Media Studies
Below is a report on the most recently completed year in Media Studies.
2008 saw action and drama of epic proportions in the Media department. The ‘GGS Film Fest’ showcased the student work of 2008, displaying the diverse films produced during the course of the year.
The year eights were introduced to filmmaking through simple chase scene narratives, allowing them to focus on their camera technique and develop their framing and shots, while the nines focused on advertising and logos, producing their own print ads and television commercials. In the year ten semester-long course, the students have had the opportunity to study the subject in more depth, not only producing original genre films, but studying codes and conventions and exploring international film.
The year elevens found the year a steep learning curve. They have had to come to grips with the extensive theory and written aspects of the course, as well as having to adapt to new technologies and demands for their sophistication of production. Their music videos for the popular culture unit and their range of films exploring Australian myths and representations demonstrated a wide variety of auteur styles and perspectives on filmmaking.
The year twelves explored artistic styles and movements in their work in Media Production and Analysis 3A – Media Art Forms. Their films demonstrated two major influences early on in the year - constructivism and romanticism drawn from the study of such films as Metropolis and Donnie Darko. Students’ auteur styles developed throughout the year as a result of study of significant directors. This was followed by the study of propaganda and persuasive media in second semester as part of unit 3B – Power and Persuasion, which looked at the way news and documentaries manipulate information.
A particular mention should be given to Tom Mirco, who took on the unofficial role of Media captain, supporting its extra-curricular role throughout the year and actively promoting the subject within the school. His work was of the highest calibre.
So many students have put in so many hours both in and out of class into filming and editing their production. It has been a pleasure to work with students who take their craft so seriously, and recognise that filmmaking is a skill like any other; it takes time and practise to be good at it.
Arwen Gunter
Media Teacher