with clear
reference to the third media platform (AO2).

The candidate uses the language of Media Studies with confidence. The work demonstrates a high level
of accuracy in spelling and syntax and is expressed in a fluent and cogent manner (AO2).

At the top of this level work will demonstrate confident understanding of the Key Concepts through an
engaged analysis of the signification process.

Task 1: Institution research

Complete institutional research for both the print and broadcast platforms in
your chosen brief.

Use the institutional terminology guide Include as much relevant terminology as

you can.

 Provide a brief history of the institution that would produce your text.
 How do these institutions fit into an organisational hierarchy? i.e. who
owns them and who do they own / work with? Is this an effective
relationship? Why? Use media terminology.
 Research the different marketing techniques used to promote themselves-
you must consider social networking and alternative methods too.
 How do these programmes use product placement/sponsorship?
 Consider how they retain their audiences.
 Discuss the legal regulations that the institution must adhere to. Who
regulates these texts?
 How does the institution make money from the media texts that they
distribute? (Consider advertising, merchandising and e-media in your
answer)
 How does the company logo / ident reflect the company’s values? (Quick
textual analysis). What is the brand identity?
 What can you say about the target audience of the institution? Or do they
produce for different audiences? What is their audience reach? (global /
national / local?)
 Are these institutions in a competitive market? What kind of texts do they
distribute?
Now give a brief explanation as to how this research will inform your own
production.

Then: Complete the same institutional research for the Print platform. You might
want to use the same questions to gather information/research.

Task 2: Codes and conventions

Part 1: Watch a moving image text- similar to the one you want to produce. Eg, a
promotional video for an unsigned artist. Analyse the codes and conventions that
have been used.

You must try to refer to;

RACING III wherever possible.

Part 2: Complete a textual analysis of a similar print product to the one that you
want to produce. Eg an analysis of an artist’s newsletter(s)

Again use RACING III where possible. Apply media terminology. Use the website!

Task 3: Audience

Identify your target audience for both products. Explain in detail how you will
target these audiences. There is an audience terminology guide on
Riddlesdownmedia.wordpress.com

Use as much terminology and theory as you can. Explain why they are your
target audience. You might want to refer to;

Demographics
Psychographics
Mainstream
Mass
Niche
Passive
Active
Global/National/Local
Age, gender, race, socio-economic etc
Values and ideologies of your audience and how you will appeal to them

You might also want to refer to why audiences will access your texts;

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Dyer’s utopian solutions
Blumler and Katz
Stuart Hall reception

Task 4: Intentions

Outline your intentions for both products. Explain which codes and conventions
you intend to use. You must explain their effects, how they will impact your
product and appeal to your audience.

You must explain in detail how you will meet the brief.

Important: You must explain how you would promote your products on E-media.
What techniques might you use?

You must: Refer to the signification process- what signs/ connotations will you
create? How will you create them? Refer to symbolic codes etc

Task 5: Pre production planning

Complete the following:

Storyboards
Shotlists
Page mock ups
Script