Y12 S1: Media Art and Independent Film

Weeks 1–7: Foundations of Media Art and Pre-Production

In Weeks 1–7, students build a strong theoretical foundation in Media Art and Independent Film, focusing on storytelling, visual style, sound design, and art direction. Alongside this, students practice short answer responses to prepare for their first formal written assessment in Week 7. These weeks provide essential analytical skills and knowledge, setting the stage for practical work in subsequent weeks.

Week 1: Introduction to Media Art

In the first week, students are introduced to the characteristics of Media Art, such as experimental storytelling and visual innovation. Through an analysis of The Mirror (1975) by Andrei Tarkovsky and Next Floor (2008) by Denis Villeneuve, students explore how Media Art challenges conventional storytelling. The week concludes with a short answer practice question.

Week 2: Themes and Narrative Construction

Week 2 delves into the role of themes and narrative structure in engaging audiences. Students analyze the thematic depth and narrative choices in Next Floor and Piper (2016) by Pixar. Through practice short answer responses, students explore how filmmakers use conflict, resolution, and causality to connect with their audiences.

Week 3: Visual Storytelling

Visual storytelling takes center stage in Week 3. Students examine how mise-en-scène and cinematography communicate meaning in films. By analyzing La Jetée (1962) by Chris Marker and 12 Monkeys (1995) by Terry Gilliam, students explore how visual techniques evolve across time and styles. A short answer practice question encourages students to connect visual techniques to meaning.

Week 4: Sound Design and Editing Basics

In Week 4, students explore how sound and editing shape meaning and mood. Using A Quiet Place (2018) as a case study, students analyze how diegetic and non-diegetic sound, rhythm, and continuity editing create tension and enhance storytelling. The week concludes with a practice short answer response focused on sound and editing techniques.

Week 5: Project Development and Pre-Production Planning

The focus of Week 5 is on understanding the importance of pre-production in filmmaking. Students explore the creative and logistical aspects of pre-production, including storyboarding, production design, and scheduling, with insights from 12 Monkeys (1995). Students complete a short answer practice question evaluating the role of pre-production in a film’s success.

Week 6: Art Direction

Focus:
In Week 6, students explore the concept of art direction and how it shapes the overall visual identity of a film. They analyze how set design, props, costumes, and color palettes contribute to storytelling, mood, and thematic depth.

Week 7: Response Task 1

Focus

Students will consolidate their understanding of Media Art concepts through revision and complete a supervised short answer written task, answering two questions from a choice of five in one period. The remainder of the week focuses on reviewing and refining their pre-production plans for their short film projects.

Building Toward Practical Work

Weeks 1–7 establish the theoretical and analytical foundation for filmmaking, focusing on critical engagement with Media Art principles. From Week 8 onward, students transition into extended answer practice and hands-on production tasks.

Weeks 8–14: Exploring Media Art and Transition to Production

In Weeks 8–14, students deepen their understanding of Media Art and Independent Film by exploring advanced theoretical concepts, practicing extended answer responses, and transitioning into hands-on production tasks. These weeks emphasize the interplay between analysis and application, as students examine how filmmakers engage audiences, address ethical and cultural considerations, and navigate industry contexts. By Week 14, students complete their second formal written assessment and begin production on their own short films.

Week 8: Representation and Ideology

Students explore how media texts construct representations to reflect, reinforce, or challenge dominant ideologies. Through an analysis of Get Out (2017) by Jordan Peele and The Truman Show (1998) by Peter Weir, students examine how stereotypes, counter-stereotypes, and cultural values shape audience interpretations. This week’s extended answer practice focuses on analyzing how representation conveys meaning in Media Art.

Week 9: Audience and Media Influence

Week 9 focuses on how independent filmmakers engage with niche audiences and how media influence audience perceptions. Students study theories such as Uses and Gratifications, Cultivation Theory, and Reception Theory, using case studies like The Florida Project (2017) and Moonlight (2016). They reflect on how their own productions will engage audiences, while practicing extended answers about audience reception and influence.

Week 10: Industry and Context in Media Art

This week examines how industry contexts, including budget constraints, funding models, and distribution networks, shape the creative and practical decisions of independent filmmakers. Through case studies of Juno (2007) by Jason Reitman and Whiplash (2014) by Damien Chazelle, students analyze how industry challenges influence creative outcomes. Extended answer practice explores the relationship between industry contexts and creative freedom.

Week 11: Aesthetics and Narrative Structure

In Week 11, students study how aesthetics and experimental narrative structures reflect and enhance thematic depth in Media Art. By analyzing Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) by Michel Gondry and The Mirror (1975) by Andrei Tarkovsky, students examine how non-linear storytelling, visual metaphors, and poetic imagery engage audiences. Practical tasks include storyboarding sequences that reflect these principles.

Week 12: Ethics and Cultural Sensitivity in Media Art

This week focuses on the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers and the importance of cultural sensitivity in Media Art. Students analyze how films like The Act of Killing (2012) by Joshua Oppenheimer and Moana (2016) by Disney address ethical and cultural considerations. They reflect on how their own productions respect representation, consent, and cultural contexts. Extended answer practice focuses on how ethical decisions shape filmmaking.

Week 13: Extended Answer Practice and Pre-Production Finalization

Week 13 consolidates students’ understanding of Media Art concepts and extended answer writing skills. Through timed practice and peer feedback, students refine their ability to analyze and evaluate Media Art principles. They also finalize pre-production plans for their short films, ensuring their themes, representation, and technical requirements align with Media Art principles.

Week 14: Response Task 2 and Transition to Production

Students complete their second supervised written assessment, responding to an extended answer question under timed conditions. The task assesses their ability to analyze and evaluate Media Art principles in depth. Afterward, students transition into production, using the remainder of the week to begin filming their short films while applying the planning and theoretical knowledge they’ve developed.