Exemple of exam script: Production and distribution

January 2009 Section B
"Discuss the ways in which media products are produced and distributed to audiences, within a media area, which you have studied.
Candidates must choose to focus on one of the following media areas though you may take reference to other media where relevant to your answer.
Film, Music, Newspapers, Radio, Magazines, Video games"

If you were answering this question, you would obviously be writing about production and distribution of videogames, getting in as many relevant references to case study material - Rockstar Games, Mojang or your own back-up case study to use just in case needed!

Here is an example of a script from this exam - do you think you could produce something like this? (or even better!)

Open publication - Free publishing - More media

Here is what the examiner report said about this candidate's answer:

Candidate A, Question 2

The response is on the video game industry. Rockstar is identified as the production company and the exemplified case study is Grand Theft Auto IV. The candidate's response begins well and on page 6 understands that the video game as a product was released through rival companies on rival platforms:

“The simultaneous release of GTA IV on both rival PS3 and Xbox 360 meant they reached the largest possible audience.” (P6)

The candidate then explores the function and features of this genre and the game is recognised as a sequel:

“This newest game is as realistic as possible converging across different medias using CGI and long cut scenes to enhance the gamers experience and involvement... Games are produced with the consumer in mind.” (P6)

The candidate's persuasive argument also recognises the role that certification plays in the distribution and sale of the game and explores and explains the role of the BBFC, which is evaluated: “(this)…suggests that anti-social content within games and other media erodes the difference between reality and fiction.” (P6)

The candidate's answer is developed further, in discussion about the

function of consumer interactivity:

“…games are more able to be modified by the consumer. This is an added incentive for consumers to buy games.” (P7) Again the candidate adds more detailed explanation to the points being made “This goes as far as modified maps and location are able to be imported and exported by other users on the Microsoft X-Box network, in particular.” (P7)

This point is then followed by a connecting paragraph which discusses the institutional relationship between the game and the wider area: “… new games have exclusive content depending on the console you buy it and Microsoft and Rockstar have signed contracts to allow Microsoft users exclusive content about GTA IV.’’ (P7) And this is further represented by the point “Users signed up to Microsoft’s X-box live, which costs £40 a year, are able to download these modding tools as well as extra content such as

characters and missions.” (P7-8).

This is an extremely good point as the candidate establishes the link in the media area (Video games) between the game’s maker, Rockstar and the digital platform it is played on, Microsoft’s X-Box. The candidate’s knowledge and understanding is embedded with the use of facts and knowledge of the game's technical capacities, which sets the standard for detailed and informed explanation and analysis.

This institutional understanding is extended when the candidate argues:

“Because of Rockstar’s contract with Microsoft they have additional revenue streams. Rockstar license the product to businesses which make, mugs, shirts and other merchandise, which Rockstar takes a share of the profit.” (P8).

This identification with synergistic practices within the video games industry is an excellent point, as the candidate provides a consistent and sustained argument- “advertising convergence and synergy has allowed Rockstar to attract the attention of the biggest audience possible.” (P8) This is linked to exploitment of MSN messenger as a targeted arena that gamers use. The answer is detailed and sustained argument, demonstrates highly proficient exemplification and good use of appropriate terminology.

Explanation/analysis/argument – Low Level 4

Use of examples – Low Level 4

Use of terminology – Low Level 4

This candidate’s combination of levels achieved have managed to meet the

raw mark for an A grade for this paper.