Unit B324 Production Portfolio in Media Studies

Research and Planning (30 Marks)Production Log and research folder

Production exercise (60 marks)An extract from a new magazine aimed at a specific audience, to include the front cover, contents page and a double-page spread article, using some original photography.

Evaluation (30 marks)Evaluation of your work, on the planning process and the production exercise, together with evidence of planning.

Unit B324: Production Portfolio in Media Studies

Unit B324 Production Portfolio in Media StudiesSo far:Unit B321 The Individual Media Studies PortfolioUnit B322 Textual Analysis and Media Studies Topic (Moving Image)

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Marking and time period 25th March final hand in

You have ten weeks to do this.30% marks for B321(Music Video)40% marks for B322(Exam) 30% marks for B324(This one)80 marks for 321, 80 marks for 322, 120 marks for 324.Most work to be completed in lesson 3Produce a major practical production from a selection of set briefs. Within this, each individual produces their own evidence of research and planning alongside an evaluation of their finished product.(Observe handout)4

The Production LogThe production log will provide important evidence to the teacher and Moderator of the individual candidates individual role and personal contribution to the production. It must be completed individually and is expected to include the following:8Production Log:Evidence of researchEvidence of planning, such as outlines, still test shots, sketches and storyboardsKey dates, decisions and deadlinesA record of the individual candidates exact contributions to the production, such as:camerawork, photography, interviews, copywriting, design, audience research, redrafting or editing.9Production LogThe production log should be maintained as a PowerpointEXAMPLEMedia Production LogBy Jessica Harland 40053909B324Week OneToday I was assigned a task regarding my Media GCSE coursework, my aim: To produce a specialist magazine targeted at a niche audience In groups we went through a variety of magazines and spotted the differences between mainstream and niche magazines.We then looked at the effective construction and manipulation of images, as well as the accurate use of language. We also identified some codes and conventions of a magazine cover.

Niche magazine :Mainstream Magazine:

Here are the first codes and conventions we identified:

Masthead Main Image BarcodeWhat is a magazine?A periodical publication containing articles and illustrations, often on a particular subject or aimed at a particular readership according to an online dictionary.Magazines are normally published weekly/ monthly and can be subscribed to and paid for in advance for delivery over several months or years.

There are two types of magazines, Niche Magazines are created on a particular subject and targets a small audience eg. Cars, music, fashion. However Mainstream magazines are more broad and appeals to a large audience- eg. Lifestyle magazines.

This magazine is on different vegan meals and healthy eating, meaning that this only appeals to a certain audience with a particular eating lifestyle. Making this magazine niche.This magazine is a very well known publication, full of different topics like fashion, lifestyle, beauty ect. which also features famous footballer David Beckham, meaning this magazine will appeal to a wider audience. Making this magazine mainstream.Week TwoThis week I chose that my specialised magazine will be on the topic of Rock music.I was then asked to identify the average age/ target audience for my magazine, for my magazine i will be targeting teenagers,. By asking my friends who fall into this audience category, I have found that younger people in an interest in Rock are more likely to purchase music magazines aswell as searching the web for the latest drama, posters and rock hits.I also identified the different Magazine cover features, codes and conventions.

In pairs we were given two magazines and asked to analyse the colours, font, coverlines and language. Which we then compared to one another. This helped me gain a further understanding on the connotations and effects given from magazine codes and conventions.

Target audience/Average ageThe target market for Rock magazines varies, their target market rages from around 15 25. This is evident in their magazines and on their website as the majority of bands they feature tend to be newer and/or appeal to a younger audiences. They are also known for having collectable poster freebees, this not only attracts the younger crowd, but encourages them to purchase the magazine instead of just reading news on the internet.

However their purchasers dont all fit into this age group, this is because the magazine also contains information and news on older Rock bands, which attracts a secondary audience of 30-50 people who also share an interest in Rock. (normally male) This is also because the older audience may not be as keen on researching the web for the latest news and hits like the younger audience.

Stereotypical interests of the magazines target audience

Analysing Rock magazine covers

Analysing Rock magazine covers

Publisher detailsOne of the most well-known Rock music magazine companies in Europe Kerrang!, has been a big hit since they released the product in 1981 in the Sounds newspaper. This particular magazine is published by Bauer Media Group, who are responsible for the manufacture of over 600 magazines and over 400 digital products. Making them a good company to publish the type of magazine I am creating, as the target market are also known for interacting and searching on the Internet.

Kerrang! Magazine also has lower rate card prices then other big Rock magazines, eg. Empire magazine double page advertisement costs 5548 more than Kerrang! Their circulation figures are also extremely impressive, with around 37,500 sells monthly whereas NME (another Rock magazine) has less than 20,000 monthly.

The state of the industry is impressive, Kerrang! are still releasing magazines weekly, and receive hundreds of thousands of views on their website monthly. Furthermore, theyve recently started releasing clothing merchandise and have their very own international tour featuring the bands in their magazines. The company continues to grow, however hasnt come close to the sales make on Rolling Stone magazine (around 100,000 a month).Week 3This week I was taught more terminology used in magazines to give a specific effects. We also explored the use of layout, and why certain adverts/articles are placed there.

I was then asked to analyse a double page spread and a contents page using the techniques we had just been taught and explain their connotations/effect . (see next slides)Contents page

Double page spread

Week 4This week I was assigned to plan a questionnaire for my rock magazine research. In doing this I was able to gather information to apply to my magazine cover I will be designing.

When drafting this I had to consider thedifferent colours/ artists/social media platforms that should be featured on my magazine pages. And so I decided to ask the participants this to see what the majority would say.

I then created this into a questionnaire I could hand out to friends and family.

Pie Chart statistics I then collected this data and created some pie charts to show the results.

I then used these results to write my evaluation, I then proceeded to explain how I will apply these statistics to my magazine- eg. Blue was the most popular colour (40%) so I will use blue in my front cover to make it appealing to my target audience. I then proceeded to sketch a draft of my magazine. I included the kind of photos i was planning to take (candid and posed photos).

That weekend I then took some pictures that I wish to feature in my magazine. To do this I used a tripod and a setting on my camera that allowed me to get into position before the picture was taken.

CandidPosedWeek 5For week 5 I was told to design some more drafts, as this is crucial for the development of my magazine.

I then wrote out the cover lines for my front cover, information for my contents page, and completed a interview draft for my double page spread. This was so I was able to start designing my magazine the week I got back.

Week 6This week I started designing my magazine, before this however my class and I discussed what layout makes a good and bad magazine double page spread (eg. Placing of pictures and flow of text)I then began to create my front cover, I decided to create this on Microsoft Publisher as I have used it before for a similar project and felt I would be able to produce a well put together magazine.By the end of the week I had already started my contents page.

(After a days work)

Week 7This week I continued to create my magazine front cover and contents page, these were both completed by Tuesday the 3rd of March, from then I started my double page spread.

By the end of the week this was complete, we then continued to discuss how we would go about writing an evaluation for our magazine.

Week 8This week I was given feedback from my classmates on my finished magazine front cover, contents page and double page spread.

I then applied the weaknesses written and corrected my magazine to the best of my ability, however I found the majority of my criticisms were things I had done purposefully to fit the rock magazine genre ( eg, busy/overlapped text and photos).I then wrote my magazine evaluation that Friday.

Week 9this week we received our feedback for our evaluation, we then went through them and changed and added some content that was missing. I was able to add some more connotations, change my ending and improve my explanation on coverlines and articles.

The Evaluation:The evaluation is to be produced by the candidates under supervised conditions.The presentation of the evaluation may take the form of any one, or combination of the following:A written commentaryA PowerPoint presentationA podcast or audio presentationA DVD with extras.30TodayUse magazinesResearch GeneralDifference between Mainstream vs. NicheCodes and conventions

Different typesFind a - Mainstream: Standardised, popular, conventional media representations normally associated with commercial success rather than critical success.Find a Niche - Media texts that are consumed by smaller groups, more specialist topics.

Niche and Mainstream MagazinesThe Magazine Industry33`Mainstream Magazines:MoreCloserGraziaWomans Own

Avoid

Niche MagazinesLook up and find five Niche titles.

What makes them Niche?

Niche Magazines

The Magazine GenreCodes and Conventions

36Conventions of the Magazine GenreAll magazines follow the same rules - whether they are

Lifestyle magazines (FHM and Marie Claire)Fashion magazines (Vogue, Look)Computer Magazines (Xbox Live)Music Magazines (Kerrang, TOTP magazine)37Image and Logo/HeaderThe image of the magazine must fit the content and the target audience.The name of the magazine (or header) must also do this.the colour scheme is also very important too - in creating a house style and in appealing to the target audience.38

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40In pairsLook at a variety of magazines (3 different ones)Codes and conventions of.Magazine CoversContents PagesDouble page spread

Mode of AddressIs the way a text creates a relationship with its audience.The most common MODE in magazines is DIRECT ADDRESS - this is created when the person on the cover looks straight out of the magazine - inviting the reader in.INDIRECT address = when the person looks away - is not the convention - but it has been used on magazine covers.MOD can also refer to the writing in a magazine and how it addresses the reader - usually in a friendly , informal way.42

1.2.56.714.4 & 910.11.12.13.3. 8.Answers1. Masthead2. Barcode3. Main Cover Line/ Free gift4. Direct address (YOUR)5. Date Line6. Price Only7. Superlatives/ hyperbole8. Cover Lines9 & 4. Direct Address (YOU)10. Website Link11. Quotations/ pull quotes12. Main image13. Alliteration14. Rhetorical Question

Stars and CelebritiesMagazines usually include stars or celebrities on their covers to increase sales and therefore profit.

Stars are admired and are aspirational for the audience.

Stars/famous musicians are conventionally included on music magazine covers to sell the magazine.45Magazine CoversThe front cover of a magazine is its main advertisement. Because of this it has to be representative of the magazine as a whole.

It should be bright , interesting and eye-catching to entice the reader to buy the magazine.

The colours not only should reflect the target audience but in music magazines they should represent the genre of music e.g. red and black for Rock magazines etc

There tends to be a variety of fonts on the cover to make it visually interesting and eye-catching (this is seen through the whole magazine- but be careful to stick to the same ones throughout to create your recognisable house style.)

46Magazine CoversTitle/Header- usually at the top of the page (this logo/header will also create the brand image of your magazine and will make it instantly recognisable for your audience.)Sometimes a slogan is used under the header to explain the magazine content or to make it stand out from its rivals.One main model/star photographed either in close up (head and shoulders shot) or medium shot - direct address. in music magazines it can be a group shot.The Leading Caption usually dominates the page - this is focused on your feature article (main article) and this should anchor your cover story.Subheadings - of the main stories you wish to advertise in you magazine (usually appearing on the left/right hand sides of the cover.)Straplines - usually go at the top or bottom of the page -highlighting stars in the magazine or other stories/sections in the magazine.

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48Magazine CoversDate and barcode - usually now with a web address provided to entice audiences to the magazines website.

Magazines are usually expensive monthly Glossies (Q, Marie Claire, FHM) or cheaper weekly magazines e.g. NME, Zoo, Nuts etc49Contents PagesContents pages should be bright and colourful- encouraging the reader to read on.

Again- as it typical of magazines images dominate the text (to allow for grazing) Images with page numbers are included.

Again direct address is used in all images.

The title/header usually appears on every page (usually at the top of the page.)

There is a list of contents - usually under usual sections e.g gig guide,reviews etc

50Feature Article(Double page spread)Headlines and subheading to explain the story and catch the audiences interest (usually witty, puns base on the star/artist or their new album/tour etc)Remember artists do not appear in music magazines unless they have something to sell (album/tour/DVD) - so remember to push this through you article and refer to it at the end!51Feature Article(Double page spread)Again the images should dominate - 1 large image and other smaller ones (usually different - location settings etc.. to make the article interesting.)Dont be afraid of white space - there is usually a lot of this in feature articles - use it to frame your writing and images.Depending on your audience - your writing should be clear and easy to follow directed straight at the reader. Usually informal in music magazines and sometimes using slang words (that may be appropriate to your genre of music) and swear words etc..Try the pyramid structure!Text Grabs (quotes from the article made bigger that break up the columns) are typical , again to make the reader read the article - they are usually controversial, funny or rude!

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53Magazine - Revenue and ProfitThe cover price of a magazine does not pay for the magazine to be published.The majority of the money that make the magazine possible comes from advertising revenue.Therefore your magazine has to appeal to its audience and sell well (have large circulation figures) to make profit.The magazine can then charge well for advertising space and encourage companies to advertise within the magazine.54Music Magazine Circulation Figures (ABC Feb 2009)

55Magazine Spreads Good and Bad Practices

Magazine spread Is two pages that are next to each other. Each spread works as one unit. It is not two pages separated but two pages that work together to create one unit.vital to look at these two pages as one single element Even if one of the pages is containing an ad or even if one story is ending on left page and another is starting on the right page (if possibleyou should avoid situations like these but sometimes they are unavoidable).Elements of the spread

Not all areas of the spread are equal. Some have more importance, some have less.

Choose a magazine and find which areas most important? Test.Pick a magazine from a newsstandWhat did you find?THE MOST VISIBLE PARTS OF A SPREAD ARE OUTERUPPER PARTSMake the most of them!You should place your best content on the outside parts of the spread. These are the areas that are most seen. This is the place to put most provocative images and words. Put the best stuffwhere it will be most visible and where it will make the best impact. Most valuable areas of page spread are top left and top right parts, because when you skim through the magazine these are the areas where you look the most..Readers eye direction

When influencing on the reader your design should have meaning.

Where do readers eyes go first?

Bad example of placing headline and intro text. It is not a natural way of skimming through the story.

I have seen this in so many examples, but try to avoid it. It is not good design if the reader has to search through the page to find most important thing (if there is no image on the page), and thats the headline. It is even worse if you put the headline at the bottom and you put the beginning of the story on top of it.In this case it is OK to place the headline at the bottom. Reader will have no problem following the story, besides, it would be awkward to place the headline on top of the models head.

Bad or Good? Why?

Better!!!!This is good example of text flow. Text and images have their own place and importance. Flow is natural and reader will have no problem following it.

When placing big blocks of text, try not to break them up. You should not throw elements on a page just for the sake of throwing them around. Let it have a meaning. A flow. If you put barriers on the page, reader will have hard time following the flow of the story. Keep the flow of the text columns tidy and even.Things should be simple, and you should simplify the design by aligning the columns at the top and placing images above them. In this way reader will have no problem to follow the text part of the story.

Annotations of Contents Pages and Double Page Spreads Alice Williams 69

Words and Language The heading This week shows that the frequency of the magazine is weekly, this reminds the reader that it goes on sale every week, and therefore are more persuaded to buy it. In the contents page, they state only the artists name, using less text on this type of magazine appeals more strongly to their target audience. The language aims to engage the reader, as by using direct words, like your and youve, creates a personal feel to the magazine and involves the reader, giving the reader a sense of involvement which can attract the target audience. Personal touches can also be shown throughout the contents page, as after the editorial letter the editor signs it which adds a personal feel to the magazine; this is also a convention of all magazines. Also as anchoring the images, there is use of one word to describe the image. For example, superstar scary, this shows that the minimal use of text is very effective and targets their audience well.

Images and Colours The main image is used because it can imply the picture is the feature article and therefore the magazine wants to show it off, so the audience knows about it and then they will read it. The type of image used is a long shot. This shows the dress of the artist and has connotations of rock; this further highlights the target audience of rock and an interest in live music. The smaller images used is to make the contents page look more exciting and interesting, which appeals more to Kerrang!s target audience.

Kerrang Contents Page 70

The LayoutThe contents page for Kerrang! is very organised. This is a convention into their layout of their contents page. With this contents page the page is divided up into three main sections. There is the main image that dominates the whole page, which attracts the target audience and lures them to the picture leading to the text or the article. The second part of the contents page is the text strip, along the right hand side of the page. The text is in small font to show that it isnt that important and it doesnt want to grab the readers attention, it just informs the reader. Also, the third part of the contents page is the strip along the top of the page. It includes images and the editorial. The use of this is to break the contents page up further and to make it seem exciting, as a lot is going on. The heading of the contents is placed at the top. This brings the attention to the reader, and shows that its a contents page. Also some of the tops of the letters have been cut off, this connotes to a care-free life style and rebellion, and this highlights the target audience of Kerrang! which is of a younger audience.

71Q Contents Page

The layoutThe layout of this contents page has been split between two sections. The section on the left hand side is the text. The two way split between the text and images creates for a more organised approach to the contents page. Contents pages tend to be organised, so the reader knows where to find things in the magazine. Also, by using this organised approach for Q, hints at their ideology and their target audience which is for mature adults.

The heading is placed in the middle of the page at the top, shows dominance within the magazine and shows they have power and are powerful. The layering of the heading shows the reader that it is Q they are reading and is an effective style to use. ImagesThe images used are layered over each other, I think this is a very effective style to use on the contents page and I will consider using layering in my own contents page. The main image dominates the page, but using an extreme long shot, also grabs the reader, by wanting to know more, as the picture doesnt give a lot away. The contents page, also shows an inset picture of the magazine front cover and informs the reader where things are on the cover for a quick way to find them. Words and Language Using the artists names , shows how powerful the magazine is, by knowing artist and also shows it to be more personal towards the reader. A small caption on the image, anchors it as well, but also shows the target audience and informs the reader on what is going on. Also, the caption is much more detailed than Kerrang!, as it was just a word. This shows to me that their target audience is different. As with Kerrang! they have targeted a younger audience, with using minimal words, and as with Q, using more words shows how they target an older audience. 72Kerrang! Double Page Spread

The image used, dominates the pages with it being positioned on the left hand side. The artist is using direct mode of address, this grabs the reader in, this also creates a personal effect to the reader. The provocative pose of the artist attracts the target audience of male, the use of using a woman artist is to create sex appeal. The image is iconic, this reinforces the start quality within her and shows to the reader that she is important and shes like a superstar. The image has also been soft focused and photos hoped. The soft focus creates a softer mood towards the whole composition of the article.The use of Photoshop makes the artist look perfect and further suggests that she has star quality. It also suggests her of sex appeal and how Kerrang! targets their audience. The rustic background used contrasts with the artist and could connote that the artist has just come from a music gig, and is backstage.

The illuminated T is in bold, layered and in pink. This is a convention used throughout music magazines. The pink is occurring motif throughout the article, as pink connotes to femininity, which links in with the headline used. This type of article is an article with description and detail. This means that it has been heavily edited and has used a lot of bias. The writers also use catchy and sensational language to grab the reader in. They also use exclamations to keep the article interesting and keeps the reader grabbed. They also use the artists name to set out like the reader knows the artist personally. 73Q Double Page Spread

The image used is place on the right hand side and takes up half of the article space. The image dominates the page and shows how the artist is important and powerful, so the attention should be on him. The outfit of the artist, reflects onto peoples image of him. The artist is using direct mode of address, this connects to the reader and is showing that he is involved with the reader and conversation of the article. This article only includes one image, this is usual for an interview type article, as they usually only have a posed image of the artist getting interviewed, so the reader only focuses on the actually artist. The magazine has used the artists full name to establish the authority and how powerful the artist is in the music industry. The headline of the article, is a round, this has a double meaning, first of questions and second of a drink round, this links into the image of the artist, with him holding a drink. This creates the article personal towards the reader and makes the reader feel like they know them and this can appeal to the audience. The article is set out as an interview. The typography of the questions is in darker colour and is bold. This organises it well and separates it with the artists answers. The pull quote draws the reader in with the powerful simile and the big and bold typography. 74