The qualification provides a coherent introduction to the study of creative digital media production at this level. Learners develop an understanding of the media industry through analysing media representations and pitching and producing media projects. It is designed for post-16 learners who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the media industries, as part of a programme of study alongside other BTEC Nationals or A levels.
Standard Swanwick Hall Sixth Form entry criteria
2 years full-time
Pearson BTEC
Media Production will involve a range of study techniques and assessment methods. The course requires 4 units to be studied over the two tears. There are 3 mandatory units, of which 2 of them are externally set and assessed. Some of the work is designed to develop personal practice within video production (through the creation of a short film). Other aspects will involve analysing films and TV and evaluating outcomes produced by themselves as well as the work of others.
Unit 1 – Media Representations (90 GLH). This is one of the mandatory units that culminates in an end of unit assessment, currently a 2hr on screen paper in which you are provided with video clips and images to analyse or respond to. As part of the learning for this unit a series of films will be watched and critically analysed but we also investigate across media sectors looking at interactive (such as video games) and publishing (magazines, posters etc.). It is also encouraged that you watch a range of suggested titles to broaden your engagement with genre.
Unit 4 – Pre-Production (90 GLH). Another mandatory unit in which you will learn the art of project managing a film production; from ideas generation within a specific genre right through to postproduction and showcasing your film. Whilst preparing a portfolio of your own Pre-Production in the form of scripts, storyboards and pre vis you will consider the work of different professional approaches and evaluate the outcome versus techniques that have been used to achieve this. The assessment for this unit is a portfolio of work linked to Unit 10.
Unit 8 – Responding to a Commission (120 GLH). This is the final mandatory unit which is externally set by Pearson and involves a pre release brief, this being a commission within a specific genre and working within the moving image sector. For example, a commission to create a promotional video for an organisation. After receiving the brief, you will undertake all the necessary research to respond within the two 3hr assessment sessions. Although you do not produce the film for this unit it is an excellent opportunity to test your professional working practices within media against a live brief (it is designed to simulate working freelance for a client).
Unit 10 – Film Production – Fiction (60 GLH) This unit is linked to your Pre-Production portfolio, and you will plan, shoot and edit a short genre film. As preparation for this you will watch and analyse three films within the same genre, writing a report that considers genre, narrative, representation, and production techniques. You will also explore the directorial style of the films and use this to help plan your own production which can be done individually or as part of a small production team.
There are plenty of choices of careers and destinations within the creative and design industries. Typically, students will use this course as a platform to pursue a degree or career in a design discipline such as graphic design, illustration, textile design, product design, visual communications, etc.
