Courses / Creative Media Production
Creative Media Production
Media and the creative industry is one of the biggest growing areas in UK society and continues to develop. Vocational media offers the opportunity to critically analyse the construction of media texts developing an in-depth understanding of different sectors and their production requirements. This BTEC course focuses on digital media production and will suit students who are interested and enthusiastic about the diverse offerings of media as well as using problem solving and creativity to research, plan and create near professional standard media productions working from pre-set briefs.
If you choose this course you would benefit from:
- Experienced teachers who possess extensive knowledge and enthusiasm of media as well as dedication to fostering students’ creativity and success.
- Trips related to the subject which have previously included: residential trips to Paris, Berlin and the Edinburgh International Film Festival (annually). Cinema screenings at ‘The Electric Cinema’ in Birmingham and visits to local universities to enhance the student experience.
- Access to essential resources, equipment and support to generate high quality productions.
- Development and practice of ‘real life’ skills needed to work in the creative industry.
In the first year you will study:
- How different media representations are constructed by media producers to create meaning and messages.
- The effect that representations can have on audiences (supported by relevant academic theory)
- A focus on technical features; such as cinematography, mise-en-scène, editing, sound, lighting and performance along with comparison of how and why the construction
- and purpose of media productions differ across sectors.
- The requirements of planning a digital media product, from finance and logistics to regulations.
- Production processes and construction specifications for a range of different digital media forms from film and web production to digital audio production.
- Research methods, production techniques and reflective practices in order to refine analytical and creative skills.
In the second year you will study:
- Detailed exploration of codes and conventions for different magazine genres and platforms, dependent upon purpose and target audience.
- How to generate, select and prepare materials to produce a completed and professional standard magazine cover and double page spread.
- Evaluation and reviewing techniques for individual production management of digital magazine production.
- The commissioning process by which media producers generate and develop ideas in response to a client’s specification.
- Skills and techniques for effective written, visual and verbal communication with a client, from pitches and proposals to treatment documentation and evaluation.
- Problem solving via analysing and interpreting information related to purpose, technical and logical requirement of the brief and evaluating solutions for implementation.
What will I be taught?
The course will be taught using a variety of techniques and approaches from both practical to theoretical lessons. This will involve practical workshop sessions, classroom-based theory sessions supported by computer-based research and review/assessment of knowledge developed through further reading and research.
Classroom activities will include:
- Practical tasks to consolidate learning
- Interactive online quizzes
- Group based projects
- Individual portfolio development
- Research based tasks
- Group and class discussion on exam preparation and content
Based on research into how students learn best, each subject will set independent work to allow you to recap what you have done in the past, consolidate understanding for what you are studying in the present and develop the skills and experiences which will help you for the future. You can read more about the college’s approach to independent study here
The Past
Click here for the suggested ongoing revision activities in this subject which research has shown are most likely to boost your achievement
The Present
Each subject will set weekly homework tasks to help you consolidate your understanding and prepare for your next lesson. This work is typically set through Microsoft Teams, so you will have an electronic log of all your work, notes and feedback.
The Future
A key part of your independent work in this subject will be to prepare for a range of potential jobs and higher education courses when you leave us. To get started, look below at the top higher education courses and jobs which previous students of this course have gone on to do.
Students who complete the course tend to progress on to creative degrees, apprenticeships or workplace employment. This includes employment or study in Film, Journalism, Media, Photography, Art, Production Design or Teacher Training. Students who study this course could also combine their knowledge, skills and experience with Business, English or Modern Foreign Languages as part of a wider program of study.
5 x GCSE grades 4-9 (incl. English Language)
Not essential but it will help your success…
An interest in both practical and theoretical aspects of the Media industry is essential. Enthusiasm for practical work and creating own media productions.
You prefer to do a course that is a mix of exams, controlled assessment and coursework. Pairs well with Film Studies, Photography and other creative subject.
Teaching contact time is 4 hours and 20 minutes per subject. Other workshops will be available throughout the year including over some holiday periods. Students are expected to complete up to 4 hours of independent study to complete assignments, homework, extra reading and independent research.
Learners will work towards achieving Pass, Merit and Distinction criteria in all 4 units’ studies across the two years;
Two externally assessed units created and set by Pearson (58% of overall grade):
- Unit 1: Media representations. (On-screen exam)
- Unit 8: Responding to a commission. (Supervised timed assessment)
Two internally set and assessed units (42% of overall grade):
- Unit 4: Individual pre-production portfolio
- Unit 14: Digital magazine production