Contents Page Deconstruction 2

The Masthead text is 'NME' followed by 'contents' showing that instantly the audience know what page this is, also the colour of NME is bright red on a black background these two colours contrasting very well, as it forces the NME to stand out. Secondly contents is a bold white font which correlates well with the black background. 

On the right hand side there are other additional headings that stand out the headings are in bold white text with black backgrounds, with a slight piece of additional text/information regarding the heading title. Example being the 'LIVE!' heading as this has additional texted that is relating to bands and gigs that are soon or have recently just happened. The main image is a photograph of 'Alex Turner' he is the lead singer in the band Arctic monkeys. This could connote that people who are big fans of the band or a fan of  Alex Turner would most probably be interested in purchasing the magazine. As Alex Turner is in the foreground of the image this would connote that he is seen to be as the most important person in the band from the audiences perspective making the magazine sell better.
The bottom right hand corner advertises the magazine and the starting prices, this is semi-eye catching due to the colour scheme that is used with it being a red background with white text in the foreground. The author is clever with this as he uses his own magazine to advertise it, using a very small but effective text taking up a very small area of the page.

The colour scheme text is preferably black however it varies, the background is white which contrasts well with other colours. A brief paragraph explaining news that concerns the arctic monkeys, this connotes that the audience would read this small passage quickly whether it is negative or positive as they wish to know the news regarding the band as soon as possible. Often this little passage of text can be rumours or made up content. Also i has a rhetorical question that big fans would straight away answer with a yes, 'How excited should we be about them'.

Media Codes And Conventions Of A Double Page Spread.

Double Page Spread Codes And Conventions

Regularly used codes and conventions with double page spreads.

A Large Image- image used as a source of direct address, which is supposed to entice the target audience, usually a celebrity is used as the image for eye catching, Giving the audience encouragement to buy the magazine and enjoy it.

A Quote- Usually a quote that has been said by the person or people that are presented in the large image used. Text will be used to break up the image and the the quote however in some magazines quotes overlap the image, Quotes usually used are powerful and gripping to the reader, sometimes often controversial or opinionated.

Names- Often a large bold font is used someone of the page which tells the audience who the character or model in the image is.

Brief introduction- Often a short paragraph that introduces the double page spread and who the key person or theme it involves.

The Text- text that is sized 11 pt. and is usually a default font like Ariel or times. Text usually consists of three to four columns, making it seem tidy and structured well, also text is use with magazine titles names and dates throughout the pages.

Other Images- The main image (large image) is usually positioned on the left hand side of the double page spread however its not uncommon for the author to disobey this rule. Most other images are placed on the separate page of the text or the text use is placed around the images used.

Colour Scheme- The majority of the time a double page spread follows the same colour contrasts as the rest of the magazine, simple colour schemes are preferably a better option because then reader or audience isn't focusing on the colours as they should be focusing on the text and images.

Contents Page Deconstruction

Contents Page Deconstruction.

The masthead of this magazine is called 'Q' The Q magazine Magazine logo stands out and is eye catching because of the colour contrast that 'Q' use this being red background with a large white 'Q' also with it being at the top left of the page forces it to stand out. Toward the left there are different categories for the magazine which includes a large variety and would therefore have an impact on a larger target audience. These are used to help the audience detect which piece of the magazine they wish to view.
This is a simple style and format of contents page which makes its easier for the reader to understand where things are and give the idea of whats happening. The large image used is an image of Dave Grohl who is also holding his musical instrument (guitar), he is the lead singer and main attraction of the band 'The Foo Fighters' this would create an impact on any reader if they are a large fan of the band or of Dave Grohl himself or who enjoy there music. Overall the colour scheme is very simple but effective as there isn't too much going on which causes less confusion and an easier understanding of whats actually happening on the page. Also with the background being very plain this actually creates a big impact as everything is therefore read able, keeping the reader focused on everything else such as the images and other categories.

Due there being other names of bands and artists along the left hand side this gives a wider range of different genres for audience and what the audience will find in the magazine. There is a small image of the front over in the top right hand side of the contents page this is to show possible similarities between the two.

Second Music Magazine Analysis

My second magazine I have chosen to deconstruct is created by a different organisation and institution as opposed to my first deconstruction. It is created by the brand 'Q' who are a company who specify their products in the united kingdom, however sometimes there products are sold to Americans and can be sold worldwide.
The first thing  the audience will witness is the large image used is a photograph of 'Ed Sheeran' who many people look up to as their favourite pop artist, due to the many amount of number one hits that he has succeeded in. This therefor having a large impact on who the target audience is, in this case the target audience would be a wide variety, ranging from young teenagers to adults (ages 13-40) of both genders however additionally more so to female viewers as they tend to idolise Ed Sheeran.
The masthead for these magazines are the large 'Q' with an additionally quote in this case the quite being 'The stories of the year' which is written in a large font, nearing the top of the page in a bold, using standard 'Arial' font type, The masthead is behind the main image however is still visible as easily readable/understandable this was put in place because the model is looking in the direction of the title which could have an impact in where the audience second guesses where they view next. The background of the large 'Q' is bright red which contrasts well with the white 'Q' this could perhaps give the brand a larger audience as this is eye catching and would make them a more well known brand.
Standard colour contrasts occurs, meaning that not too many colours are involved however this is a positive factor as lots of black and white occurs which creates standout and eye catching pieces on the cover when the red block writing appears, as red contrasts well with a white or black background/foreground.
Listed toward the right hand side in bold white text, are the names and a brief piece of luring information of other musical artists who may be included in the rest of the magazine. However only the names of the artists appear bold as that is the most important factor, leaving room for numerous other options for the author to include. The reason that this would occur is because even with small adjustments such as this, it would connote that the reader could purchase this magazine because they have seen that information on one of the additional artists in this case: Wilko johnson, Pink floyd, Casabian,  or Culture club, this would therefore give a wider range of ages as some of the artists are older as is their targeted audience.
The image of 'Ed Sheeran' shows that he is dressed casually but in a smart manner and that he is latching or grappling ahold of his guitar, this connoting that he may feel that the guitar is a requirement for him to produce his work, as he is passionate about it.

Overall i would say that this magazine is very successful, and it could appeal to people of most ages and toward both genders, also with it being branded and created by the institution 'Q' would have an impact as they release a new musical magazine each month, some people would buy it for that reason alone because its something that they do regularly or at least every month.

Music Magazine Analysis

NME is the magazine I will deconstruct. Firstly it stars Rihanna as the cover image because she is a famous musical artist, this being the reason why i chose this magazine in particular. Also it fits to the genre of the magazine I am going to do. Furthermore NME is a popular music magazine that is published in the UK and has a high seller of the magazine.

The magazine has a pop singer that is focusing and looking directly toward camera. It is a medium shot, showing her head, arms and waist. It looks like she is standing up but this is something i am unsure of as we can not see her legs. The image/picture of 'Rihanna' covers the entirety of the magazine. On top of the image of the magazine there is the the masthead which in text says NME which is in-front her head, at the direct top of the page. Nearing her shoulder, there is a cover-line in black bold font. The image of Rihanna's name is in the mid centre of the magazine and is created using a bright pink font. As a bar-code is used in the bottom right this shows that the magazine is professional and would be used for legitimate sales.

NME’s masthead is very feminine and attractive, the bright pink outlines that the image is a pop singer. The font used is a ‘arial’ and is a bold text. The letters NME represent ‘New Musical Express’ which show non- conformity and comes from a musical background (American/British culture).

NME  has a wide range of genre/music styles so we could associate it with NME New Musical Express, as NME have previously used other genres such as rock. NME is clearly showing that it is aimed for all different types of music genres.

The lighting looks high key, and is used to make her facial expressions more clear. Creating an impact on the target audience. There is no setting as it just consists of white screen so probably the photograph was taken in a studio. This connotes a bigger image for the audience, as there is no background to focus on, and 'Rihanna' is the main centre of attention.

The tag line relates to ‘Rihanna’ with the quote being ‘the state of music today’ this is making a reference to ‘Rihanna’ and the other singers that are going to be in the rest of the magazine. Also the colors of the tagline are once again in bright pink  to emphasise that it is the key tagline on the front cover.

The cover image is a well known American singer ‘Rihanna’ who is a pop/r&b artist which has a big influence on the targeted audience.

Composition: Her pose is very feminine as she is leaning on her hips which could connote that she wants attention or she is attractive. Also her clothing is modern and it looks like she has her own style. This would also perhaps play a part in influencing males to buy this magazine (the male gaze is targeted). Her clothing is modern with a black different style top with blue shorts, which this could associate with her style of music.

lastly the target audience is quite clear as it is aimed at teenagers /adults age between 14-25. Male and female however I believe more toward the female view. And just people into pop/r&b music in general for this front cover magazine because the singer ‘Rihanna’ is a pop singer.

Overall i believe that this magazine cover is successful as key conventions are used and it is perfect for the desired target audience. With it having correct text's, photography and colour scheme.

Music Genres

Music Genres

The different types of music genres are differentiated between two categories, this being Indie music and mainstream.

Indie Category: Produced independently (no institution or a very small one) isn't advertised as much as mainstream and is followed less by the public in general, less popular of the two.

Mainstream Category: Usually considered the more popular styles of music, most music often originates form mainstream musics. include large institutions and also bands/groups.

Some examples of genres of which are included in the indie category.

• Electronic- Employs electrical musical instruments
• Punk- Is a rock music genre that developed and is slightly more improvised /varied.
  Trap- A different type of rap involving mostly southern rappers.
• Country- It is a mixture of ballads and dance tunes played with acoustic instruments.
• Glitch hop style- A mixture of hip hop and electronic music.
• Reggae- Originated in Jamaica, combining elements of calypso and rhythm and blues consists of a strongly accentuated offbeat. 
• Grime- Is considered as London rap, however in later days its reaching its peak and could be considered in the mainstream category.

Some examples of genres of which are included in the Mainstream category.

• Rock- a form of popular music which evolved from rock and roll and pop. 
• Grime- Again grime could be considered to be in both types of music styles (definition above).
• Pop- The most popular commercial music.
• Rap- Consists of a recurring beat patterned in the background and counterpoint for rapid, slangy, and often boastful rhyming lyrics. 
• R&B- Also known as rhythm and blues.

Typical audience examples:

• Rock- 16-30 years old, mixed genders, spiky hair middle class.
• Grime- 14-25 years old, male, chavs, black ethnicity, lower/middle class.
• Pop- 5 years plus, mainly females, mainstream, white. all social classes.
• Rap- 14-30, mainly males, free style, lower/middle class.
• R&b- 13-25 years, mixed genders, all classes, specifically middle class.

Sub genres are smaller genres that are attached to the larger main genres

Genres and sub-genre:

Example one: Electronic music
Sub genre- House music, glitch hip hop.

Example two: Rap
Sub genre- Grime, Trap.

My front cover.

SIxth form magazine cover...

Contents Page Draft.

Contents page draft

As you can see this is a draft of my contents page, I used key forms and conventions which are needed to create a good magazine contents page, as well as using the same style of format is I did for my front cover. My masthead is positioned in a similar place to my front covers masthead this is to provide familiarisation to the audiences regarding my magazine. As shown a Ryde academy logo will be shown in the top right hand corner to use this an excuse to show of the sixth form.

Front Cover Draft

This draft is an estimate and a guideline to my finished magazine cover will look, as you can see the cover will consist of a regular magazine covers format, so that I don't take any risks and that it will appear to my desired target audience. My mast head will appear at the top of the page, with a large font to provide attention and  furthermore direct them to see the image used as this is a crucial part of the cover. The goal I want to achieve with the front cover is that sixth form is an enjoyable and well worth opportunity and if choice is given to the student then I would defiantly apply, as it would teach and help people to achieve A-levels and qualification in some of the many courses that are available. I hope that my cover gives the message to students about their futures and that sixth form could be the best possible outcome for them to achieve.

Photo's And Explanation.

 Photographs.

Preliminary Photograph 

This was the first picture i took, it is a standard mid shot that consists of a happy model, because he is happy this shows that he is enjoying the direct of his future and that sixth form.With him looking into the camera this builds a connection with the audience, as seen the background is the sixth form building which is relevant. He is also wearing his lanyard which represents the sixth form.

Secondary Photograph

I chose this picture as my second because as shown the model is focusing on his task that was set, with a smile on his face showing the enjoyment of him completing the task for the course he wanted to participate in. Although there isn't much interaction with the audience in this photo I chose to use this for my cover as he is happy and enjoying the work he is completing.

Tertiary Photograph

Finally the last picture I chose is extremely similar to photograph number one. However the location of where the mid shot was taken is completely irrelevant, in addition to this the lighten is incredibly poor. Which could make it difficult to edit and create the front cover from. Due to it sharing similarities with the first photo as he is looking into the camera, smiling and looking smart.

Key Terms and Phrases
Media consumption- The sum of information and entertainment media taken in.
Audience behaviour- How audience acts.
Media ownership- Who owns and controls the media product.
Technologies- Application of scientific knowledge.
Audiences- Spectators or listeners at events
National-In our country.
Local- Close environment.
National audience- Spectators throughout the country.
Local audience- nearby audience.
Institution- organisation founded to provide entertainment in media.
International- existing, occurring or carried between nations.
Global-Worldwide
International institution- an organisation that was formed in two or more countries.
Global institution-A worldwide organisation, founded for specific reasons.
Hardware-tools,machinery and other durable equipment.
Content- Producing a peace of work or satisfaction.
Convergence- the process or state of merging together.
Cross media convergence- when two or more forms of media merge and become one.
Technological convergence- different types of technology merging and becoming one.
Synergy-the interaction or cooperation of two or more organisations.
Proliferation- a document created regarding yourself .
Issue- An important topic or problem for debate or discussion.

Media Definitions And Key Terms

Key media Terms

Props- A portable object used in a play or movie scenes.
SFX- An illusion created using props, camera work or has been computer generated during post production. Also known as special effect.
Sound types:
          Diegetic - Diegetic sound is any natural occurring sound, can be included either on or off screen. 

          Non Diegetic - Non Diegetic is when the source of the sound is not presented, often implemented during the post production process.

Shot cuts

Straight cut- a typical film transition used, created as a piece of post-production of video or film editing, used when combining multiple shots.

Jump shot- a straight forward transition to a different scene. 

Media Film Key Words.
Media language-  Language used by audio-visual,print and ICT - based media to produce meaning

Institution- they produce media texts for consumption  they will be seen as consciousness industries shaping our perceptions of ourselves everything around us.

Genre- Genre is the classification of any media text into a category or type example of this being the news, or TV soap opera.

Representation- The relationship between people, places, events, ideas, values and beliefs and their representation in the media and the issues and debates arising from this dynamic relationships

Audience- The people that are supposed to see and buy the product.

Ideology- The attitudes, beliefs and values held in common by groups of people and culturally produced within the community to sustain a particular way to life.

Narrative- The narrative is the way events are out together to be presented to an audience. The narrative allows use to explore how plots and story lines are put together, as well as how characters are integrated to how the narrative is executed.

Student Magazine Cover Analysis

During this piece of writing i was asked to construct analysis on two student college/sixth form magazine covers. This will include the connotation and denotation of the background, fonts, colour, text sizes and character views.

In view magazine

(Step up to Sixth Form)
Primarily i can see that the stand out white text reads the title 'In View' with the tag line of 'step up to sixth form' this is in bold and stands out because it has correct colour contrasting with the background. This connotes that the author of the cover is doing the correct thing and making their products title stand out. Both staring towards the camera to be seen as professional, as well as smiling to make a good impression to show the audience how enjoyable sixth form is.

The background is green which is a professional choice of colour to choose because it presents a powerful foreground (the two students), and makes them stand out as a bigger figure. With the background being quite dull and boring it makes the reader focus less on the background and look at what is actually happening in detail rather then behind the characters.
The bottom of the cover includes a catchy slogan, which means that it can stay in your head for future references.

In conclusion to this, the magazine cover is well presented for its dedicated target audience, as there is a variety of fonts and sizes of fonts as well as colours used. It would appeal to those who are looking to achieve academically from GCSE standard to a level.

Introduction

Hello and welcome to my AS Media Blog.                                

Through the entirety of the next school year i shall be completing many posts each week consisting on coursework progression. As-well as taking notes from my lessons.

I plan to have gained a larger variety and understanding of media then i have in the past two years at GCSE.

brief

Print: Preliminary exercise: using DTP and an image manipulation program, produce the front page of a new school/college magazine, featuring a photograph of a student in medium close-up plus some appropriately laid-out text and a masthead. Additionally candidates must produce a DTP mock-up of the layout of the consents page to demonstrate their grasp of the program
Main task: the front page, contents and double page spread of a new music magazine (if done as a group task, each member of the group to produce an individual edition of the magazine, following the same house style). Maximum four members to a group. All images and text used must be original, produced by the candidates (s), minimum of four images per candidate.