1. Foundation portfolio Research & planning AS Media Studies

2. Research This is an essential element of any media product – you are required to understand the need for your product. This requires you to look at other similar products and analyse them. What are they? Who makes them? Who are they made for? What are their codes and conventions? How are they made?

3. Research This can be completed individually OR tasks can be allocated to group members (if this is the case then be sure to acknowledge who did what very clearly). Compile the results of your research electronically in the form of a blog, a podcast, a powerpoint presentation, a DVD with ‘extras’, or a website (or a combination of one or more). This can also take the form of a folder or scrapbook of ideas at this level.

4. Planning Once more this can be presented individually or as a group – it is essential that individuals are credited with their own contributions and you will always be marked as an individual NOT as a group. Elements of planning will include: A diary and list of responsibilities/tasks/equipment Rough drafts for print work – layout and design as well as articles, storyboards for video work – it is expected that these will be revised as the project progresses Original images for print work and print screens showing manipulation.

5. Important information This is expected to be a working document and as such follows the progress of your production – do not be tempted to complete this after you have made the product as you will miss out important and necessary editing that takes place during the process. Although you may be completing a blog/podcast do not be tempted to deviate from good grammar/spelling and punctuation – it will make it easier when you produce your final evaluation – lists and bullet points are fine and logical abbreviations are acceptable.

6. Mark Scheme – Level 1 0–7 marks There is minimal research into similar products and a potential target audience. There is minimal organisation of actors, locations, costumes or props. There is minimal work on shotlists, layouts, drafting, scripting or storyboarding. Time management may be very poor. There is minimal use of appropriate digital technology or ICT in the presentation.

7. Mark Scheme – Level 2 8–11 marks There is basic research into similar products and a potential target audience. There is basic organisation of actors, locations, costumes or props. There is basic work on shotlists, layouts, drafting, scripting or storyboarding. Time management may not be good. There is basic use of digital technology or ICT in the presentation.

8. Mark Scheme – Level 3 12–15 marks There is proficient research into similar products and a potential target audience. There is proficient organisation of actors, locations, costumes or props. There is proficient work on shotlists, layouts, drafting, scripting or storyboarding. Time management is good. There is proficient use of digital technology or ICT in the presentation.

9. Mark Scheme – Level 4 16–20 marks There is excellent research into similar products and a potential target audience. There is excellent organisation of actors, locations, costumes or props. There is excellent work on shotlists, layouts, drafting, scripting or storyboarding. Time management is excellent. There is excellent use of digital technology or ICT in the presentation.