Making media – Statement of Intent

The Statement of Intent is a crucial component of the NEA (Non-Exam Assessment) for OCR A-Level Media Studies. It is a written document submitted alongside your media production, explaining your creative choices and how they link to the theoretical framework. This statement demonstrates your understanding of media language, representation, audience, and industry contexts, and it must be 500 words or less. The Statement of Intent is worth 10 marks out of the total 60 for the NEA, making it a significant factor in your final grade.

In this document, you outline your intended media product, including its purpose, target audience, and the conventions you plan to use or challenge. You must reference specific theories (e.g., Barthes, Mulvey, Hall) and explain how your choices reflect or subvert typical media forms. The Statement of Intent is submitted before you begin production, so it acts as a planning tool that guides your creative process. It also allows examiners to assess your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical work, a key skill in Media Studies.

Mastering the Statement of Intent is essential because it forces you to think critically about your production from the outset. It connects theory and practice, showing that you can justify your decisions using academic concepts. A well-written statement can elevate your NEA mark, even if the final product has minor flaws, as it demonstrates clear intent and understanding. Conversely, a vague or poorly structured statement can lose marks, regardless of the quality of your production.