Media Paper 2 learner response

Create a new blogpost on your Media Coursework blog called 'Media Paper 2 learner response' and work through the following tasks:

1) Type up your feedback in full (you do not need to write mark/grade if you do not wish to). 

Some reference to distribution and about the industry – more specific information needed

Good analysis of media language and clear link to character roles

A little more reference to ideology would strengthen your argument

2) Read the mark scheme for this exam carefully, paying particular attention to the 'indicative content' for each question. Firstly, focus on the unseen question (Q1) and identify two points that you could have written in your answer.

“The relative size of the figures in relation to the buildings signifies a super-human aspect to the characters, suggesting their omnipotence.”

“An ideological reading might suggest that capitalism is a corrupt system which only benefits the few.”

3) Look at the indicative content for Q1 again and make a note of any theories or examples of media terminology you could have used in your answer.

Semiotics (Roland Barthes):  I should have unpacked the signifiers (like skyscrapers and suits) and what they denote/connotate about wealth and corporate power.

Representation theory (Stuart Hall): I could have discussed the racial and gender representation of the characters: the dominant white male, evasive black male, and diminished female.

4) Now focus on the TV 25-marker. Use the mark scheme to note down:

- three general comments on the TV industry and cultural/economic contexts

Technological Change: Recent tech advances have transformed how TV is produced and distributed (e.g. streaming platforms, HD/4K cameras, on-demand viewing).

Economic Factors: Media production is shaped by funding (e.g. public service vs commercial), which affects creative decisions and audience targeting.

Audience Targeting & Consumption: Producers construct content around specific demographics and psychographics. New media tech (e.g. apps, platforms) changes viewing habits.

- three points for Capital

BBC Prime-Time ‘State of the Nation’ Series: Capital was commissioned for Sunday evening, signalling mainstream appeal and PSB (public service broadcasting) responsibility to reflect society.

Cultural Representation: The show offers rich depictions of London’s multiculturalism, exploring themes like immigration, gentrification, and class tension.

Kudos and Global Sales: Produced by Kudos (also made Spooks), known for selling/remaking shows globally – demonstrating the economic pressure on PSBs to compete in global markets.

- three points for Deutschland 83

International Co-Production: AMC (US), SundanceTV, and RTL (Germany) co-produced it, reflecting transnational cooperation to reach both local and global markets.

Global Distribution via Fremantle: Fremantle (a subsidiary of RTL) handled worldwide distribution, showing how global companies aim to maximise reach across multiple territories.

Walter Presents Platform (UK): Deutschland 83 was exhibited through C4’s Walter Presents, reflecting the shift towards niche, curated streaming platforms for foreign-language drama.

5) Finally, identify three things you need to revise for Media Paper 2 before your next assessment or mock exam.

Industry Knowledge & Examples: Be more specific when talking about production companies, platforms, and funding models (e.g. link Walter Presents directly to C4, explain what AMC is).

Media Theory Integration: Work on embedding relevant theory more fluidly (Hall, Barthes, Van Zoonen, Hesmondhalgh) into analysis.

Ideology & Representation: Strengthen ideological readings of unseen texts and case studies – link visual codes to political or social meaning more explicitly.