The Course The qualification provides an introduction to the study of creative digital media production.. Learners develop an understanding of the media industry through analysing media representations and pitching and producing media projects. It is designed for post-16 learners who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment. What is the structure of the course? It is made up of four units of which two are externally examined. Unit 1: Media Representations Learners will consider how different media representations are constructed by media producers to create meaning, messages and values. This unit is assessed by an exam. The examination will last two hours and will consist of short and extended-answer questions. Unit 4: Pre-production Portfolio Learners study the requirements of planning and delivering a digital media product, carrying out essential pre-production tasks and creating a pre-production portfolio. Students gain an understanding of the requirements of the planning stage, from finance and logistics to regulations. Investigationshelp students develop the pre-production skills and experience needed to carry out their own tasks and to produce a digital media product. Students create a portfolio and manage the pre-production of their own creative media production. Unit 8: Responding to a Commission This unit considers the commissioning process and how media producers respond to client by generating ideas using a range of skills. This unit developsstudent’s ability to respond to briefs and understand the commissioning process, which is an essential aspect of successful, commercial media production. The development of communication and problem-solving skills involved in responding to a commission are an essential part of the media learner’s skillset and will support the generation of creative and commercial ideas necessary for progression to employment and higher education. It takes place under timed conditions. Unit 10: Film Production (Fiction) This unit will focus on the process of producing a short narrative film or film extract that uses generic conventions. Who is this qualification for? The Pearson BTEC National Extended Certificate in Creative Digital Media Production has been developed in consultation with Higher Education and is an Applied General qualification. It is for post-16 learners wanting to continue their education through applied study and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the Creative Industries. The qualification is equivalent in size to one A level. What does this qualification cover? The content of the qualification relates directly to the skills and understanding needed for further study in creative digital media production and has been developed in consultation with higher education. Over three units of mandatory content, learners gain a broad understanding of the subject and learn the skills to produce media artefacts. They develop their ability to analyse and deconstruct media images and representations. They learn the communication and planning skills needed to work in teams through vocational media projects. An optional introductory unit in a particular media sector such as, publishing, games, film or radio, allows learners to create engaging digital media content and platforms. What could this qualification lead to? The qualification is recognised by Higher Education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many courses if taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two year programme of learning, and it combines well with a large number of subjects. It will support entry to HE courses in a very wide range of disciplines, depending on the subjects taken alongside particularly, in fields of journalism, film, communications, and marketing. Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes at specific HE providers. Although a significant proportion of recruitment in this sector is at graduate level by studying this qualification learners develop their communication skills as well as the ability to work collaboratively. They develop their knowledge of digital processes and software through practical projects which would give them an advantage if applying for entry level roles in marketing such as a marketing assistant, media sales as well as working as publishing assistants, updating websites and hosting content.