As a result of taking AS media I feel my knowledge and understanding of creating texts directly linked to the media has developed in a number of ways. To begin with it was essential for me to familiarise myself with the key terms in media, for example 'mise en scene' a term which is required when analysing television dramas, which relates to everything in the frame. As well as learning key terms, after studying and analysing media texts such as posters, magazines etc I developed more of an understanding for the purpose of the way things are written e.g. in terms of their audience, whether it is niche or mass.
I felt that my skills particularly developed when we began our coursework, practically, I had to learn how to use a camera, which included the different angles I needed to use in order to keep the audience interested. In order to complete my coursework I also had to learn how to use a MAC which i found very enjoyable. Through using the MAC I was able to edit my film to ensure the finished product was something I was satisfied with. When I first used a MAC I found it quite difficult to adjust to the different features in comparison with a PC, however, after using one every lesson I became more confident in my abilities.
I feel that one of my weaknesses in terms of my practical skills is evaluating my work, unless there is something I am specifically dissatisfied with or pleased with I find it difficult to pinpoint parts of the project to evaluate in detail. I would consider my main strength to be planning, for my film I had to create a specific plan to follow including the stages, and times of day for which I needed to film, as I am a perfectionist I like for everything to be exactly how I had intended it to be.
As I have previously mentioned, my confidence with photoshop and final cut has improved, however I do still feel there is room for improvement in terms of familiarising myself with all of the editing techniques.
After completing AS media I have learnt that organisation and blogging in as much detail as possible is very important. In order to be able to look back and evaluate my work I need take note of the stages I am at and how I feel using specific programmes etc. Therefore at A2 level I will take note of every important stage, for example during coursework, and comment on my attitudes towards this stage.
Overall for AS media I achieved a grade B which I was very pleased with, as a result of reaching this grade I would like to push myself further and for that reason I would like to achieve a grade A for A2 media.
