CCR research

 Hi blog! Today, I am going to be researching/planning for my A level CCR! If there is anything I remember from last year's CCR, was that it is very important to give myself enough time to complete it so that I am not stressing last minute. As we all know, I suck at managing my time and that is 100% the thing I struggled with the most on my AS level portfolio project. I am definitely going to try and do better this year and that all begins with the planning!

Here is an image of the instructions we were given:    

So, for last year's CCR, we had to make to creative videos that overall cover the four questions we were given that regard our project. This year, we are told to write an essay of around 1000 words that reflects our work that we produce. Once again, our reflection is guided by four questions:

• How do your products represent social groups or issues?

• How do the elements of your production work together to create a sense of ‘branding’?

• How do your products engage with the audience?

• How did your research inform your products and the way they use or challenge conventions?

So, let's break down each question so that when the time comes, it is much easier to answer the questions within my essay!!

1.) How do your products represent social groups or issues?

For this question, the main focus is to illustrate the specific examples of representation that is portrayed in the piece of media that we produce. My project heavily represents mental health, specifically anxiety disorder through the character, Summer. In my CCR, I will focus on how her behavior reflects real experience of anxiety in teens. I will also discuss how my piece introduces the issue of a serious illness through Alex's diagnosis of brain cancer, and how this adds emotional depth to the production. I plan to reference specific scenes like for example, Summer's constant fidgeting with her fingers in social settings, as well as tapping her pen on the desk.

2.) How do the elements of your production work together to create a sense of ‘branding’?

The main focus for this question is to explain how I created a consistent sense of branding for both of my trailers by using a similar narrative, genre elements, and visuals. Genre and the target audience for my piece is also a large factor for this question so I will make sure to discuss that.

3.) How do your products engage with the audience?

For this question, I will make sure to start off by giving a thorough description of my target audience. I can then explain how my trailers are designed to engage the audience through emotional storytelling, relatable themes, and cliffhangers that make the audience want to actually watch the film. For example, I will hint at Alex's illness without actually giving away that he dies.

4.) How did your research inform your products and the way they use or challenge conventions?

Here, I will need to explain how my research helped me produce media that accurately represents the convention I was aiming to illustrate. For example, my research into anxiety informed the way I portrayed Summer's character, ensuring that her behavior is realistic and accurate.