Unit 2: Media production and the media industry

 

In this unit students develop their understanding of the specialist production stages and roles within the collaborative organisation of media production. Students participate in specific stages of a media production, developing practical skills in their designated role. Students also develop an understanding of media industry issues and developments relating to production stages and roles and the broader framework within which Australian media organisations operate.

 

AREA OF STUDY 1 Media production

 

This area of study focuses on media production undertaken by students within a collaborative context and the student’s explanation of the process.

All media representations are constructed through a production process. Production is usually undertaken in stages, often grouped under the headings of preproduction, production and post- production, with segments of the various stages undertaken by specialist individuals or teams. Media practitioners perform specific roles in the development of a media product from its inception to completed production, distribution and/or exhibition. Students develop an understanding that as each media product progresses through the various stages of production, the work practices and conventions of each specific stage and role help shape the nature of the final media product. When students undertake their production they maintain documentation that includes preproduction media design documents, such as a treatment, screenplay, storyboards or page layouts. This documentation also identifies their involvement, responsibilities and understanding of the stages and roles in the media production process.

 

Outcome 1

 

On completion of this unit the student should be able to demonstrate specialist production skills within collaborative media productions, and explain and reflect on the media production process.

To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 1.

Key knowledge

• stages in the media production process from planning and pre-production to final audience reception

• specialist and collaborative roles in each stage of a media production

• production techniques, practices and conventions used to structure media texts to engage audiences

• methods for documenting reflections and presentation of knowledge.

Key skills

• identify specific stages and roles in the media production process

• describe the collaborative nature of stages and roles in the media production process

• undertake specialist roles within collaborative media production and apply the relevant technical

skill, production techniques, practices and conventions

• identify and record the specialist roles, collaborative process, relevant technical skills and stages

in the media production process

.

AREA OF STUDY 2

Media industry production

In this area of study students focus on national, international and global media industry issues, and the developments in the media industry and their impact on media production stages, and specialist roles within these stages.

Media products are the result of collaborative and specialist production stages and roles. Students learn that the degree of specialisation among production personnel varies according to the scale and context of the media production process, and that specialist stages and roles require different skills and training. They learn that employment in the industry depends on factors such as the degree of specialism required and funding of media productions, and that the work of media practitioners is influenced by developments and issues within the industry.

 

Outcome 2

 

On completion of this unit the student should be able to discuss media industry issues and developments relating to the production stages of a media product, and describe specialist roles within the media industry.

To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 2.

Key knowledge

 

• characteristics of stages of a media production within the context of the overall production process of a particular media product

• range, characteristics and skills of specialist production roles

• issues that affect the employment of media specialists

• national, international and global media industry issues and developments relating to media

production and their impact on production stages and specialist roles

• methods for researching, analysing and presenting information to support informed discussions.

Key skills

• describe characteristics of the stages of a media production within the context of the overall production process of a media product

• discuss the specialist roles and production work performed in stages of a media production process

• analyse the impact of national, international and global media industry issues and developments

on stages of the production process and the specialist roles undertaken for a production.

 

AREA OF STUDY 3

Australian media organisations

 

In this area of study students analyse Australian media organisations within a social, industrial and global framework.

Media products are produced for audiences within a cultural, aesthetic, legal, political, economic, institutional and historical framework. Students learn that their production, distribution and circulation are affected by laws, self-regulatory codes of conduct, industry pressures, the practices of particular media organisations and global trends. They also learn that other factors, for example, sources of revenue, ratings, circulation and distribution, and ownership and control, influence the nature and range of texts produced by media organisations.

 

 

Outcome 3

 

On completion of this unit the student should be able to describe characteristics of Australian media organisations and discuss the social, cultural and industrial framework within which such organisations operate.

To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 3.

Key knowledge

• the nature of the production and distribution processes of Australian media organisations

• the significance of factors such as ownership, finance and control on the operation of Australian

media organisations

• characteristics of Australian audiences and the texts they consume

• the relationship between Australian media organisations and the global media market

• the impact of historical, cultural, legal, political and economic factors, and institutional practices

on the Australian media

• methods for researching, analysing and presenting information to support informed discussions.

Key skills

• describe features of Australian media organisations

• compare the nature and operation of Australian media organisations

• discuss the relationships between media audiences, Australian media organisations and texts

• discuss the impact of factors such as funding and management of Australian media organisations,

and the impact of the global media market on the nature and range of texts they produce.

 

ASSESSMENT

The award of satisfactory completion for a unit is based on a decision that the student has demonstrated achievement of the set of outcomes specified for the unit. This decision will be based on the teacher’s assessment of the student’s overall performance on assessment tasks designated for the unit.

The key knowledge and key skills listed for each outcome should be used as a guide to course design and the development of learning activities. The key knowledge and key skills do not constitute a checklist and such an approach is not necessary or desirable for determining the achievement of outcomes. The elements of key knowledge and key skills should not be assessed separately.

Assessment tasks must be a part of the regular teaching and learning program and must not unduly add to the workload associated with that program. They must be completed mainly in class and within a limited timeframe. Teachers should select a variety of assessment tasks for their assessment program to reflect the key knowledge and key skills being assessed and to provide for different learning styles.

 

For this unit students are required to demonstrate achievement of three outcomes. As a set these outcomes encompass all areas of study.

 

Demonstration of achievement of Outcomes 1, 2 and 3 must be based on the student’s performance on a selection of assessment tasks. Where teachers allow students to choose between tasks they must ensure that the tasks they set are of comparable scope and demand.

Assessment tasks for this unit are selected from the following:

• radio or audio sequences

• audiovisual or video sequences

• photographs

• print layouts

• multimedia sequences or presentations

• posters

• tests

• written responses

• oral reports.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•