Topic 4

Higher marks would be attracted in AO3 if the candidate had provided a written and visual analysis which went beyond research notes, gathered feedback, and a script. The written analysis should be about the creative process, rather than simply a description of activity. The written analysis should focus on the development of the investigation and a critical review of its progress.

The investigation would be significantly improved if the candidate had analysed the feedback they had gathered. A relatively large sample provides an opportunity to recognise recuring comments and patterns of opinion. The candidate could have used quantitative and/or qualitative approaches to their analysis. This would have attracted higher marks in AO1 and AO3. Marking in AO3 would have been improved where the candidate describes the implications of their findings and applies this to their work. This relatively sophisticated approach would also demonstrate a level of engagement and independence which could be rewarded in AO4.

The animation would have benefited from the candidate gathering more information in preparation for the activity. The candidate could also have considered a broader range of sources, for example, by including books, magazines, personal photographs, experimental artwork, or descriptions from literature. This would attract marks in AO1. The candidate mentions the work of several digital artists and film makers, however the development of the candidate’s ideas would have benefited from a more focused investigation into the chosen artists. The work would have also been improved by considering a broader range of creative practitioners.  This would have provided the candidate with the potential for idea development, alternative ways of working and an expanded vocabulary of visual language.

The characters for the animation remained underdeveloped during the investigation. There is also little evidence of the development of backgrounds for the characters. The characters in the final outcome are those which are found in the storyboard and early sketches. The work would be significantly improved if the candidate had built on the qualities of the thumbnails and developed rendered characters and backgrounds. This would have attracted marks in AO2, AO3 and AO4.