A2 Media

Preliminary Task

As a start to the A2 course of media studies, which focuses on the use of film and camera throughout the year, I have been planning to film a short film consisting of two characters. In the build up to this we have been working on the pre-production stage which involves creating and writing a script and transferring the script to a suitable story board. Once this has been completed, we will produce the film and later edit it on 'Premier' in the post-production stages.

Some of the scenario's groups have chosen to film between two characters include
an interegation
an arguement
a conversation between a mother and daughter
a teacher and student meeting

AS Media Coursework - Evaluation

Here I have produced a presentation slide through powerpoint explaining my decisions and choices of my final media product, a music magazine. I have included a detailed analysis of each page and why codes and conventions have been successful in making my magazine realistic as well as how each production choice has led me to promote my media product to a specialised audience.

As media coursework evaluation

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Coursework - Music Magazine Pages

The task of my coursework was to research, understand and produce three pages that will be part of a music magazine; a front cover, a contents page and a double page spread. Through research I was able to include the main conventions of magazines, e.g. barcode and date, to add a realistic sense to my magazine. However I have also taken ideas from research and added my own creative effect to produce something different. Research about the music industry and decreasing sales of magazines has lead me to create a free magazine with online access for a digital version. Below are the three images of my front cover page, my contents page and my double page spread. 

Changed Front Cover

After continuing work on my music magazine with composing the elements of a double page spread, I found that it was less likely to find the cover model different from the model inside the double page spread - the main exclusive interview of the magazine. Therefore with further skills and knowledge I adpated my front cover image to suit the image within the double page spread. Like other magazine companies, the process for producing a final product goes through various stages and therefore I think it is good that I have had the opportunity to realise faults and change them.

This image here is an example of my original front cover of my music magazine. All the conventions of a normal magazine have been included, i.e. barcode, title, price and date. I really like the overall presentation of this front cover as it suits my audience well and creates a sophisticated look with an insight that will draw the reader in, "I always kiss and tell". I think the image is strong and connects well with the fashion world. However the model in this image is not the model I have selected for my double page spread and so in order to adapt my magazine I altered the image of the model, as shown below. 

The image here, image number two, is my final music magazine front cover. I have kept most of the conventions, the barcode, title, and date but due to research into the falling prices and industry of music magazines, I have altered my price to make the magazine free, hopefully encouraging those who take an interest in music to carry on with that passion. The image, of course, is the main reason for creating a second front cover and here I have created something that will hopefully appeal to a younger audience, my age demographic being around 23/24 years of age. I have also changed the name of the model on the front cover to suit with the double page spread, naming her "Char" instead of "Tallica May". Lastly, in order to keep up to date with the growing market and demand for digital sales in the music industry and music magazine industry, I have included a website address within my front cover, as well as my double page spread, in order to attract the social demographic to reading my magazine online, "www.outspokenonline.co.uk"   I believe this magazine front cover works equally as well as the first as most of the conventions have been kept the same, but my knowledge into creating something that is suitable for its audience and the style to be kept the same has improved.

Coursework - Double Page Spread

As I have now successfully produced a front cover and contents page for my very own music magazine, I was then able to create a double page spread featuring a given artist of music to go alongside the previous two. The image presented above is of my final double page spread. From research I was able to understand that most double page spreads include half the page filled with an image and the other half is primarily used for the text, or in this case the interview, therefore I have incorporated this into my own double page spread using the 'dodge' tool in photoshop to lighten the right hand side of the photo in order for it to easily blend with the contrasting white side of the paper where the text is placed. Amongst this I increased the brightness and created a higher contrast to create a more professional image but keeping it simplistic. I have included the main conventions of a double page spread, including page number, title, introduction and examples in text, such as having the interview questions in 'bold' and the response in 'regular' text graphics. I have also included a website address at the bottom of the page for those more socially interactive readers and to ensure my magazine is keeping up to date with changing switch from paper to digital production. The colour scheme of this page is kept similar to the other created pages, sticking to pinks, in particular on this page, pastel colours; pinks and blue, which also bodes well with the contents page and front cover, which as an overall effect allows a clear understanding of the audience of women rather than men. The title, 'Char and her guitar' was created with through the use of online programme DaFont to create contrasting effects of text which again relate to the contents page and front cover, varying from serif fonts to sans serif fonts. From research on double page spreads I have chosen to include a large pastel colour 'C' on the background of the page, standing for 'Char' to break up the text and make it more appealing to the reader. This idea was taken from an extract of Lady Gaga in Q magazine which featured a large 'L' on the page, therefore my magazine is easily representable to the ones presented in my research. Overall I think my double page spread has worked successfully well and bodes well with both my contents page and front cover page.

Coursework - Double Page Spread

This is a third example of a double page spread in a magazine. Like many other double page spreads, this has a distinct layout in the sense that it focuses on placing the image on one side of the page and the text on the other. The image here is in black and white which sets an old school tone to it. The main feature of this double page spread is the red 'L' standing for Lady Gaga. This is a feature I particularly like and will therefore incorporate it into my own double page spread. The font size is very small and therefore hard to read and almost daunting for the reader. Another convention is the use of coloumns within the page to seperate the text and to bode well with other music and typical magazines.

Coursework - Double Page Spread

The magazine headline on this double page spread is written in bold to make it stand out, not only is it purposefully composed like that but it is set to be positioned on a slant in order to create an effect that isnt average or boring. The most successful feature about the headline on this page is that the writers have incorporated it within a quote from one of the band members, "We're being the best MCR we can be", this adds a catchy feel to the page wanting the reader to read on.

Amongst the title on the left hand side of the page the header, "world exclusive" suggests that this magazine interviews people artists and bands from around the world which helps with its unique selling point and allows for the reader to trust in the brand.

With magazine prices and sales failing this magazine has become up to date with including a web address to link readers to an online site, where more information can be provided. Placing it on the popular page of the magazine ensures more readers will see it thus upping the ratings online, which is esstential in this technology growing world.

This double page spread is consistant in presenting various images of the band to help the reader visualise and connect with the text they will be reading. Most of the images are representitive of the title of the piece "The best we can be" as it shows the band hard at work, adding to their growing list of fans.

Lastly in the top right hand corner is an informational box about the band, providing key facts, new song titles and tour dates for the reader. This is vital in showing the magazine takes an interest in the band to provide such background information, again allowing for the audience to trust in the brand.

I would say that this is a successful part of a double page spread, the colour scheme is consistant and they have shown a personal interest in representing a band of importance.

Coursework - Double Page Spread

This image is a clear example of a double page spread featuring a well known artist which inevitably adds to the selling point of this magazine.

The large image on the right hand side of the page is down to cut down text blocks and to fill up most of one page. The effect of this being that it immediately grabs the readers attention and the 'dressed down' look of the artist makes it appear more average and reader friendly. The colour of her outfit (red) also determines the specific colour scheme for the rest of the double page spread, for example some of the smaller words are written in red. Amongst this the plain background allows for all colours, pictures, and text type to stand out. It keeps the page simple and thus allowing the reader to focus on the title which in itself should make them want to read on, "people think i'm an attention seeker but i'm just honest".

The actual text is kept to a smallish font - perhaps a little offputting for those who don't find reading easy, but may have been the only option for the writer due to the fact that the image takes up one whole side of the complete double page spread. The writing is positioned in four seperate colomns which is representative of most magazines and newspapers. The enlarged letter "I" is suggestive of what the first sentence is going to begin with, another common feature in most or all magazines and newspapers. The subtitle text is used as a separation technique between the title and the main text, it involves a more detailed description of the title in order to boost the reader into wanting to read more.

The title for this text is in a large font, its primary purpose is therefore to attract the reader. It also takes up a wide space of the page in order for less text to be needed.

Overall this double page spread of a magazine is quite successful and holds a quirky but laid back and average feel to it. I would however look to adding more text in the double page spread and working towards making it varied in order for a more colourful and exciting effect.

Updated Magazine Front Cover

This image is an example of my updated music magazine front cover. With the previous research on the articles of the decreasing sales in music magazines I thought it would be best to show my understanding of the matter and portray it in my own music magazine. The only alteration I have made in this image of my front cover is that I have merely changed the price. Orginally standing at £2.00 for the issue of the magazine I have decided to make the option of changing the magazine to sell it free. This of course has been put in colour in a clear font and has more emphasis put upon it as I made it bold. Lowing the price, or dropping it completely in this instance shows my understanding of the demanding market for the world of music magazines. Making my magazine 'Free' allows for the audience to not feel the pressure of spending money in which they could easily access the information online if needs be. Inside this I will try to incorporate a 'puff' or notification box that makes the audience aware that there is a subscription avaliable online where they may have to pay but will be allowed more access and details to specific stories.

Decreasing Sales Of Music Magazines

Recent reports printed in the previous three weeks have shown a steady decline in the sales of many of Britain's popular music magazines (Q and Uncut). Reports from 'The Guardian' stated that sales of music magazines decreased in the second half of 2011, with 'Uncut' magazine losing most sales, with 'NME' showing a 14% decline in sales, dropping to just 27,650 sales. However on the more positive side, 'Mojo' still remains the best-selling paid for title in the music industry, although like others, losing some sales. Other reports from Ben Cardew have presented us with the information that "just nine years ago Britain had a thriving music press and music industry that was defying the worldwide trend for falling sales." This shows that decrease in sales is mainly due to the use of technology and certain music business coming up to speed on the use of online access. This digital access has grown singlally in the UK by 24.7% just in 2011. With regards to my coursework on producing a music magazine, I need to ensure that my knowledge on the music industry and its figures are apparent in my own work. This could be shown in several ideas, some being that I could add information on subscribing to an online channel to guide the readers to keep purchasing my magazine. I could also allow for easy access web links to be shown at the bottom of certain pages for 'more information' to be recieved online. This shows that I would be engaging with the reader and keeping involved the current transition of the music industry from paper to digital access.

Coursework - Final Contents Page

The image below is a JPEG file of my final contents page for my music magazine. I have been successful in creating and composing this contents page through the use of Photoshop and have been able to present a piece of near professional standard due to my previous research.

Thus the image above is the complete presentation of my final contents. In contrast with my previous contents page research I found that the use of text boxes to divide up the page is a common feature and one that I was particularly drawn to. As a starting point, I divided my portrait page into half with the image positioned at the bottom and all the text in one large chunk at the top of the page. Through assisting help I was offered the advice that as an overall view it didn't look like a professional contents page. Therefore I re-read my research and began the idea of dividing my page in separate sections. I believe the image is still the main feature on this page, but as noted, it is not an image of the band that are going to be featured in the double page spread. I believe this opens the readers eye into seeing that this magazine is about varied and worldwide music and not just the focus on one band/artist per issue. The image itself was placed into photoshop where I was able to alter the brightness and contrast to achieve a 'studio shot' looking image, which I believe bodes well with the image on the front cover. 

The editor's box is simply a small message which the reader can read in order to boost their knowledge on what to expect within the magazine, "you can sample Jack Hall's new album, and no ladies this one isn't for the bin" really address the audience and the use of personal pronouns really engages the reader. I found that this was also a common feature in the composition of contents pages.

My contents page also offers "357 reasons to update your music" which is an exciting feature headlining next to the heading of "contents" which allows for the audience to realise that this is something largely important.

Research has shown me and built upon my knowledge that many contents pages do not header their page "contents" however some do. I decided to include this in my page for the main reason that without it may not be clearly something to pick up on that it is a contents page. This therefore could be noted within my skills on improving realted pages. 

Overall I am pleased with the consistant outcome of both my magazine front cover page and contents page. I see that the colour designs, and presentation styles of both pages bode well together and therefore I can be satisfied with the concluding result. 

Coursework - Contents Page Analysis

In a second analysis of content's pages I have specifically picked out this image from 'Q' magazine as the image really attracted my attention. From this and background knowledge on 'Q' magazine I am aware that the contents page fits well with the overall scheme of the magazine, therefore I will need to incorporate this idea within my own magazine.

I really like the style of this contents page. The block sets of text are an idea I would like to use within my final contents page although the lack of colour on this image suggests I should add more, but stick to a particular colour scheme.

The main or central image of the band engulfs most of the page which suggests they are a cover or feature story within the magazine, which inevitably attracts the reading into reading the article.

The articles and features of the magazine are laid out well and therefore easy to locate and the numbers are highlighted in red which suits and connects well to the overall colour scheme.

Coursework - Contents Page Analysis

After completing my front cover for my music magazine the next stage in the coursework process was to begin looking at and studying contents page's of magazine's, in particular music magazines. The image I have selected on the left, I believe, is a good example of a contents page. The reasons for selecting this image would be because the title "Contents" is displayed in a varied way, yet one that is still easy and clear to read. The use of colour blends well together and the overall silver colour scheme really gives the page an edgy look which leads to an increased interest from the reader.

I also like this contents page due to the simplicity of it, the text layout and text type is kept to a minimum, which may decrease the interest of the reader but on the other hand is less off putting than a large chunk of text.

The image, of course, is eye catching and sets of a 'glamourous' tone to the overall page. I believe having a stricking image will allow for the reader to be less threatened, as such, and want them to read on to the rest of the magazine.

Just by analysing this contents page, It would be a good example to lead from, however previous research has taught me that in order to get a full understanding of magazines it is important to analysis various aspects of certain pages including different styles, such as rock to indie. However I really am drawn to this style and may find myself returning to it in the future when it comes to planning and producing my magazine contents page.

Coursework - Front Cover Analysis

The image above is an example of my finished front cover for my music magazine. 

It is clear to say that the front cover image has been altered to a professional standard and the image is not pixilated in any way. The overall look of the front page appears professional and sophisticated with boxes (puffs) to make certain information stand out and the "20 page special" to really attract the readers eye.  All aspects of my magazine have been used and taken from inspiration from magazines such as "Billboard", where my central image idea was taken from yet altered to create my own style. The use of colour within the front page is kept to a minimal amount which allows those items in colour to really stand out, such as the puff which reads "Confessions of a rising star". Through previous research I knew this would be a successful factor to have on a magazine front cover, too much colour would overcrowd and dominate the central image and more important information / news wouldn't stand out as clearly. As well adding my own factors to my magazine front cover, it was essential to make it look realistic therefore all the obvious features had to be added as well. These were features such as the price of the magazine, the date and the barcode. The masthead of my magazine is called "Outspoken" and I have chosen this for the reason that it is a music magazine and it makes the magazine sound dominant, as if it would 'out-talk' everyone. Again a lot of this is explained within my media pack. Including key names in the music industry within my magazine, such as "Adele, Madonna, Sheryl Crow and Stevie Nicks" really sets the tone for the magazine and highlights my aim to focus on a laid back but sophisticated audience of music lovers. Overall all the features of my front cover have been carefully planned and with the help of my flatplan I was able to produce a magazine front cover in which I was happy to present. 

However, if I had the chance to do this task again I would focus on putting the title of the magazine, "Outspoken" behind the central image as this is what is common for most magazines. I also would try a different effect, prehaps going for a rock magazine or a more specific indie magazine, but I am happy with the work I have produced and I think it works successfully.

Coursework - Image For Front Cover

After completing a successful photoshoot I was able to choose my deciding image to be placed on my front cover of my music magazine. I chose this image for several reasons. My previous research has suggested that all magazine images show direct eye contact, therefore this image shows this and is suitable to use on my front cover.

I also like the pose shown in the image as it is simple and represents that of previous magazines I have researched, particulary the one featuring Adele.

Using this image creates a slight sophisticated effect, a theme I would like to continue to use throughout my magazine. Although the hair hanging down on the right hand side loosens up this effect. Alongside this the plain background allows for all the typography, masthead and puffs to be added to my final front cover. Having the simple 'pose' or postition of the model allows for more interesting and varied images to be added within the contents and double page spread of my magazine.

Overall the use of photoshop has allowed me to alter and change the contrast / brightness of my image in order for it to be presented with a professional standard, and this will be seen within the evaluation of my final front cover piece.