Games companies often take their inspiration from books and films to create new games for the mass market. Many games feature an action-adventure theme, which is popular across a broad audience.

Using the theme of action-adventure, explore how media products appeal to

family audiences.

Based on the theme, you should investigate:

• media products that include action-adventure related content or themes.

• how different characters are portrayed in action-adventure media products

• audience responses to action-adventure media products.

Task 2 – Explore how media products are created to provide meaning and engage audiences

Research phase:

Based on your research relating to the theme of action-adventure, explore how different media products use and combine media codes and conventions to communicate meaning to audiences. You may choose to focus on products from one sector or products from different sectors.

You should undertake an analysis of media products and provide examples of:

• how genre, narrative and representation are used

• how media production techniques are used

• how genre, narrative, representation and media production techniques combine to create meaning and engage audiences.

Complete your analysis on the Google Document below. 

1) About the product 

2) Audience 

3) Purpose 

4) Genre 

5) Narrative 

6) Representation 

7) Production Techniques 

1. Describe the Media Product 

• Type of Product:
  Is it a film, TV show, game, app, book, podcast, music album, social media post, etc.?

• Content Overview:
  What is the product about? Briefly summarize the theme, genre, or storyline.

• Key Features:
  What makes the product unique (e.g., visuals, interactivity, special effects, etc.)?

2. What Platform Was This Released On?

• Primary Platform:
  Was it released on a specific streaming service, gaming console, app store, cinema, social media, or physical medium?

• Cross-Platform Availability:
  Is it available on multiple platforms (e.g., Netflix and Blu-ray, or iOS and Android)?

3. Who and When Was It Made?

• Creator(s):
  Who were the key individuals or companies involved in its creation (e.g., director, developer, studio, or production house)?

• Release Date:
  When was it officially launched or premiered?

• Development Background:
  Are there any notable production stories, delays, or updates related to its creation?

4. How Do Audiences Interact with the Product?

• Interaction Level:
  Is the product passive (e.g., watching a film) or interactive (e.g., playing a game or using an app)?

• User Engagement:
  Can audiences comment, share, or rate the product? Is there a fan community or user-generated content?

• Accessibility:
  Is the product easy to use or consume (e.g., language options, accessibility features)?

• Feedback Mechanisms:
  Does it allow for direct user feedback, such as reviews or social media interaction?

Emotional Engagement

• Relatable Themes: Films often explore universal themes such as love, loss, friendship, identity, and the human experience. Audiences connect emotionally with the characters and storylines, relating personal experiences to what they see on screen.

• Empowerment: Films can inspire or make viewers reflect on their own lives. For instance, a character's triumph might empower an audience, while a tragic ending could provide emotional release 

• Connection to Characters and Relationships: The relationships between characters, be it family, friendship, or romance, often resonate with viewers, creating deep emotional bonds.

Visual and Aesthetic Appeal

• Cinematography and World-Building: Visual elements like lighting, color, camera angles, and production design create a cinematic world that immerses audiences. Iconic visuals can transport viewers to entirely different realities, such as fantasy worlds, historical periods, or even future dystopias.

• Soundtrack and Music: Music plays a huge role in a film’s emotional impact, with the soundtrack helping to convey mood, build tension, or add to the atmosphere. Iconic songs or scores can create lasting associations with a film, encouraging audiences to engage beyond the theater.

Active Engagement (Interactive and Reflective)

• Relatable Characters and Experiences: Viewers often engage by identifying with characters' journeys, whether it’s overcoming obstacles, pursuing dreams, or learning important life lessons. This identification fosters a personal connection to the film.

• Social and Cultural Reflection: Films often spark viewers to think critically about social, cultural, or political issues. Audiences may engage with a film by reflecting on its message and its relevance to their own lives or current events.

• Audience Participation: In some cases, films invite active engagement through discussions, debates, fan theories, or social media participation. Audiences may analyze story arcs, or discuss possible sequels or spin-offs, expanding their engagement with the movie beyond the initial viewing.

Cultural Exploration and Education

• Learning About Different Cultures: Films often serve as a window into different societies, lifestyles, and historical contexts. Audiences engage by learning about new places, traditions, and perspectives, which can broaden their understanding of the world.

• Inspiration and Awareness: A film can raise awareness of social issues (like inequality, climate change, or human rights) or inspire action by bringing attention to real-world problems through storytelling.

Digital and Merchandise Interaction

• Toys, Games, and Merchandise: For franchises or family-friendly films, audiences may interact with the product through toys, collectibles, or video games, extending the experience of the film. Fans engage by owning and displaying memorabilia, or by playing video games that expand on the film’s world.

• Streaming and Re-Watching: With the rise of digital streaming platforms, audiences now have the ability to re-watch films, delve deeper into behind-the-scenes content, or engage with additional media like podcasts, interviews, and commentary tracks that accompany the movie.

Social Interaction (Community Engagement)

• Fan Communities: Films often inspire online communities where fans can discuss plot details, characters, and fan theories. These interactions create a sense of shared experience and foster a community of like-minded individuals.

• Conventions and Events: For large-scale franchises, fans interact by attending conventions, special screenings, or fan meet-ups, where they can connect with others who share a passion for the film.

• Cultural Impact and Discussion: Films that tackle important societal issues often spark conversation in society, where audiences engage in debates, share opinions, and form collective understandings or disagreements about the film's portrayal of events.

This framework highlights the different ways audiences interact with films, from emotional involvement to intellectual engagement and social connection. 

1. Who is the Target Audience for the Media Product?

• Demographics:

  • Gender:
    Is the product aimed primarily at males, females, or a non-gendered audience?

  • Age Range:
    Is it designed for children, teenagers, young adults, middle-aged adults, or seniors?

  • Income Level:
    Does it appeal to specific socioeconomic groups?

  • Location:
    Is the audience local, regional, national, or global?

• Psychographics:

  • What are the audience’s interests, hobbies, or lifestyle preferences?

  • Does it cater to specific values, beliefs, or attitudes?

2. What is the Primary Audience?

• Core Audience:

  • Who is the most likely group to engage with and consume the product?

  • Which group would benefit most from or enjoy the product?

• Motivations:

  • Why would this audience use the product (e.g., entertainment, education, inspiration)?

• Cultural Relevance:

  • Is the product designed for a specific cultural or subcultural group?

3. What is the Secondary Audience?

• Broader Reach:

  • Are there additional groups that might use or engage with the product, even if they aren’t the core focus?

  • For example, a kids’ movie might also appeal to parents or educators.

• Unintended Audiences:

  • Does the product attract audiences beyond its original target due to viral popularity, nostalgia, or unique appeal?

1. What is the Purpose of the Media Product?

• Inform:

  • Is the product designed to educate or provide information?

  • Does it aim to raise awareness about a topic, event, or issue?

• Entertain:

  • Is its primary goal to provide enjoyment, escapism, or storytelling?

  • Does it cater to specific entertainment needs (e.g., humor, drama, thrill)?

• Persuade:

  • Is the product intended to influence opinions or behaviors?

  • Is it promoting a product, service, or idea (e.g., advertising, propaganda)?

• Inspire:

  • Does it aim to evoke emotions, creativity, or a call to action?

• Engage:

  • Does it encourage interaction, participation, or co-creation (e.g., games, social media)?

2. What or How is the Audience Being Asked to Interact with the Media Product?

• Active Participation:

  • Is the audience required to take action, such as making decisions in a game or voting?

  • Are there interactive elements like comments, likes, or shares?

• Passive Consumption:

  • Is the audience simply viewing, listening, or reading without additional interaction?

• Social Interaction:

  • Can audiences engage with each other through the product (e.g., forums, multiplayer modes)?

• Feedback:

  • Are audiences encouraged to provide reviews, ratings, or critiques?

3. Do Audiences Interact with the Product Alone or Can They Access It with Others?

• Individual Use:

  • Is the product designed for personal consumption (e.g., podcasts, mobile games)?

  • Is the experience better suited for solitude or self-reflection?

• Group Use:

  • Can it be consumed or experienced socially (e.g., co-op games, watch parties, multiplayer platforms)?

  • Does it promote collective engagement or collaboration?

• Hybrid Use:

  • Can it be experienced either alone or with others, depending on the user’s preference (e.g., streaming content, social media)?

1. What Genre is the Media Product?

• Identify the Genre:

  • Is it a specific genre like action, romance, sci-fi, horror, fantasy, documentary, etc.?

  • Does it belong to a subgenre (e.g., psychological thriller, rom-com, cyberpunk)?

2. Describe the Common Features of that Genre

• Narrative Conventions:

  • What are the typical storylines or themes found in this genre (e.g., hero’s journey, love triangle, dystopian future)?

• Character Archetypes:

  • Are there recognizable character types (e.g., villains, sidekicks, mentors)?

• Visual or Stylistic Traits:

  • Does the genre have a distinct look or feel (e.g., dark lighting in horror, vibrant colors in children’s media)?

• Tone and Atmosphere:

  • Is the tone light-hearted, suspenseful, dramatic, or comedic?

• Sound and Music:

  • Are there specific sound effects, music styles, or audio cues associated with the genre?

3. How Does the Media Product Conform to the Genre?

• Shared Elements:

  • Which familiar tropes, themes, or conventions does the product use?

  • Are there similarities in structure, style, or pacing with other media products in the same genre?

• Target Audience Expectations:

  • How does the product fulfill the audience’s expectations of this genre?

4. How Does the Media Product Subvert the Genre?

• Breaking Conventions:

  • Does the product challenge or alter typical genre tropes?

  • Are there unexpected twists, styles, or approaches that stand out?

• Innovative Elements:

  • What fresh ideas or unique aspects make it different from traditional works in this genre?

5. How is/isn’t the Media Product a Successful Addition to the Genre?

• Popularity:

  • Has the product gained significant attention, viewership, or sales within its genre?

  • Is it critically acclaimed or recognized by awards?

• Cultural Impact:

  • Has it influenced the genre or inspired similar works?

• Audience Reception:

  • Are fans of the genre satisfied, or does it receive criticism for failing to meet expectations?

• Commercial Success:

  • Has it achieved financial success compared to similar products?

• Critical Failures:

  • If unsuccessful, why did it fail (e.g., lack of originality, poor execution, bad timing)?

1. How Does the Media Product Represent Ethnicity?

• Diversity:

  • Are various ethnic groups represented?

  • Are they depicted authentically and respectfully?

• Stereotypes:

  • Are there any racial or ethnic stereotypes being enforced or challenged?

• Cultural Specificity:

  • Are cultural practices, traditions, or languages incorporated meaningfully?

2. How Does the Media Product Represent Location?

• Setting:

  • How is the location (urban, rural, fantasy, etc.) depicted?

  • Is it realistic or exaggerated for dramatic effect?

• Cultural Association:

  • Does the location reflect specific cultural or historical contexts?

• Perspective:

  • Is the location seen from the point of view of insiders, outsiders, or a neutral stance?

3. How Does the Media Product Represent Age?

• Age Groups:

  • How are different age groups (children, teens, adults, seniors) portrayed?

• Stereotypes:

  • Are there stereotypical portrayals (e.g., rebellious teens, wise elders)?

• Themes:

  • Does the product explore themes relevant to specific age groups (e.g., coming of age, midlife crises)?

4. How Does the Media Product Represent Gender?

• Gender Roles:

  • Are traditional gender roles reinforced or challenged?

  • Are there strong or dynamic portrayals of women, men, or non-binary individuals?

• Balance:

  • Is there equal representation in terms of screen time, dialogue, or character development?

• Feminism/Empowerment:

  • Does the media product reflect themes of gender equality or empowerment?

5. How Does the Media Product Represent Social Issues and Events?

• Relevance:

  • Are current or historical social issues addressed?

• Perspective:

  • Is the portrayal neutral, critical, or supportive of the issue?

• Engagement:

  • Does the media product encourage reflection or action regarding the issue?

6. How Does the Media Product Represent Self?

• Individual Identity:

  • Are characters given unique, multi-dimensional personalities?

  • Do they explore self-expression or identity struggles?

• Relatability:

  • Can the audience identify with the characters or situations?

• Empowerment:

  • Are messages about self-confidence or self-worth conveyed?

7. How Does the Media Product Represent Stereotypes?

• Enforced Stereotypes:

  • Are any stereotypes reinforced, intentionally or unintentionally?

• Challenged Stereotypes:

  • Does the product subvert common stereotypes or provide counter-narratives?

• Complex Characters:

  • Are individuals portrayed as more than their stereotype?

8. Is the Impact of Representation a Success on the Media Product?

• Positive Reception:

  • Has the representation been praised for accuracy, inclusivity, or authenticity?

• Criticism:

  • Has the product faced backlash for problematic or harmful representations?

• Cultural Influence:

  • Has it shaped conversations or inspired change in how certain groups or topics are represented?

• Commercial Success:

  • Has the representation contributed to the product’s popularity or audience connection?

1. How Are Visual Effects Used to Create or Enhance the Sense of Action-Adventure?

• Types of Effects:

  • Are there CGI, explosions, stunts, or large-scale set pieces?

  • Are the visual effects used for realism or stylization?

• Impact:

  • Do the effects make the action sequences more intense or thrilling?

  • How do the effects contribute to world-building or the overall atmosphere?

• Seamlessness:

  • Are the visual effects believable and integrated well into the scenes?

2. How Are Sound Effects Used to Create or Enhance the Sense of Action-Adventure?

• Dynamic Sounds:

  • Are sounds like explosions, gunfire, sword clashes, or engine roars used?

• Environmental Sound Design:

  • How are background noises (e.g., wind, crowds, echoing caves) used to set the tone?

• Impact and Intensity:

  • Do sound effects heighten tension during fast-paced scenes?

  • How do audio cues signal danger, victory, or transitions?

• Surround Sound:

  • Are effects layered to create an immersive audio experience?

3. What Camera Angles Are Used to Create or Enhance the Sense of Action-Adventure?

• High-Angle Shots:

  • Are they used to show characters in vulnerable or dangerous positions?

• Low-Angle Shots:

  • Are these used to make heroes or villains appear powerful or intimidating?

• Tracking Shots:

  • Are continuous or handheld shots used to follow fast-paced movement?

• Close-Ups:

  • How are close-ups used to capture emotional intensity during critical moments?

• Wide Shots:

  • Are wide shots used to showcase large-scale battles, environments, or stunts?

• Fast Cuts or Slow Motion:

  • How is editing used to emphasize speed, chaos, or dramatic moments?

4. Why Are These Production Techniques Important to the Success of Your Media Product?

• Engagement:

  • Do the techniques keep the audience captivated and immersed in the story?

• Memorability:

  • Do they create iconic moments that stand out in the genre?

• Audience Expectations:

  • Are these techniques essential to meeting or exceeding audience expectations for action-adventure?

• Emotional Impact:

  • How do they enhance the stakes or emotional resonance of key scenes?

• Technical Excellence:

  • Do the techniques demonstrate high production values, boosting the product’s credibility and appeal?

1. How Does Genre Contribute to Meaning and Engagement?

• Unique Take on the Genre:

  • How does the product adhere to genre conventions to stand out?

  • Does it combine multiple genres to appeal to diverse audiences?

• Audience Expectations:

  • How does the product fulfill or challenge what audiences typically expect from the genre?

• Emotional Resonance:

  • Does the genre create an emotional connection, such as excitement (action), fear (horror), or inspiration (drama)?

2. How Does Narrative Create Meaning and Engage Audiences?

• Storytelling Structure:

  • Is the story compelling, with a clear beginning, middle, and end or an innovative non-linear approach?

  • Does the pacing keep the audience hooked?

• Relatable Characters:

  • Are the characters complex and relatable, making audiences emotionally invested?

• Themes:

  • Are universal or relevant themes explored, creating deeper meaning?

• Cliffhangers/Surprises:

  • Does the narrative include twists or cliffhangers to sustain audience engagement?

3. How Does Representation Add Depth and Connection?

• Relatability:

  • Are diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives included to reflect real-world audiences?

• Challenging Stereotypes:

  • How does the media product subvert stereotypes, encouraging fresh perspectives?

• Empathy and Reflection:

  • Does the representation make the audience feel seen or inspire reflection on societal issues?

• Cultural Relevance:

  • How does it address current social or political topics to engage audiences on a deeper level?

4. How Do Media Production Techniques Enhance Meaning and Engagement?

• Visual Storytelling:

  • Are camera angles, visual effects, and lighting used to emphasize themes, emotions, or tension?

• Sound Design:

  • How does the soundtrack or sound effects immerse the audience in the world or amplify action/emotion?

• Editing and Pacing:

  • Are cuts and transitions used to build suspense, excitement, or emotional flow?

• Technical Quality:

  • Does high-quality production (e.g., CGI, stunts, costume design) create a polished and believable experience?

5. How Do All These Elements Combine to Create a Unique Media Product?

• Innovation:

  • Does the product stand out due to a unique combination of genre, narrative, representation, and techniques?

  • Does it push boundaries in storytelling or production?

• Cohesiveness:

  • How seamlessly do the elements (genre, narrative, representation, production) work together to support the overall vision?

• Engagement:

  • Does the combination keep the audience emotionally and intellectually invested?

• Memorability:

  • Are there standout moments or elements that audiences will remember and discuss?

• Impact on the Industry:

  • Has it set new trends or influenced how future media products will be created?