05 PLANNING PRODUCTION

STATEMENT OF INTENT

How do you intend to use the four areas of the media theoretical framework to communicate meaning and meet the requirements of your chosen brief? 

My chosen brief is to produce the front covers and contents pages for the first two editions of a new music magazine, along with a working website, targeted at 16–25 year olds. I will meet the requirements of my chosen brief through using media language, representation, industry and audience knowledge to communicate meaning and create a cohesive final product.

I will use media language to clearly convey the pop genre and appeal to a youthful, trend-aware audience. The magazine cover will include a central image to attract attention, and the first double-page spread will feature an exclusive interview or behind-the-scenes section with a selected artist, supported by stylistic elements typical of pop publications. My audience is passionate about pop music and emerging artists. The magazine will reflect their lifestyle, interests, and digital habits. The primary focus on pop music will increase the potential to appeal to a wider range of audience interests as it is a broad genre. The magazine’s tone, branding, and approach will be consistent across both print and digital platforms, solidifying is as a cohesive media brand that resonates with its audience.

My magazine will showcase diversity by representing a range of up-and-coming pop artists, reflecting the inclusive nature of today’s music industry. The featured artist will be portrayed as ambitious, authentic, and relatable, aligning with the magazine’s theme of discovering new talent. The magazine’s approach will feel inclusive and familiar, appealing to the diverse interests of my audience. I will create a modern, independent publication with a strong digital presence.

The website will maintain visual consistency with the magazine through shared fonts, colours, and branding. Integrating a conversational tone and familiar language references, will ensure the style resonates with the target audience, making it more relatable and engaging. The website will reflect their lifestyle, interests, and digital habits. The website will support the magazine by offering additional content, including social media integration, previews of upcoming editions, and video clips. Through images and language, I will create positive, aspirational portrayals that resonate with the target audience. 

How do you intend to link your media products to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the digitally convergent nature of your media production?

Working links (e.g. “preview here”) will allow readers to engage with sample content before purchasing or subscribing, creating an interactive experience that converges the website with the physical product. This convergent approach will enhance audience engagement, helping to build brand identity and reach wider audiences. The website will feature interactive elements such as music previews, a "Share Your Thoughts" button and comment sections to encourage audience engagement and feedback, allowing readers to be featured in the magazine, further converging the website with the magazine. A "Pre-order" button will further integrate digital and print products, encouraging interaction and enhancing convergence.

To keep audiences engaged and informed, the website will promote the latest and upcoming issues, exclusive content, and pre-order opportunities. The promotion of these features will keep current and potential subscribers informed and engaged. The magazine will promote the site through web addresses and teaser content, while the website will showcase images and features from the print product. Social media links and a subscription option will further promote engagement and audience growth. Shared branding and a consistent tone across both platforms will help establish the brand as a cohesive media product, operating seamlessly within a convergent media environment.

COMPLETED WEBSITE

main page:

https://aleksandragronus.wixsite.com/risingstars

second page:

https://aleksandragronus.wixsite.com/risingstars/reissues

additional working page:

https://aleksandragronus.wixsite.com/risingstars/reviews

MOCK UP WEBSITE

RESEARCH WEBSITE - CODES AND CONVENTIONS

https://www.rollingstone.com/

RESEARCH PRODUCTION - CODES AND CONVENTIONS

 

COURSEWORK BRIEF

Brief 3: Magazines and online

Requirements of the brief

You work for an independent media production company. You have been given the task of producing the front cover and contents page(s) of the first two editions of a new music magazine that is being launched by an independent publisher and two pages for the working website for the magazine.

Contents pages can be either single or double page spread.

The web pages must promote the new magazine to its target audience and enable fans to interact with the content.

Summary of brief requirements:

• Statement of Intent (approx. 500 words).1

• Music magazine covers and contents pages: Two or three pages for each of the first two

  editions (based on choice of single or double page spread).

• Magazine distribution method: Content must be suitable for retail distribution.

• Number of web pages: One homepage and one linked page.

• Cross media production target audience: A primarily 16–25 year old middle market audience that likes to be entertained.

  There must be a clear sense of branding across the two elements of the cross-media production. 

  Production detail that must be included

  The production of the magazine covers and contents pages must include (as a minimum):

• At least four different main images using original photography across the magazine covers and contents pages.

• Editing of magazine covers and contents pages (including photos, text, graphics, typography and layout).

• Written text including elements such as the masthead, main coverline, selling lines, headlines, captions, subtitles and copy.

• Barcode, date, edition and price information on each front cover.

• A different use of mise-en-scène for each cover.

• At least two models representing at least two different social groups (e.g. as defined by age, gender, race and ethnicity, sexuality).

• A call to action pointing readers to the online website.

  The production of the web pages must include (as a minimum):

  • Original audio or audio-visual content appropriate to the online website.

  • Use of original images. Each webpage must include at least one image that is different to those used on the other webpage and those produced for the magazine.

  • Appropriate conventions of website design, including an original title and logo and a menu bar.

  • Text introducing the main features of the magazine.

  • Working links from the home page to the other page.

  • A range of appropriate media language techniques (typography, images, fonts, backgrounds, logos, etc.) as appropriate to the purpose of the website.