NEA Task 21 (Planning) : Photography Planning

So, you have planned your productions for both the print and online elements of the set brief. Well done you!

Now it is time to ensure that you have a plan for your original photography in relation to casting and mise-en-scene.

In order to meet the set brief you will need to have, as a minimum,

• 4 original images for your magazine covers and contents pages (at least one image on each of these)
• 2 original images for your wesbite (one on the homepage and one on the linked page)

In order to be able to undertake a successful photoshoot to capture images you need a plan.

1. Who will you be using as your models for each photograph (bear in mind that your photographs need to show representation of two distinct social groups)

I recommend doing some sample photographs with people you are considering using as this will help you to see how they 'perform' when having a camera in their face and are being 'directed' by you.

In relation to 'representation of two distinct social groups' I would advise you keep it both simple and obvious by representing two different genders or two different ethnicities across the two covers.

2. What thought needs to be given to the following elements of mise-en-scene?

Location for photography? Bear in mind that the two main images for each front cover must show "a different use of mise-en-scène". Simply put, you need to plan to take photos in two different settings. My advice would be to do one as an interior shoot and the other as an exterior shoot.

Costume? What will your models be asked to wear for the photoshoots? Costume is a key element of mise-en-scene and communicates messages relating to representation. You should not have your models just turning up wearing what they want; you have to direct this.

Props? Will you need any props for your photoshoots? This could be something very simple or something more elaborate BUT it has to be planned.

Body language of model? How do you want your models to behave? Their body language will communicate meaning. Are they going to be serious and moody or fun and frolicky*? *not a real word.

Lighting? Will you need to give any consideration to lighting for your photography?

3. Who will be taking your photographs and what equipment will they use?

Remember that you do not have to take the photographs yourself so if you know someone who is a keen amateur (or professional) photographer then you can enlist their help. The only rule is that they must act under your direction.

There is no need to use expensive camera equipment for your photography - most modern mobile phones have extremely high performance in relation to photography.

Finally, if you need 6 photographs take 60 photographs. The more images you have to use and choose from the better your completed production will be.

NEA TASK 21

Create a new post on your blog with the following title:

NEA Task 21 (Planning) : Photography Planning

In this post set out your planning for all of the elements above that will contribute to your photography.

This can be a format of your own choosing.

Suggested Deadline

Monday 4th September

NEA Task 20 (Planning) : Website Homepage and Linked Page

You should now be in the position of having everything planned in relation to your 2 magazine editions.

If you have done this properly it will make the next stage of your planning much easier.

Firstly, you need to consider the requirements of the set brief in relation to your website.  

You have to produce two pages for the working website for the magazine; the homepage and one other linked page.

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

• 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 minimum of two original images (with at least one different original image on each of the two pages). These images must be different from those produced for the magazine.
• A range of appropriate media language techniques (typography, images, fonts, backgrounds, logos etc.) as appropriate to the purpose of the website.
• Original audio or audio-visual content appropriate to the online website.

For this task you need to show evidence of planning to meet the requirements above.

In particular, focus on planning for the following questions:

1. What will your website header on the homepage look like?

I have included screenshots of the header for FILM STORIES and LITTLE WHITE LIES.

You need to think carefully about this - it will include a masthead and links to other pages plus social media icons.

You only need to have one working linked but the others should still be there.

Website header for FILM STORIES

Website header for LITTLE WHITE LIES

2. What content will be on your homepage and linked page?

This means text and images. It would be sensible to include things that you have planned for the front cover and contents of the second edition of your magazine. Use this to help you.

Remember that, in relation to images, your website must have a minimum of two original images (with at least one different original image on each of the two pages). These images must be different from those produced for the magazine.

3. What original audio or audio-visual content will be included on your website?

You must include this but what will it be?

Ideas could include:

• an interview with one of the actors/directors featured on your magazine 2nd edition front page
• a 'to camera' welcome to the magazine by the editor in which he'she'they explain what can be found on the website
• something else of your own choice

NEA Task 20

Create a post on your blog with the following title:

NEA Task 20 (Planning) : Website Homepage and Linked Page

In this post provide clear evidence of planning for the two questions set out above.

This can be in whatever format you wish.

Suggested Deadline

Monday 17th July

CHECKPOINT Magazine Planning : Check Against Requirements of the Set Brief

At this point you must review your planning for your magazine covers and contents pages to ensure that they meet the requirements of the set brief.

Use this tick list to help you.

Will your two magazine covers and contents pages include (as a minimum):

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

Yes or no? If no, go back to planning and include this.

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

Yes or no? If no, go back to planning and include this.

• Written text including elements such as the masthead, main coverline, other coverlines, content plugs and copy.

Yes or no? If no, go back to planning and include this.

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

Yes or no? If no, go back to planning and include this.

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

Yes or no? If no, go back to planning and include this.

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

Yes or no? If no, go back to planning and include this.

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

Yes or no? If no, go back to planning and include this.

Once you have assessed your planning against this checklist you can move on to NEA Task 20

NEA Task 19 (Planning) : Contents Pages

Magazine front covers? Tick

Magazine contents pages? Here we go...

You conducted research into the composition and layout of contents pages in Sight and Sound, Film Stories and Little White Lies. You now need to plan these for the 2 issues of your film magazine.

The layout will stay the same for both as it would be unusual to use a different layout for the two pages. However, the actual details of composition and layout need to be planned.

Conventions of a Contents Page

• It would be normal to have the word Contents, perhaps unsurprisingly, on the contents page somewhere
• Contents pages are usually divided into sections - these would be the sections of the magazine
• Page numbers would normally be used
• Not all of the contents in the magazine appear in the contents page
• Images are used in relation to at least one of the contents
• Contents pages show careful consideration of layout

I have provided images of contents pages from other magazines below (different genres) and these may act as some form of further reference and inspiration for you.

Take a look through these and, of course, any other contents pages you can find from magazines.

NEA Task 19

Create a post on your blog with the following title:

NEA Task 19 (Planning) : Contents Pages

In this post you need to provide evidence of planning for your contents pages.

This should include mock-ups of both contents pages for your 2 magazine issues - remember to refer back to your front covers as you will need to make sure that the coverlines on your covers are reflected in the contents pages.

I have explained how mock-ups need to look in the last post so this should be fairly straightforward.

You do not need to write the full text of the contents page on your mock-ups BUT you will need to have these planned and spell-checked ready for inclusion when you come to produce your contents pages in Photoshop.

It is essential that all copy for your magazine contents pages is checked carefully for spelling and grammar.

Suggested Deadline

Monday 10th July

NEA Task 18 (Planning) : Mock Up of Cover 1 and 2

By completing NEA Task 17 you are now in the position of being able to put together a mock-up of both of your front pages.

I have provided examples of a previous student's mock-ups below in Figure 1 and Figure 2.

This student's set brief was different to yours as they were asked to produce covers for a new lifestyle and fashion magazine.

From these mock-ups you can see that the student has given thought to the composition of the front pages and has added a minimal amount of text. They do, however, show that thought has been given to the layout of the page.

Figures 1.1 and 2.1 show the final front covers and the examiner is able to see that there was a clear sense of planning.

Figure 1

Figure 1.1

Figure 2

Figure 2.1

NEA Task 18

Create a post on your blog with the following title:

NEA Task 18 (Planning) : Mock Up of Cover 1 and 2

In this post share images of your mock-ups for both front covers.

These should be accompanied by a brief explanation of the process that you went through to create the mock-ups.

Suggested Deadline

Monday 3rd July

NEA Task 17 (Planning) : Coverlines, Images and Page Furniture

In order to be able to produce your front covers you need to have planned what is going to be on them.

You have researched the covers of 6 film magazines so should have a pretty good knowledge of this already. 

Take a look at Figure 1 below; the front cover of an issue of Total Film Magazine. 

The main elements of the page furniture have been identified.

Figure 1 : Total Film Magazine Cover

Main Coverline

The 2 front covers of your new magazine will need to have a main coverline. What is the main coverline going to be on the first and second issues of your magazine? 

You need to think of these in relation to your magazine's focus (film) and target audience appeal. 

After the masthead, the main coverline is the thing that potential purchasers of your magazine will probably read first so it needs to draw them in.

In Figure 1.1 the main coverline is LUTHER / THE FALLEN SUN - this is a new film based on the acclaimed BBC detective drama starring Idris Elba.

Other Coverlines

How many other coverlines will your magazine have? Look back at your research into exisiting front covers to see how these are used. 

If you decide to go for 4 other coverlines, what will these be? How will they be worded? Will they represent a range of content that readers will find inside the pages of your magazine?

Coverlines are usually made up of what is called a 'kicker' in bold followed by a teaser.

When thinking of coverlines make sure that you keep them short enough to be easily readable whilst understanding that these are the ways that you are trying to entice readers to look inside and potentially buy your magazine.

In Figure 1 an example of a coverline is DUNGEONS & DRAGONS World-ending stakes and live volcanoes. Here, the kicker is DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and the teaser is World-ending stakes and live volcanoes. The coverline is meant to intrigue the reader into wanting to look inside the magazine.

It is essential that all copy for your magazine covers is checked carefully for spelling and grammar.

Images

You also need to think about the possibilities of links to the main images on your front covers as these are usually 'anchored' to the main coverline.

In Figure 1 the main image is of the title character from the film featured in the main coverline; DCI John Luther. Note that the image is of the character and not of the actor.

You need to plan what your main image is going to be and how it ties into the main coverline.

Remember to look back at the requirements of your set brief. This sets out very clearly that you need to have original photographs which represent two different social groups. My advice would be to go for one cover with a female as the main image and one cover with a male as the main image. Alternatives would be to use models of different ethnicities but, if you do this, the distinctions in ethnicity must be very clear and obvious.

Page Furniture

You also need to plan the other page furniture for both covers.

This should consist of puffs, content plugs, date, price, barcode, etc.

What else will you have on the cover of each magazine issue?

It would make sense for your first edition to have a puff which makes it clear that it is the first edition of the magazine.

Look at your research to remind yourself of what other elements of page furniture you could include on your front covers You could also look at other magazine covers outside of the film genre to see what they make use of.

In Figure 1 you can see an example of a puff which states 25 GREATEST DETECTIVES EVER! showing a link to the main coverline which features a fictional detective.

There are also lots of content plugs on Figure 1. These are different to coverlines in that they are usually much shorter. At the top of Figure 1 content plugs are used for new films (Cocaine Bear, Knock At The Cabin and Magic Mike 3) whereas at the bottom left of the page they relate to actors such as High Jackman and Scarlett Johansson. The magazine is assuming knowledge on behalf of the reader in the use of these content plugs.

NEA TASK 17

Create a post on your blog with the following title:

NEA Task 17 (Planning) : Coverlines, Images and Page Furniture

In this post you need to show evidence of your planning for:

• Main coverline
• Other coverlines
• Main images, and
• Page furniture

There is no set format for how you need to show this planning so do it in the way that you feel most comfortable with.

Remember that this needs to be done for both issues of your new magazine!

This planning, if done correctly, will enable you to complete NEA Task 18.

Suggested Deadline 

Monday 26th June

NEA Task 16 (Planning) : Masthead Design

Your magazine now has a title and strapline; well done! I hope you have chosen well.

The masthead represents the name of your publication and is the most crucial aspect of your magazine cover design. In the real media world, many hours of time will be spent perfecting the masthead for a new magazine. 

This is where branding also becomes important. The masthead is the title of the magazine and the most consistent element throughout the publication's issues, and it's how readers will recognize the magazine on stands. It will also be used at the top of the website accompanying your magazine.

Take a look at the image below which shows part of a magazine display at a well known high street shop. Mastheads are traditionally at the top of the front cover due to how they are positioned behind each other on a shelf.

Which of these mastheads catches your eye the most?

What Next?

Your next task is to design your masthead (including the strapline.)

This effectively means doing the following:

• Deciding the font to use for your masthead and strapline
• Deciding how your masthead and strapline will make use of capital letters and lower case 
• Deciding how you will use other typographical elements such as bold, italics, font size, spacing, etc. in your masthead and strapline

Also, don’t forget that the masthead’s color has a crucial role in making it 'pop' even more. Some magazines stick with the same masthead colour for every issue whilst others colour match the masthead to the main image.

I suggest that you go to Dafont and peruse the different fonts available.

Download several that you like and add these to Adobe Photoshop. You can then produce a mock-up of your masthead and strapline in different fonts to see which resonates best with your target audience.

Here are some examples that I have put together for Fluffy, the magazine for film fans. I have played around with different fonts, capitalisation and lower case, positioning of strapline, etc.

The 3 fonts I have used are Franklin Gothic Heavy, Magneto and OCR A std.

NEA TASK 16

Create a post for your blog titled:

NEA Task 16 (planning): Masthead Design

In this post show evidence of the process you go through to select the typographical elements for your masthead and strapline.

This should include multiple mock ups such as the ones above for your magazine.

Make sure that you are clear in identifying which design you are ultimately going for and make sure you know the name of the font as you will need to import this into Photoshop and Wix at a later date.

Suggested Deadline

Monday 19th June

NEA Task 21 (Planning): Familiarisation with Wix.com

The purpose of this task is to ensure that you know how to use Wix in readiness for producing the website for your film magazine.

Wix is a cloud-based website builder. Its user-friendly drag-and-drop tools and over will help you build your website without the need for any specialist knowledge of web design.

However, you need to learn how to use it.

There are a selection of links below that you can access in order to develop your knowledge and understanding of Wix.

My advice would be to sign up and create a website for yourself or for something that you are interested in. Use this to gain knowledge and understanding of how Wix works.

Do not start to try to produce your film magazine website as you will do this later.

Wix Resource 1

The video below provides a really useful introduction to Wix.

Wix Resource 2

You can access Wix's own YouTube channel by clicking here.

Wix Resource 3

WixLearn is a Wix site where you can find tutorials. Some of these are not relevant to your website design but there are still lots of other useful resources. Click here to access the site.

Wix Resource 3

If you have selected a font from dafont.com that is not available in Wix you will need to know how to upload your own font.

This can be done by following the instructions provided by Wix here.

NEA TASK 21

Create a new post on your blog titled as follows:

NEA Task 21 (PLanning) : Familiarisation with Wix.com

In this post write a summary of what you have done to familarise yourself with Wix.com

You could include screenshots in your post.

NEA Task 15 (Planning) : Film Magazine 60 Second Pitch

So, you have thought long and hard over your magazine's title and strapline. Now you have to pitch this to a representative of Bauer Media (me) in what is known as a 60 Second Pitch.

What is a 60 Second Pitch?

Have you ever watched the TV series Dragons' Den? If so, you are familiar with the idea of a 60 second pitch.

In this TV programme entrepreneurs explain their idea for a new business venture to a group of very wealthy investors. 

They need to try to convince these investors to contribute funding to their idea in return for a share in the business BUT they only have a very short amount of time in which to do this.

What Should My 60 Second Pitch include?

You have been given the task of producing the front cover and contents page(s) of the first two editions of a new film magazine. 

You now need to pitch your idea for your new magazine in a short video that is, surprisingly, 60 seconds long.

You should begin by introducing yourself and the title of your film magazine, like this:

Hello, my name is (insert name) and I am here to pitch (insert name), a new film magazine aimed at a 16-25 year old media literate audience. 

The rest of your pitch should include the following information:

• The month in which the first edition and website will be launched
• How often the magazine will be published (monthly / bi-monthly)
• Price of magazine
• The strapline for the magazine
• What readers of your magazine and website can expect to find
• How you will make sure that the content of the magazine and website appeal to your target audience.

You need to draft your pitch and practice it before recording yourself delivering this to camera - I suggest that you do this using your phone.

NEA Task 15 

Upload your 60 second pitch to YouTube (you can use your Google account to log in to Youtube as Google owns the video sharing platform)

I will show you this next part in class.

1. Go to the video once it has been uploaded and click on the share icon.
2. Select the Blogger icon
3. Select your Blog
4. Click on share

Rename the post on your blog with the following title:

NEA Task 15 (planning) : Film Magazine 60 Second Pitch

Suggested Deadline

Monday 12th June

NEA Task 14 (Planning) : Magazine Title and Strapline

You have now finished the research phase of your NEA and will be starting the planning phase.

The first part of your planning journey is to consider the title of, and strapline for, your magazine.

Coming up with a magazine title and strapline can be a creative and challenging process and is not something that can just be plucked from the air.

For this task you need to take a sheet of A4 paper (or the digital equivalent) and complete a mind map of potential ideas.

It is essential that you do not show or share your initial ideas with other members of the class.

Here are some tips to help you:

Consider your target audience 

Consider the interests, demographics, and lifestyle of your target audience to come up with titles and straplines that resonate with them.

Brainstorm keywords 

Brainstorm a list of keywords related to your magazine's content, themes, and mission. Use a thesaurus to expand your list of keywords and synonyms.

These keywords could be the catalyst for potential magazine titles.

Use puns or wordplay 

Consider using puns or wordplay to make your magazine title more memorable and attention-grabbing.

Keep it simple and memorable 

Choose titles that are easy to remember, pronounce, and spell. Avoid using complex or obscure words that may be difficult for your audience to remember or understand.

Most magazine titles are 3 or less words with the majority being a single word.

When thinking of your potential strapline, keep this short and pithy too.

Check availability 

Before finalizing your magazine title and strapline, make sure they are not already in use by another publication.

Get feedback 

Get feedback from friends and potential readers to see if your magazine title and strapline resonate with them and captures the essence of your publication.

Remember, a great magazine title should reflect the content and mission of your publication while also being catchy and memorable to your target audience. 

Take your time, be creative, and test out different options before settling on a name that feels right for your magazine.

NEA Task 14

Create a post for your blog titled:

NEA Task 14 (Planning) : Magazine Title and Strapline

In this post you need only to do the following:

1. Add your mind map of initial ideas to your post

2. Confirm the title and strapline for your magazine

Suggested Deadline

Monday 12th June