13) I, Daniel Blake
Thursday, 29 January 2026
Gender representation in Advertising
1) Find three adverts featuring women that are from the 1950s or 1960s. Save the images to your Media folder as jpegs and then import them into your blog post. Hint: You may wish to look at car, perfume or cleaning products but can use any product you wish.
2) Find three adverts featuring women that are from post-2000. Save the images to your Media folder as jpegs and then import them into your blog post.
3) What stereotypes of women can you find in the 1950s and 1960s adverts? Give specific examples.
5) How do your chosen adverts suggest representations of gender have changed over the last 60 years?
Reception Theory:
1) What is the preferred reading of a media text?
The preferred reading is the meaning the producer wants the audience to accept.
2) What is the oppositional reading of a media text?
An oppositional reading is when the audience disagrees with the message.
3) How does the Harry Brown trailer position the audience to respond to the teenage characters?
The trailer makes the teenagers look violent, dangerous, and threatening, so the audience feels fear and anger towards them.
4) Why might young people reject this reading and create an oppositional reading?
5) McDonald’s advert analysis (150+ words, very simple)
A negotiated reading is when the audience enjoys the advert but still has some concerns. For example, viewers may like the friendly atmosphere and agree that McDonald’s is convenient, but also understand that the food is not very healthy. They accept some of the message but not all of it.
An oppositional reading is when the audience completely disagrees with the advert. Some people may see McDonald’s as unhealthy, linked to obesity, or bad for the environment. They may believe the advert hides these problems and shows an unrealistic image of the brand.
Audience: Effects Theory
1) Definition of a passive audience
2) Definition of an active audience
3) Definition of the hypodermic needle theory
Media messages affect everyone the same way.
4) Uses and Gratifications Theory
INFORMATION / SURVEILLANCE
Why: It tells audiences important information about politics, the world, and current events.
PERSONAL IDENTITY
Why: It shows who you are.
DIVERSION / ENTERTAINMENT
Why: It is fun to watch.
RELATIONSHIPS
Why: It helps people talk to friends.
5) Blue Planet Audience Analysis
The Blue Planet clip gives information and entertainment. The visuals are interesting and help audiences enjoy learning about the ocean.
I, Daniel Blake
1) What is independent cinema and how is it different to Hollywood blockbusters?
Independent cinema is made with small budgets and focuses on realistic stories and social issues.
Hollywood blockbusters have big budgets, famous actors, lots of special effects, and are made to make lots of money.
2) What is I, Daniel Blake about?
It is about a man struggling with the UK benefits system after having a heart attack, and how it affects his life.
3) Who directed I, Daniel Blake and why is this important?
It was directed by Ken Loach.
This is important because he is famous for making films about working-class people and real social issues.
4) How was I, Daniel Blake promoted? (3 methods)
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Film festivals (Cannes) – targeted critics and indie film fans
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Posters and trailers – targeted adults and socially aware audiences
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Interviews and press coverage – targeted people interested in politics and society
5) What unusual or creative marketing methods were used?
The film used realistic posters, strong political messages, and word of mouth from reviews and awards to get people talking.
6) What was the budget and box office?
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Budget: around £3–5 million
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Box office: around £15 million worldwide
7) What companies funded or produced the film?
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Sixteen Films
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BFI
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BBC Films
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Wild Bunch
8) Who is the UK film regulator and what was the age rating?
The regulator is the BBFC.
The age rating was 15.
9) What aspects contributed to the age rating?
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Strong language
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Distressing scenes
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Adult themes (poverty and hardship)
10) Was I, Daniel Blake a success? Compare it to Black Widow.
Yes, it was a success because it won major awards, made a profit, and had a strong social impact. Compared to Black Widow, which made far more money and focused on action and entertainment, I, Daniel Blake succeeded by raising awareness and starting conversations, not by box office numbers.
Wednesday, 28 January 2026
Advertising: Key conventions
Part 1: Skittles Advert Analysis
1) Key conventions
Logo = Big and clear so you remember the brand.
Colour = Bright rainbow colours show fun and lots of flavours.
Slogan = “Taste the Rainbow” tells us Skittles have many flavours.
Image = The rainbow made of Skittles looks fun and unrealistic.
2) USP and persuasion
USP – Lots of different fruity flavours in one bag. Persuasive techniques – Bright colours and a catchy slogan.
1) Clear brand identity
Apple – “Think Different”. Shows Apple as creative and innovative.
2) Shock / controversial advert
Benetton – “UNHATE”. Used shocking images to get attention and start debate.
3) Emotional advert
Dove – “Real Beauty”. Made people feel good by showing real people.
Thursday, 8 January 2026
Learner Response Q3-Q6
Analyse the Heat advert featuring Beyonce to show how connotations are created to communicate meanings
In the advert of Beyonce featuring a perfume we can see the name 'Heat' can connote warmth, passion, intensity and desire which makes the product look more bold and eye popping. The strong red dress gives the dress this idea of reminding viewers how the colour red represents fire, warmth and attraction. Beyonce standing in that position is shown in a confident stylish pose with a bright glamours red dress which conveys the fact that people would view the perfume as strong and powerful. The text Beyonce emphasise that this fragrance is created by a famous celebrity which gives credibility to the product.
Why might charities use pictures of children in their advertising ?
They might use children because they are young and children create a strong emotional response and by this it makes people feel sympathetic for the children. choosing children for the adverts can show vulnerability and innocence which help doners understand that their situation is serious and urgent. In the image the child looks upset and serious which suggests hardship and that makes the viewers feel responsible to help out. Children also represent the future and so charities use them to show that donations can make a long-term difference. This can encourage people to donate because they feel their money will protect children and improve their lives.
Wednesday, 7 January 2026
Film Industry: Black Widow
1) List the companies involved in the creation of Black Widow. Marvel Studios Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Visual effects companies like ILM and Wētā FX
NHS CSP Blog Task
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