Evaluation

Your evaluation should be presented as a 1500 word essay embedded Google Doc on your website, as a continuous essay.

 The examiner's feedback in 2022 made specific reference to it being beneficial to include screenshots corresponding to key analysis points of your production and ancilliary tasks, so please ensure you do so. 

The examiner's feedback in 2023 said that essays should be presented as a single essay, without subheadings. So whilst other previous candidates have submitted with the essay broken down into four sections, this is no longer advisable. 

 At University level it is permitted for you to submit work that is 10% above or below the word count target, so we will assume a similar ruleset is in place for this new specification. Subheadings do not contribute to your wordcount. This means your final submission should be  1300-1700 words, the challenge here will most likely be keeping it BELOW 1200 as there is a lot to address, as a result it is important that you:

• Plan responses before attempting them.

• Review relevant posts in your blog to help refresh your memory to important elements of the decision making process. 

• Write concisely without repetition or unnecessary 'waffling' 

• Proof Read

• Avoid explaining theories, but ensure that theory terminology is included in your discourse (assume the examiner knows the theory you are applying, just using the correct terminology will demonstrate understanding of said theory from your end).

• Proof Read.

• Peer assessment is acceptable; it is advised you share your drafts with friends for feedback.

• Did I mention you should proof read? 

Please note: Responses do not all need to be the same length, but it is advised you address each question to a similar level of detail. -

1.  How do your products represent social groups or issues? (250 Words)

This section may address all three production tasks. 

• A guide to very basic Representational analysis can be found here. Keep in mind this video is geared toward GCSE candidates so you should aim to approach this question in a more sophisticated manner. 

• You must incorporate Representational language into your writing, see the Representation vocabulary sheet to assist you.

• If applicable, include vocabulary that demonstrates understanding of Representational theory (e.g. Male Gaze, Cultural Hegemony, etc.)

2. How do the elements of your production work together to create a sense of ‘branding’? (250 Words)

• The aim of the Advanced Portfolio is to create a series of products- it is important to remember this is not just a music video/short film/documentary task and your ancillary tasks should also be considered.

• Review your branding guidelines post to remind yourself of the key elements of your branding. 

• How do each of the three tasks complement one another? 

• How do they help establish a brand identity for your band or artist?

• Ensure you discuss semiotics

• Suggested areas to highlight - fonts, typefaces, house colours, mise-en-scene (artist, props and locations).

3. How do your products engage with the audience? (250 Words)

• First, describe your target audience, ensure you describe them according to audience theories where appropriate (Age range, Geder, Social grade, Psychographic group).

• Now analyze both of your products in relation to audience theories, some suggested areas of discussion would be:

  • Social Grade - what elements of your portfolio will appeal to your chosen group?

  • Psychographics - What elements of your portfolio appeal to your chosen group/s?

  • Uses & Gratifications - Which will your audience members gain from your product/s, where is your evidence?

  • Reception Theory - What is the dominant reading of your product? What audience positioning have you undertaken to help achieve this?

  • Active Audiences - How do your products encourage active audience participation?

  • Two Step Flow - Does your product target opinion leaders? What content allows for this and why? 

  • If you have gained feedback from audiences in a screening, what feedback did you get and does it show your product as successful?

4. How did your research inform your products and the way they use or challenge conventions? (250 Words)

• It is advised you revisit  your Research section and review your posts before attempting this question.

• Highlight 2-3 posts that you feel have had a notable impact on your product.

• Discuss how these posts led you to follow or challenge conventions of the form you chose.

• It is absolutely fine to have followed or broken conventions, or a mix of both. The important thing is that you highlight what convention was established in your research and how you responded to that convention in your finished product.