PPE exam preparation: Science Fiction homework tasks

Your PPE Media Studies exam is on Monday 14 December at 08.30am.

The preliminary material that gives you the brief you need to follow in the exam is available here. You will also be given a printed copy in class.

You MUST complete the following research and planning tasks before the exam on Monday 14 December.


Research 

1) Complete the Independence Day case study questions.

2) Revise your summer project research into a Science Fiction film that you chose. Write down the following from your summer project film:

• Title and tagline for the film
• The sub-genre of Science Fiction the film fits into
• The narrative (storyline) of the film
• The characters and why they might appeal to an audience
• The setting of the film and how this fits the Science Fiction genre
• The mise-en-scene (props, costumes, colour, lighting etc.) of the film and how this fits the Science Fiction genre
• The institutions behind the film and how much money it made
• The stars and/or director of the film
• The critical reception - did it get good reviews? How can you tell?
• The target audience for the film (including the age rating)

Planning

1) Brainstorm ideas for a new Science Fiction film aimed at a family audience. Plan out the following:

1. Issue/fear that drives the storyline (e.g. alien invasion, contagious disease, overpopulation etc.)
2. Title and tag line
3. Logline – summing up the film in one ‘hook’ sentence
4. Other successful Science Fiction films similar to your idea
5. The narrative elements / plot and the sub-genre of Science Fiction it fits into
6. Location: the setting of the film and how this fits the Science Fiction genre
7. The hero / heroine and their appeal to the audience
8. The conflicts the hero / heroine encounters during the film (can be physical, moral or internal)
9. Other characters and their role in the film
10. Presentational style: The look, style and feel of the film e.g. will it feature 3D? Visual and Sound FX? CGI? 

2) Which of the aspects of the brief have you successfully included in your idea? (Note: you do not need to include all but must include at least two of these aspects.)

• Futuristic Earth setting
• Another planet such as Pluto or Mars
• Outer space or set on a spaceship
• Issues of genetic engineering, cloning or AI
• Changing people, robot technology or how people may develop in future through scientific advancement

3) How will you make your film popular with a family audience?

4) Plan a marketing campaign for your film: trailers and video content, social media, apps, tied-in merchandising, franchise opportunities (e.g. sequels, spin-offs etc.)

5) Prepare for the creative task in the exam. Plan, sketch and draw the following:

• Logo and graphic identity for your new Science Fiction film
• Film poster
• Website homepage for your Science Fiction film
• Storyboard for a 30 second trailer for the film. Use this AQA storyboard sheet if you don't pick up a paper copy in class. 

All tasks MUST be completed before Monday 14 December