Topic 2

For the final outcome, the candidate has produced a video illustrating some of the issues described in their research. Throughout the final outcome, the candidate demonstrates a competent command of visual language. Within the video, the candidate has used material from a variety of sources including YouTube, screenshots from social media messaging platforms, news broadcasts, newspaper pages, a telephone conversation, and an interview. The opening sequences contain closeups of a student writing, seated students, artwork doodles, and bookends. This is followed by a slow-motion scene of a group of children. These are recorded in a school environment. The video continues with closeup shots of patterned curtains moving in the breeze, a table lamp and a seated young person not quite in focus, fingers turning the pages of a book and the profile of a young man. With a following shot of a school corridor, the candidate establishes a contrast between public and private life, and between the outside world and the inner world of thoughts and emotions. The personal focus and the pace of the video are established from the start. These opening sequences are often well crafted, demonstrating a competent ability to record observations which are relevant to the candidate’s intentions.

Following a chalk on blackboard type title screen, the video goes on to show an actor speaking to the camera, about the cumulative effects of bullying. This is supported by white on black background text listing the possible forms of bullying. As the text accumulates, so the screen becomes filled with white, and clarity and understanding are obscured. The candidate uses this device well to demonstrate an idea visually. This is rewarded in AO2. The video then displays text messages appearing on a social media platform. The messages are associated with harassment and bullying. Some of the words are offensive but have been included, nonetheless. This demonstrates a good ability to review ideas as work develops. The content of the messages is in simultaneous contrast with the bland, if not clinical social media screen display. This demonstrates a good ability to communicate ideas and make connections between digital and design elements. In the following scenes television news bulletins, newspaper cuttings and mobile phone footage describe incidents of bullying among young people. This public material is compelling and is in direct contrast with the previous images of text appearing on a private mobile phone.

The focus then moves from public news broadcasts to the experience of a private individual. A telephone interview with a victim of bullying is recorded, and a transcript of the conversation is displayed. The correspondent speaks frankly about their experience, whilst the interviewer is careful and sensitive in their questions. The testimony of the victim is given heightened impact. Following a brief image of the victim, the text appears in stark white on black. This approach is evidence of a competent level of engagement with the investigation. A psychologist speaks to the camera about the emotional and mental effects of bullying on the individual. An actor then speaks to the camera calling for consideration and kindness to others. The video concludes with text on screen “Speak, even if your voice shakes”. The video forms a competent development of a concept from a focused investigation.