Primary and Secondary Research for A2

Primary Research:

• Feedback from class: This was a good way of researching for my work because I could get the opinions from like minded people that were in the same boat. Therefore they knew what was expected but also what was realistic in terms of what we could achieve given the time and budget. It also gave me ideas that I hadn't thought of that I could use entirely or take influence from. on the downside sometimes, because it was purely opinion, the views given were bias, perhaps because someone didn't like or know a lot about that genre. Also, sometimes people would have a completely different thought track, meaning to include their idea I would have had to change a lot. 
• Choosing the location: Being able to choose where filmed meant that we could see for ourselves what it would be like and the areas that we could film in. This made planning shots easier when in the classroom because we both knew what we were talking about and we could go back to the pictures and already imagine what it would look like. It did, however, slightly limit us creatively because it had to be somewhere near and somewhere we didn't have to pay for. If we weren't students then we would have a larger range of choice.
• Comments from teachers: - The feedback we got from teachers was useful because we knew it was from people who know what is expected from the examiners.It also gives a different viewpoint to that of students, meaning we have a wider circle for our feedback to come from. As with class feedback though, there could still be bias views and different thought track if they don't know a lot about genre. 
• Self Evaluation - Looking back at your own work and giving yourself criticism is the easiest way to learn what needs improving and how to improve it. Though it is only part of the feedback you need it is a good initial step.

Secondary Research:

• Looking at conventions: - Conventions are a great way to get to know what is expected from you in your final product. It will also give you an idea of what details you can add and what will make it look professional. The only downside is that by just using the conventions you run the risk of being too safe and predictable.
• Looking at others work: You can be inspired by new ideas that you can use as an influence to your own work and you can also get an idea of what is a high standard piece of work and where you should be aiming. You could be at risk of copying someone else's work though if you aren't careful.  
• Researching album artwork and images and music videos: It can be helpful because you know the source is reliable and it's useful to get influences from genre specific sources. However, these aren't always a realistic representation of what you can achieve.

Research and Planning for AS:

• Fonts: http://laurabarsbycw.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/fonts.html
• Pictures for Front Cover and Contents: http://laurabarsbycw.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/blog-post.html
• Targets from Feedback: http://laurabarsbycw.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/targets-from-feedback.html
• Self Assessment: http://laurabarsbycw.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/self-assessment.html
• Drafts: http://laurabarsbycw.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/contents-double-page-spread-and-front.html
• Test Shots Evaluation: http://laurabarsbycw.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/test-shots-evaluation.html
• Mock Ups: http://laurabarsbycw.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/mock-ups.html
• Questionnaire: http://laurabarsbycw.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/30th-january-2012-questionnaire.html

Research and Planning for A2:

• Feedback: http://barsbymedia1213.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/digipak-and-advert-draft-feedback.html
• Analysis of Advert: http://barsbymedia1213.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/magazine-advert-analysis.html
• Analysis of Website: http://barsbymedia1213.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/band-website-analysis.html
• Analysis of CD: http://barsbymedia1213.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/cd-cover-analysis-prezi.html
• Conventions: http://barsbymedia1213.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/magazine-advert-conventions.html

Comparison:
At A2 I went into a lot more detail with my research, such as what I would use it for and how it has influenced me. I also evaluated a lot more of the feedback that I got. I think I have improved my research skills because I looked in a lot more places for influence for the A2 work.