AS 91252 annotated exemplars

This annotated exemplar is intended for teacher use only. Annotated exemplars are extracts of student evidence, with commentary, that explain key parts of a standard. These help teachers make assessment judgements at the grade boundaries.

Download all exemplars and commentary [PDF, 7.5 MB]

TKI Media Studies assessment resources (external link)

For Excellence, the learner needs to produce a detailed, integrated design and plan for a developed media product using a range of conventions.

This involves:

• incorporating the key features of the medium and/or genre into a coherent whole
• considering the impact of practicalities on the production process and outline strategies to overcome potential obstacles
• demonstrating evidence of ongoing refinement of ideas through reflection and reworking
• effectively appealing to and/or having impact on the target audience (includes capturing and holding the attention of the audience).

This learner has produced a detailed and integrated design and plan for a developed media product by completing a precise concept, treatment and pre-production activities for a short horror/slasher film. An original and engaging narrative is developed and refined throughout the design and plan process.

An effectively developed concept that introduces the initial idea, target audience, purpose and narrative structure is presented (1). This is supported by an initial script (3) that is reworked through various drafts to demonstrate ongoing refinement (12, cover shown P4). Refinements to the narrative “Iterations to Story” and “Second iterations to story” demonstrate how the original idea evolves to create a more complex story structure (2).

Conventions and general information about genre are explained (4). Conventions are applied with precise detail in the treatment (5). An integrated discussion of design choices (6), technical elements/codes (8) and audience appeal (7) is interwoven with discussion of narrative development of characters and story. This creates specific stylistic effects to capture the audience’s attention (7). The learner demonstrates a secure understanding of the application of conventions of the selected genre.

Practicalities are considered, with proposed solutions enhancing the vision for the product’s design (extracts 9), along with the appropriate permissions (extracts 9). Evidence of location scouting (10) further refines the initial concept and treatment, incorporating conventions and codes into a coherent whole (11).

The learner’s intent for the short film is refined through several drafts of fully completed storyboards, demonstrating a rigorous interrogation of ideas as they evolve (13, shown as extracts).

For a more secure Excellence, the learner could link the application of selected conventions and refinements to design choices more precisely by evidencing the intended effect on the target audience.

For Merit, the learner needs to produce a detailed design and plan for a developed media product using a range of conventions.

This involves:

• considering the impact of practicalities on the production process
• identifying milestone dates and allocating required resources to complete pre-production activities
• demonstrating evidence of refinement of ideas through reflection and reworking
• appealing to and/or having some impact on the target audience.

This learner has produced a detailed design and plan by completing a detailed concept, treatment and pre-production activities for a short horror film. A well-constructed narrative is developed, with ongoing reference to the target audience. 

Survey questions (excerpt shown) are analysed to identify what will appeal to the target audience (1). This drives the development of the story for the initial concept (2). Some components of the concept are explained in detail, linking back to audience appeal (3).

A detailed treatment is produced that includes a discussion of conventions (5) including their appeal and effect on audience. Each discussion of conventions is supported by explanation of technical codes to help achieve the effect. Refinement of ideas is demonstrated (4) by removing one convention.

The learner presents a detailed discussion of style including atmosphere, tone and stylistic approach (6). This analysis demonstrates understanding of how conventions can be applied for effect on the audience. A thorough explanation of the use of music and SFX (10), including application in a key scene for an intended impact on the audience, is outlined (11) as part of the treatment.

Two drafts of the script are developed (7), demonstrating refinement of ideas as they evolve. Excerpts of practical and design elements such as location, casting, costumes and props (8) demonstrate comprehensive consideration of design choices. Some refinement is shown through the use of casting shots (9).

Some explanation of refinements to the design is shown in the production log (12). A shooting schedule and permissions (13) are included. The learner has included a partially developed storyboard as part of the plan (14).

To reach Excellence, further evidence of shifting the design from a concept to a fully realised product by considering practical and technical elements more precisely could be included. This could involve creating a developed script, completed storyboard for technically difficult scenes, or using test shots of locations or key scenes to inform the design.

For Merit, the learner needs to produce a detailed design and plan for a developed media product using a range of conventions.

This involves:

• considering the impact of practicalities on the production process
• identifying milestone dates and allocating required resources to complete pre-production activities
• demonstrating evidence of refinement of ideas through reflection and reworking
• appealing to and/or having some impact on the target audience.

This learner has produced a detailed design and plan by completing a detailed concept, treatment and pre-production activities for a documentary. The angle of the documentary is established clearly in the concept (1), with a detailed explanation of the purpose, appeal (2), narrative structure, listing of conventions (3) and some notes about practicalities (4).

A detailed visual treatment (5) is included that identifies and explains the selected conventions (3). There is evidence of refinement (6) that further develops the original concept as the application of conventions is considered and design choices are applied. The conventions are linked to audience appeal (2).

Ideas developing technical elements (7) and narrative (8) are reworked and refined. A documentary script is included, along with interview questions (excerpt 9). Refinement throughout the treatment develops the original idea, rather than logging changes due to practical issues.

Test shots are used to inform the planning process and develop the treatment (10). These test shots, along with the discussion of music and audio provide detail to the treatment. The reflection on the test shots and music/audio (10) informs significant changes to the completed product.

Practicalities are thoughtful and detailed (11). Strategies are identified to overcome the practical issues discovered (extracts 11). The production timeline is clear and shows evidence of the staged delivery of the product.

At the end, the treatment is enhanced by a discussion of style (atmosphere, tone) which demonstrates a detailed understanding of the effect of the selected conventions and technical elements (12). This conclusion also explores the intended effect of stylistic choices on the audience (13).

For a more secure Merit, the learner could demonstrate further understanding of the documentary styles, generic conventions and technical elements/codes required for the selected style (expository).

For Achieved, the learner needs to produce a design and plan for a developed media product using a range of conventions.

This involves:

• including design choices that meet the requirements of a given brief
• incorporating a range of key features of the medium and/or genre
• identifying practicalities that may affect the production process
• identifying milestone dates and resources required to complete pre-production activities
• demonstrating evidence of reflection and reworking of ideas
• having some appeal to the target audience.

This learner has produced a design and plan by completing a concept, treatment and pre-production activities for a short coming-of-age film. A complete concept (1) is included that presents an interesting story. The concept explains the purpose, characters and content elements, and introduces the target audience (2). A plot synopsis is provided that further develops the idea. 

The treatment (3) begins with a discussion of conventions which provide explanation about applying specific design choices (4). The ideas in the treatment are linked to audience appeal and impact (5). The learner demonstrates an understanding of conventions appropriate to the selected genre. Narrative structure and character development are briefly addressed as part of the treatment through prompts by the teacher (6).

There is evidence of reflection and the reworking of ideas (7) as part of the production log changes. These refinements demonstrate evidence of design choices (4) and further develop the treatment. In some instances, practicalities drive the changes (8). Practicalities are documented along with milestone dates and resources (9).

The feasibility study develops the treatment by drawing together a discussion of practical considerations with technical elements (10). This provides evidence of refinement (11). A re-drafted script provides further evidence of refinement (12).

To reach Merit, the learner could add detail to the explanation of the intended effect or impact of the conventions on the audience. Music is identified as a significant convention (3, 4, 5). Further identifying different songs to be used at key points and outlining license considerations as part of the design and plan process is required. This could offer evidence of the impact of choices and address practicalities around their application in the final production.

For Achieved, the learner needs to produce a design and plan for a developed media product using a range of conventions.

This involves:

• including design choices that meet the requirements of a given brief
• incorporating a range of key features of the medium and/or genre
• identifying practicalities that may affect the production process
• identifying milestone dates and resources required to complete pre-production activities
• demonstrating evidence of reflection and reworking of ideas
• having some appeal to the target audience.

This learner (shown in pink) has produced a design and plan by completing a concept, treatment and pre-production activities for a music video. A straightforward concept (1) is developed that identifies conventions (2) to appeal to the target audience (3) in a humorous and light-hearted way. Some, limited refinement is included (4).

Further information about the target audience is introduced (5) through a survey. These ideas are incorporated into a brief visual treatment (6) with some design choices briefly explained (7). Conventions of the medium and genre are introduced and explained (8). There is an attempt to link this to audience appeal “help the audience be engaged” (8). This is linked to a brief reflection about the choice of locations and colour grading (9).

Location scouting is documented and justified as an element of the overall design (10). The reworking of ideas is demonstrated through the explanation of the use of the “establishing shot from Bluff Hill in Napier to make it clear for our audience where the music video was set.” (11).

Test shots, the explanation of character elements and a discussion of narrative structure all add to the development of the treatment and demonstrate the application of conventions (12). Practicalities and milestone dates/resources (13) are included to support the concept and treatment.

For a more secure Achieved, the learner could further develop the concept to present a more original idea. The application of the conventions to appeal to the audience could also be further developed.

For Achieved, the learner needs to produce a design and plan for a developed media product using a range of conventions. 

This involves:

• including design choices that meet the requirements of a given brief
• incorporating a range of key features of the medium and/or genre
• identifying practicalities that may affect the production process
• identifying milestone dates and resources required to complete pre-production activities
• demonstrating evidence of reflection and reworking of ideas
• having some appeal to the target audience.

This learner has produced a design and plan by completing a concept and partially completing a treatment and pre-production activities for a short coming-of-age film.

Survey results have been analysed to identify what might appeal to the target audience (1). The concept introduces the idea for the film and the characters with some discussion of narrative structure and resolution (2). 

Some limited information is given in the treatment where conventions are named and briefly discussed (3). The effect on the audience is introduced but not explained “this will help appeal the conversation to the target audience.” 

Locations are identified (4) and a pros and cons list is provided (shown as excerpt). The ideas in the visual treatment are further developed by a discussion of the events of each act (5). The learner demonstrates some understanding of narrative development, character arc and resolution, linked to audience appeal. A brief discussion of visual style with one example is provided (6). 

Design choices such as casting and props (7) are included. Practicalities and solutions for them (8), along with a feasibility study (9) and legalities statement (10) are included as part of the plan. 

A completed script (excerpt 11) and partial storyboard (12) supports the learner’s attempt to shift the design from a conceptual idea to a completed media product.

To reach Achieved, the learner could further explain how the selected conventions will be applied technically to ensure the successful development of the media product. Some reflection and/or reworking is also required to meet Achieved.