AQA GCSE Media Studies Student Book

34 The model herself could be your ‘helper’ as you set off on your quest within the magazine. She is already in the fantasy world that lies behind the superimposed masthead and copy. She seems to look directly and invitingly at the reader. If there is a villain of the piece it is in the head of the reader. Only your inhibitions, self-doubts and weaknesses are preventing you from joining the beautiful people within. Overcome these doubts and win the prize! Media language is used to signal these narrative features. The model’s jewellery connotes wealth, her make up and hairstyle connote exotic beauty. The use of language positions the reader as a fun-loving party animal ready to take on the challenge of the quest – ‘YOU WON’T SLEEP MUCH BUT IT WILL BE FUN’. This analysis will make more sense if you watch the scene first. Just to refresh your memory, the scene begins with a montage to remind the audience of the story so far. The six main characters are re-introduced. A slow zoom establishing shot locates us in Corakinus’ throne room in his castle in the hellish realm of the Shadow King. Corakinus’ aide Rannus tells him that ‘the anchor is ready’ and he will be ‘whole again’, but the attempt to break the heart’s link to April fails. Corakinus kills the aide and admits that he can ‘hear her thoughts’ and ‘feel her stronger than ever’. Cut to April, who gasps and clutches her heart, finding that she is holding a glowing alien sword. ‘Oh, my!’ she gasps as the title sequence starts. There are a number of ‘hooks’ in this sequence to grab the attention of the young adult target audience . The six characters drawn from the audience’s own demographic hold out the prospect of interesting and exciting interactions with each other. The different characters offer the audience contrasting spectating positions from which to engage with the action. CASE STUDY: Narrative evaluation and analysis of the pre-title sequence of ‘Co-Owner of a Lonely Heart’ Choose another magazine cover and carry out your own narrative analysis using Propp’s ideas. Activity 1.11 The initial equilibrium is disrupted when the Shadow Kin rupture space and time at Coal Hill Academy. Establishing shot A type of shot that fulfils the narrative function of locating the action in space. For example, a television news report about UK politics may begin with an establishing shot of the Houses of Parliament. Target audience Producers of media products always have in mind an intended audience, often defined by age, gender or social class. The product is fashioned to appeal to the specific wants and needs of this group, a process called targeting the audience. Key terms AQA GCSE Media Studies