Job Roles in the Media Industry exam questions

16 OCR Creative iMedia R093 (J834) exam-style questions on Job Roles in the Media Industry (R093 Media industry - The Media Industry), 39 marks in all. Answer them on paper or print them, then open the mark schemes and example answers to see how each is marked.

Name
Class
Suggested time	50 minutes

1Multiple choice1 mark

Which creative role creates the overall layout for a printed magazine?

[1 mark]

AGraphic designer
BIllustrator
CPhotographer
DWeb designer

Mark scheme

Answer: (A) Graphic designer (1)

Guidance

Correct answer only

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks1/1

A Graphic designer

Why: Selected the correct option (1); a graphic designer creates the layout for a whole product such as a printed magazine.

No marks0/1

B Illustrator

Why: Near-miss scoring 0: an illustrator produces original images and visual assets, not the overall layout for a printed magazine.

No marks0/1

D Web designer

Why: Misconception scoring 0: a web designer designs websites, not the layout of a printed magazine.

2Multiple choice1 mark

Which technical role is responsible for setting up microphones and recording sound during production?

[1 mark]

AAudio technician
BCamera operator
CSound editor
DVideo editor

Mark scheme

Answer: (A) Audio technician (1)

Guidance

Correct answer only

Do not accept: B Camera operator, C Sound editor or D Video editor

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks1/1

A Audio technician

Why: Correct option: an audio technician sets up microphones and records sound during production (1).

No marks0/1

C Sound editor

Why: Near-miss: a sound editor edits recorded audio in post-production; they do not set up microphones and record sound during production, so no mark.

No marks0/1

D Video editor

Why: Misconception: a video editor edits footage in post-production, not sound recording during production, so no mark.

3Multiple choice1 mark

Which job role creates the code that makes a video game work?

[1 mark]

AAudio technician
BCamera operator
CGames programmer
DWeb developer

Mark scheme

Answer: (C) Games programmer (1)

Guidance

Correct answer only

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks1/1

C Games programmer

Why: Correct option: the games programmer/developer writes the code that makes a video game work (1).

No marks0/1

D Web developer

Why: A web developer codes websites rather than video games, so it does not answer the question and no mark is given.

No marks0/1

B Camera operator

Why: Misconception: the candidate has picked another technical role, but a camera operator operates cameras and does not write code for a video game, so no mark.

4Identify1 mark

Larkfield Media is producing a short documentary about the history of a local museum.

Which job role in the production team is specific to the post-production phase?

[1 mark]

Mark scheme

One from

Indicative content

Video editor (1)
Sound editor (1)
Editor (1)

Guidance

Accept equivalent terminology

Do not accept:

Camera operator - works in the production phase
Animator - works in all phases

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks1/1

Video editor

Why: Correct job role; video editor is specific to the post-production phase (1).

No marks0/1

Camera operator

Why: Near-miss: camera operator works in the production phase, not post-production.

No marks0/1

Animator

Why: Animator works across all phases, so is not specific to post-production.

5Complete the sentence1 mark

Complete the sentence. Write one word or phrase from the list in the space.

campaign manager
creative director
director
editor
production manager

A is responsible for planning and managing a campaign to promote a media product.

[1 mark]

Mark scheme

Correct answer only

Indicative content

Campaign manager (1)

Guidance

Correct answer only

Do not accept creative director / director / editor / production manager

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks1/1

campaign manager

Why: Correct senior role; a campaign manager plans and manages a marketing campaign (1).

No marks0/1

creative director

Why: Near miss: creative director is a senior role, but it is responsible for the creative vision, not planning and managing a marketing campaign; the mark scheme does not accept it.

No marks0/1

director

Why: Misconception: a director directs a production, such as a film, rather than planning and managing a marketing campaign; no credit.

6Identify2 marks

Bramblewood Kitchens runs cookery classes and publishes a monthly food magazine. Each issue contains recipes, restaurant reviews and photographs of dishes.

Identify two ways a photographer could contribute to the creation of the food magazine.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Two from e.g.

Indicative content

Take photographs of the dishes/food (1)
Take photographs for the front cover (1)
Take portraits of the chefs/restaurant owners (1)
Take photographs of the restaurants/locations (1)
Plan the photo shoot (1)
Choose the equipment/lighting for the shoot (1)
Choose the composition of the shots (1)
Select the best images to use (1)
Edit the images before they are used (1)
Supply images for the layout (1)
Award credit for any other appropriate response

Guidance

Accept equivalent terminology

Do not accept:

Design the layout of the magazine - this is the graphic designer's role

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

1 Take photographs of the dishes for the recipes.

2 Edit the photographs before they are put in the magazine.

Why: Photographing the dishes (1) and editing the images (1) are both listed contributions.

Some marks1/2

1 Take photographs of the finished dishes.

2 Design the layout of the magazine pages.

Why: Photographing the dishes is credited (1); designing the layout is the graphic designer's role, so no mark (0).

No marks0/2

1 Write the recipes for each issue.

2 Write the restaurant reviews.

Why: Both are copy writer tasks, not contributions a photographer makes, so no credit.

7Identify2 marks

Identify two responsibilities of a director.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Two from e.g.

Indicative content

Direct the actors/performers (1)
Interpret the script (1)
Make creative decisions about the production (1)
Oversee the filming/production (1)
Work with the crew/heads of department (1)
Guide the creative vision (1)
Award credit for any other appropriate response

Guidance

Accept equivalent terminology

Do not accept:

Write the script - this is the script writer
Operate the camera or edit the footage - these are technical roles (camera operator, video editor)

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

1 Direct the actors during each scene.

2 Interpret the script to plan how the production will be filmed.

Why: One mark for directing the actors (1); one mark for interpreting the script (1).

Some marks1/2

1 Oversee the filming of the production.

2 Operate the camera during filming.

Why: Overseeing the filming is credited (1); operating the camera is a technical role, not the director's responsibility, so no mark (0).

No marks0/2

1 Write the script for the production.

2 Edit the footage after filming.

Why: These are the script writer's and video editor's responsibilities, not the director's, so no credit.

8Complete the sentence2 marks

Complete the sentence. Write a word from the list in each space. You can use each word only once or not at all.

copy writer
graphic designer
illustrator
script writer
web designer

A writes the text used in adverts and on websites.

An creates original drawings and artwork for books and magazines.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Indicative content

Space | Answer

1 | Copy writer (1)

2 | Illustrator (1)

Guidance

Correct answers only

Spelling not important

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

copy writer, illustrator

Why: Space 1 Copy writer (1); space 2 Illustrator (1).

Some marks1/2

copy writer, graphic designer

Why: Space 1 Copy writer (1); graphic designer is a layout role, not the illustrator required in space 2, so no mark there.

No marks0/2

script writer, graphic designer

Why: Script writer writes scripts rather than advert and website text; graphic designer creates layouts rather than original drawings and artwork; neither space is credited.

9Complete the sentence2 marks

Complete the sentences. Write a word from the list in each of the two spaces. You can use each word only once or not at all.

post-production
pre-production
production
senior
technical

A script writer is mainly involved in the phase.

A sound editor is mainly involved in the phase.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Indicative content

Space | Answer

1 | Pre-production (1)

2 | Post-production (1)

Guidance

Correct answers only

Spelling not important

Do not accept 'post-production' in space 1 or 'pre-production' in space 2

Do not accept production or technical in either space

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

pre-production, post-production

Why: Space 1 pre-production (1); space 2 post-production (1).

Some marks1/2

pre-production, production

Why: Space 1 pre-production (1); a sound editor works in post-production, not production, so space 2 no mark.

No marks0/2

post-production, pre-production

Why: Spaces reversed: space 1 should be pre-production and space 2 should be post-production; no credit.

10Explain or Describe2 marks

Streamline Media is a small company that makes short online videos for local sports clubs. It is creating a set of promotional videos for a swimming club.

Explain one way a content creator could contribute to the creation of the promotional videos.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Read whole response and award

One mark for a contribution of a content creator/what is created

AND/OR

One mark for how it helps to create the promotional videos

Up to two marks for explaining one way e.g.

Indicative content

Creates short videos/video clips
Takes photographs/images
Creates graphics/images for social media
Produces social media posts using video/images

Example responses

Creates short videos (1) that the swimming club can share on social media (1)
Takes photographs of the swimming club (1) to use in the promotional posts (1)
Creates a range of media assets (1) such as images and video clips for the campaign (1)
Produces social media posts (1) containing video clips to promote the club (1)
Award credit for any other appropriate response

Guidance

Do not accept 'makes content' or 'makes videos' on their own - too vague, as they do not say what is being created

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

Creates short videos that can be posted on social media to promote the swimming club.

Why: Names what is created (1) and explains how it helps to create the promotional videos (1).

Some marks1/2

Takes photographs.

Why: Names a contribution (1) but gives no explanation of how it helps to create the promotional videos.

No marks0/2

Makes content for the videos.

Why: Too vague: it does not say what is created, so no creditworthy contribution is given - covered by the Do not accept line.

11Explain or Describe2 marks

Sanderling Pictures is filming a short drama for a local theatre group. A camera operator has been hired to work on the production phase of the drama.

Describe one responsibility of a camera operator during the shoot.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Read whole response and award

One mark for an activity of a camera operator

AND/OR

One mark for how/use/impact

Up to two marks for describing one responsibility e.g.

Indicative content

Operates the camera equipment
Sets up/positions the camera
Frames and records shots
Chooses camera angles/movements
Uses a tripod/track and dolly/hand-held techniques
Works with the grip/other crew to capture footage
Checks the camera is ready to use
Records the action/scenes for the drama

Award credit for any other appropriate response

Example responses

Operates the camera (1) to record the drama footage (1)
Sets up the camera on a tripod (1) so the shots are steady (1)
Frames each shot (1) so the action is clear in the final drama (1)
Moves the camera during a scene (1) to follow the actors (1)
Checks the camera is ready (1) so no footage is missed (1)
Award credit for any other appropriate response

Guidance

The second mark must explain the effect/use of the camera operator's activity for the drama, not just describe filming in general.

Do not accept editing the footage - this is the responsibility of the video editor

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

Operates the camera equipment to record the footage for the drama.

Why: Names an activity (1) and gives its effect/use for the drama (1).

Some marks1/2

They set up the camera and make sure it is ready.

Why: Names an activity (1) but gives no effect/use for the drama.

No marks0/2

Edits the footage to make the drama look good.

Why: Editing is the responsibility of a video editor, which the mark scheme does not accept.

12Explain or Describe2 marks

Sanderling Railway Trust is making a short documentary about the restoration of a steam locomotive. The documentary will be shown to visitors at the trust's museum.

Describe one job role that is specific to the post-production phase.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Read whole response and award

One mark for a job role that is specific to the post-production phase

AND/OR

One mark for what that role does during post-production

Up to two marks for describing one role e.g.

Indicative content

Video editor
Sound editor
Cuts/trims/arranges footage that has already been recorded
Adds titles/visual effects to the recorded footage
Edits/balances/mixes the recorded audio
Adds music/sound effects to the recorded footage
Removes unwanted noise

Example responses

Video editor (1) cuts and arranges the recorded footage into the final documentary (1)
Sound editor (1) edits and balances the audio so the narration is clear (1)
Video editor (1) adds titles and visual effects to the footage after it has been recorded (1)
Sound editor (1) removes unwanted noise from the recorded audio (1)
Award credit for any other appropriate response

Guidance

The post-production roles in the specification are video editor and sound editor. Award credit for any other role that works only after filming.

Do not accept roles that work in other phases, e.g. camera operator (production), audio technician (production), animator (works in all phases), script writer (pre-production)

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

A sound editor edits and mixes the recorded audio so that the narration and the background sounds are balanced.

Why: Names a post-production role (1) and describes what it does during post-production (1).

Some marks1/2

A video editor.

Why: Names a post-production role (1) but gives no description of what the role does.

No marks0/2

A camera operator films the locomotive during post-production.

Why: Camera operator is a production role, so neither the role nor the description is credited.

13Explain or Describe2 marks

Sundial Books is creating a printed cookbook and a companion website. A photographer has been asked to supply images for both.

Explain one reason why a photographer may be involved in more than one phase of production.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Read whole response and award

One mark for a phase/activity the photographer works in

AND/OR

One mark for a second phase/activity they work in, or how one phase leads to the other

Up to two marks for explaining one reason e.g.

Indicative content

Plans the shoot in pre-production
Takes photographs during production
Edits/retouches images in post-production
Award credit for any other appropriate response

Example responses

They plan the shoot before it happens (1) and then take the photographs during production (1)
They take photographs on the shoot (1) and later edit/retouch them in post-production (1)
They choose the equipment and location in pre-production (1) so that the photographs can be taken during production (1)
They take the images needed for the cookbook and website (1) and then prepare them for use in post-production (1)
Award credit for any other appropriate response

Guidance

An answer that only names one phase/activity can only be awarded one mark

Do not accept 'they do everything' on its own - too vague

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

They take photographs during production and then edit the images in post-production.

Why: Gives an activity in production (1) and how this leads to involvement in another phase, post-production (1).

Some marks1/2

They take photographs during production.

Why: Gives one phase/activity (1) but does not explain involvement in another phase.

No marks0/2

They work in all phases because they do everything for the product.

Why: Too vague: it does not name a specific phase or activity, so no credit is given.

14Explain two6 marks

Mossgate Collective is a small group of three filmmakers. It is making a short online advert for a local pet shop.

Explain two reasons why one person may perform more than one job role on a small production like this advert.

[6 marks]

Mark scheme

Indicative content

Answers may include reference to the following reasons, linked to the size and scale of the production

Small team / fewer staff
there are not enough people employed to cover every separate job
one person may take on roles such as camera operator and video editor
Limited budget / cost
the production cannot pay for separate specialists
combining roles saves money
Small amount of work in one role
there may not be enough work for a full-time specialist
a person may cover another role as well
Need for flexibility
an individual may cover another role when someone is absent or a task is urgent

Award credit for any other appropriate response

Guidance

A reason identified without explanation may be awarded 1 mark.

Levels

Level 3 (5–6 marks): A thorough explanation which shows detailed understanding: Two reasons are identified – and two explanations attempted; Shows detailed knowledge and understanding of why one person may perform more than one role; Reasons are clearly explained; Consistently uses appropriate terminology.
Level 2 (3–4 marks): An adequate explanation which shows sound understanding: Two reasons are identified – at least one explanation attempted; Shows sound knowledge and/or understanding of why one person may perform more than one role; Reasons are adequately explained; Sometimes uses appropriate terminology.
Level 1 (1–2 marks): A brief explanation which shows limited understanding: At least one reason is identified – at least one explanation is attempted; Shows limited knowledge and/or understanding of why one person may perform more than one role; Reason is explained in a basic way; Use of appropriate terminology is limited.
0 marks: Response is not worthy of credit

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks6/6

Mossgate Collective only has three people, so there are not enough staff to cover every separate job. This means one person may be the camera operator and the video editor for the advert, because the team cannot employ a specialist for each role. The budget for a small advert is also limited, so the company cannot pay for separate specialists such as a graphic designer and a photographer; combining roles saves money and keeps costs down. There is also not enough work in one role to employ a full-time specialist for the whole project, so individuals take on more than one job to get the advert finished. On a small production like this, people also need to be flexible and cover tasks when someone is absent or a job is urgent, which means they perform more than one role.

Why: Identifies more than two reasons, including fewer staff and limited budget, and explains them clearly in relation to why one person performs more than one role; meets all Level 3 descriptors.

Some marks4/6

A small team may not have enough money to employ separate specialists, so one person does several roles to save money. The project is also small.

Why: Identifies two reasons and explains the budget reason adequately, but the second reason is only stated; this is a sound Level 2 response at the top of the band.

Some marks1/6

The team is small.

Why: Identifies one reason (small team) but gives no explanation of how this leads to one person performing more than one role; 1 mark under the guidance for an identified reason without explanation.

15Explain two6 marks

Marlow Pictures is making a short documentary about a river for a local museum. All filming of the documentary has finished and the footage is now being edited.

Explain two ways a video editor could contribute to the documentary.

[6 marks]

Mark scheme

Indicative content

Answers may include reference to the following aspects of a video editor's responsibilities

Assembling footage

Choosing the best takes and putting the clips in order to tell the story
Cutting and trimming to remove mistakes and set the pace

Sound

Syncing the sound with the pictures
Balancing sound levels, or adding music or a voiceover

Titles and captions

Adding the names of places and people shown, so the documentary is clear for the audience

Effects, transitions and colour

Using fades and other transitions between scenes
Correcting the colour so the footage looks consistent

Reviewing and exporting

Checking the finished film with the director
Exporting in the format needed for the museum's screen

Award credit for any other appropriate response

Do not accept:

Filming the documentary, setting up or operating the camera (camera operator responsibility)
Writing the script (script writer responsibility)
Interviewing or presenting on screen

Levels

The descriptors represent the top of the Level

Level 3 (5–6 marks): A thorough explanation which shows detailed understanding: Two ways are identified and explained; Shows detailed knowledge and understanding of the role; Contribution is clearly explained; Consistently uses appropriate terminology.
Level 2 (3–4 marks): An adequate explanation which shows sound understanding: Two ways are identified – at least one explanation attempted; Shows sound knowledge and understanding of the role; Contribution is adequately explained; Sometimes uses appropriate terminology.
Level 1 (1–2 marks): A brief explanation which shows limited understanding: At least one way is identified – at least one explanation is attempted; Shows limited knowledge and understanding of the role; Contribution is explained in a basic way; Use of appropriate terminology is limited.
0 marks: Response is not worthy of credit

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks6/6

The video editor puts the recorded clips in the best order to tell the story of the river, choosing the strongest takes and cutting out any mistakes. This means the documentary is clear and interesting for the museum's visitors. They also add titles and captions, such as the names of the places shown, because this gives the audience useful information and makes the film look professional. The editor works with the director to check the finished film and then exports it in the format needed for the museum's screen, so it can be shown without technical problems.

Why: Two ways are identified and explained (assembling the footage; adding titles and captions) with a third developed, showing detailed understanding of the video editor's contribution; meets all Level 3 descriptors.

Some marks4/6

The video editor puts the clips in the right order so that the documentary makes sense to the audience, and cuts out any boring or shaky footage. They also add titles and captions.

Why: Two ways are identified and the first is adequately explained (ordering and cutting to make sense of the footage), but the second is only identified, so it cannot meet Level 3's requirement for two explanations; this sits at the top of Level 2.

No marks0/6

The video editor films the documentary and sets up the camera. They also interview the people who live by the river.

Why: Filming, camera work and interviewing are not video editor responsibilities, so there is no creditworthy point; the mark scheme's do-not-accept lines rule these out.

16Explain two6 marks

Marchmont Greetings makes greetings cards. It is creating an animated online advert for a new range of birthday cards, aimed at people who buy cards online.

Explain two ways a sound editor could contribute to the online advert.

[6 marks]

Mark scheme

Indicative content

Answers may include reference to the following aspects of a sound editor's contribution

Editing recorded audio
cutting and arranging dialogue, voiceover or sound recordings to fit the animation
removing unwanted noise or mistakes from the audio
Adding music and sound effects
placing background music or effects to match the birthday card scenes
making the advert feel lively and suitable for the product
Mixing and balancing levels
balancing music, voiceover and effects so each can be heard clearly
setting a comfortable volume for people watching online
Synchronising sound with the animation
matching sounds to the movement of characters or text so they happen at the right time
Exporting audio for online use
preparing the finished audio in a suitable format and level for the online advert
Working with others
following the creative director's vision
liaising with the animator or video editor to fit the sound to the visuals
naming the creative director, animator or video editor as a collaborator is creditworthy where it explains how the sound editor contributes

Award credit for any other appropriate response

Do not accept:

Writing the script, directing actors, filming with a camera, designing the birthday card artwork or editing video footage (these are other roles' responsibilities)

Levels

Level 3 (5–6 marks): A thorough explanation which shows detailed understanding: Two ways are identified – and two explanations attempted; Shows detailed knowledge and understanding of the role; Contribution is clearly explained, giving a reason for each way and how it improves the advert; Consistently uses appropriate terminology.
Level 2 (3–4 marks): An adequate explanation which shows sound understanding: Two ways are identified – at least one explanation attempted; Shows sound knowledge and/or understanding of the role; Contribution is adequately explained; Sometimes uses appropriate terminology. At the top of this level, both ways are identified and one is explained with a reason, while the other may be only stated.
Level 1 (1–2 marks): A brief explanation which shows limited understanding: At least one way is identified – at least one explanation is attempted; Shows limited knowledge and/or understanding of the role; Contribution is explained in a basic way; Use of appropriate terminology is limited.
0 marks: Response is not worthy of credit

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks6/6

A sound editor edits the recorded voiceover and removes background noise, so the advert sounds clear and professional when customers watch it online. They also add music and sound effects and mix the levels, because the music should support the animation without drowning out the voiceover. This means viewers can hear the message about the birthday cards and the advert feels lively. They synchronise the sounds to the moving characters and text, so effects happen at the right moment and the animation looks polished. Working with the creative director, they keep the sound suitable for the brand, which helps the advert appeal to people buying cards online.

Why: Identifies two clear ways (editing/mixing audio and adding/synchronising music and effects) and explains both with reasons and impact on the advert; meets all Level 3 descriptors.

Some marks4/6

The sound editor removes unwanted noise from the voiceover so the advert is clear. They also add music to the animation.

Why: Identifies two ways and explains the first with a reason; the second is only stated. This meets the top of Level 2, where one way is explained and the other is stated.

No marks0/6

The sound editor films the animation with a camera and writes the script for the advert.

Why: Gives camera operator and script writer responsibilities, not sound editor responsibilities; no creditworthy point. The mark scheme does not accept these.

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