Section A – Clip AnalysisHow to answer the Section A questions in the

exam.

Q1: Action Adventure Genre Conventions

Characters: 2 ways• Heroic• Brave• Strong• Daring• Resourceful• Fit• Smart• Team• Leader• Skillful

Events: 2 ways• Explosions• Fires• Falling buildings• Fast cars• Weapons• Swords• Battles

Q1: Explain two ways the narrative (characters and events) in the extract fits the action adventure genre. Use examples in the extract. [10]

Hurt LockerQ1You could have talked about any of these conventions of the action / adventure genre:• Heroes and villains• Conflict and violent• Exotic location• Race against time• Jeopardy or peril• Mission or quest• TeamworkYou must have referred to at least two of the conventions and then discussed them with reference to clear and specific examples in the clip. Using terminology such as conventions, protagonist and antagonist is how to secure the top Level 4 marks.Take care with SPaG. Your answer gets marked based on accuracy and fluency of your writing.

Q2: Film Analysis

Q2: Explain how each of the following elements is used to create effects: Soundtrack, editing, mise en scene and camerawork. You should use at least two examples from the extract for each element. [20]

NEED TO USE TERMINOLOGYCLEAR FOCUS ON EXAMPLES – BE SPECIFIC

Q2: Film Analysis Conventions (terminology to use)

Soundtrack• Music – Film score• Synchronous sound (sound that matches the scene) and

Non-synchronous sound (opposite)• Digetic (in the frame) and Non-digetic (soundtrack)

sound• Sound effects• Sound bridge (sound in the one scene and then in the

next scene – continuous)• Voiceover (non-digetic sound)

Editing• Shot-reverse-shot• Non-conformity editing (flashbacks or flash-

forwards) or continuity editing• Cross cutting• Fast paced editing (quick cuts)• Wipes/dissolves/fades• Post-production effects (CGI)

Q2: Film Analysis Conventions (terminology to use)

Mise en scene• Lighting• Location/set• Costume or make-up• Props• Casting/performance style• Blocking (where things/people are placed)

Q2: Film Analysis Conventions (terminology to use)

Camerawork• Establishing shot• Low angle/high angle/centered angle/aerial

shot• Tracking/panning/tilting/steadicam• Hand-held camera• Point of View shot POV

Q2: Film Analysis Conventions (terminology to use)

Hurt LockerQ2You need to cover all the bullet points and write about each one under the correct heading. Be specific and use lots of clear examples of what is happening in the clip. You need to explain the effect of the example on the audience.

SoundtrackDiscuss the diegetic and non diegetic sound with examples of what they are. Break down the uses of any music or sound.EditingFocus on visual editing such as continuity editing and the abrupt cross-cutting.Mise en sceneDon't list these elements without discussing the effect on the audience.CameraworkEach time you name a shot, explain what is happening when it is used and the effect on the audience. Talk about the director's intention when he used the shot.

Q3: Representation

Q3: Discuss the representation in the extract. Refer to stereotypes in your answer. Use examples from the extract.Representation• Age• Race• Class• Gender• Armed Forces• Nationality (commonly American)• Era

Master and Commander Representation Task

1. Age2. Race3. Class4. Era

Watch the clip on the blog and discuss how these different groups are represented.