Completed NEA for Moderation

 My name is Lily Groom. Welcome to my A Level Media Studies blog. This is a record of the work I have undertaken for the Making Media Non-examination Assessment (NEA) within the OCR H409 GCE A Level course in Media Studies. 

I worked independently on Brief 3: Magazine and Online to produce the front covers and contents pages for the first two editions of a music magazine called Electric Echo together with the magazine's accompanying website. My music magazine is published by the independent publishing company Groom Publishing and covers mostly House and Rn B music.

Further down in my blog you will find evidence of my research and planning for this task.

I have inserted jpegs of my magazine's first edition cover and contents page below.

Cover 1

Contents page 1

I have inserted jpegs of my magazine's second edition and contents page below.

Cover 2

Contents page 2

The link to my website, which was created using Wix, can be found at the link below.

 HOME | Electric Echo

The magazine consists of a homepage and a single linked page. The linked page can be accessed by clicking on the INTERVIEWS section at the top.

INTERVIEWS | Electric Echo

Production task 2: Production Blog

COVER 1 

Shown below is my first edition of my magazine, Electric Echo,  which features Ella in the main image. Based on feedback which i have received, i have made changes to my original design which shows Ella now in a sparkly gold skirt instead of the original plan of her being in red shorts. This change has helped significantly as using the color yellow signifies hope and joy which emphasizes that this Magazine is an exciting and thrilling read for the consumers and will make them more interested and engaged when reading it. This is positive as if they enjoy it, it will lead to recommendations to others and therefore reaching out to a wider audience.

This 'NEW' magazine features a more house music vibe with appearance of 'Hannah Laing' on the front cover of the first cover.

Through the production of this, I had to focus on multiple elements. For example, the Main element for me was the color pallet, as i wanted to ensure that all which was on my Front cover matched up and fell within the eyeline of the Consumers who shall see it for the first time. For example The subheading 'Hannah Laing' was placed off Centre of the cover in a larger font as well as having a border around it for it to stand out. This is important as those who associate or are interested in the Famous DJ Hannah herself may then become interested as it focusses and involves her presence.

CONTENTS 1   

Within my first Editions contents page shown below, i have looked back on the feedback which i was given by those aged between 16-25 who said that my contents page required more contents which would attract them more when seeing sneak peaks as to what would be within this edition of the magazine. 

In this first attempt, i had included multiple photos of Ella which i had taken when trying to get the correct photo for my Front cover. Using these on the contents page, gives the consumers the sense of inclusivity as they shall almost gain a feeling that they are also within the studio shooting with her. As well as these, i have also included the images of when i attended a Coldplay concert as well as concert featuring The Weeknd. Using these supports to gain the attention of those who are interested in going to events and to sign up to win tickets to a UK festival (Creamfields)  where Artists who focus on that type of music will be present. 

This was my first attempt to my contents page:

 

After thought and time, i decided to change my contents page to ensure that there was more contents added to show more of what would be included within the Magazine to give a bigger insight into it. As well as this, i added page numbers to the images to help navigate my target audience to see and look into where the image was and whether they are interested within that area of news/Music etc. 

Secondly, After review i decided that i should navigate different page numbers to the genre which they fall under. For example, this being said, i decided to add in a recent, reviews, fashion and artists section each to ensure that the audience are able to access quickly what they are looking for instead of struggling to work it out. I decided to keep the 'Every month' section the same too as even though it is the same contents every month, the information within the contents will change as the top artists are always fluctuating as well as the top hits of that specific month.

As well as this, i also added in reviews from Newspapers too which would hinder and sway those who read those Newspapers to become interested if they are a consumer of that Paper. 

Shown below is my updated contents page which is my final product:

 

COVER 2

In my second edition below, it includes the exclusive of DJ David Guetta (Joe) which is targeted towards the set brief as his music attracts to those of the ages between 16-25. I have made changes since my planning being that within this cover, it was supposed to be a fully body shot of Joe stood with a microphone. However after self reflection i decided that the music style i have focused on doesn't usually tend to involve somebody singing. This overall is why i changed it to be Joe behind the 'Decks' To give the consumers the sense of inclusivity within the music to support them in feeling engaged.

Through the production of this, I had to focus on multiple elements. For example, the Main element for me was the color pallet, as i wanted to ensure that all which was on my Front cover matched up and fell within the eyeline of the Consumers who shall see it for the first time. For example The subheading 'David Guetta ' was placed off Centre of the cover in a larger font as well as having a border around it for it to stand out. This is important as those who associate or are interested in the Famous DJ David  herself may then become interested as it focusses and involves her presence.

CONTENTS 2 

Again, in my second edition of my magazine contents page, i made changed from the first time. Due to the feedback given from the 16-25 year old's themselves who i asked, it was then my decision to go back and pick up on these mistakes in order to make it more entertaining and eye-catching to my target audience.

From the first time, i added multiple photos which i had taken of joe behind he decks which all show him concentrating as well as having a good time doing what he loves. this sets out to my target audience as it influences them into seeing that although the job of this can be difficult in fulfilling music which people enjoy, it will also feel amazing when you succeed later in life and you are doing the thing you love most. 

^ This is the feel which i want to get across to my target audience (he interpretation that he is having fun whilst working).

shown below is my first try of my contents page:

after realizing that i needed to add in more contents and contents form my contents page, i made changes to show and include more things. For example, i have included the reviews section which now also provides ratings from different Newspapers who have had a read and have given their own personal statement on it. this is positive to my Magazine as those who may read these different newspapers may see that the one they read have gave it a good rating that they may want to them go and try reading it.

^  + attracts to a wider audience.

As well as this, After review i decided that i should navigate different page numbers to the genre which they fall under. For example, this being said, i decided to add in a recent, reviews, fashion and artists section each to ensure that the audience are able to access quickly what they are looking for instead of struggling to work it out. I decided to keep the 'Every month' section the same too as even though it is the same contents every month, the information within the contents will change as the top artists are always fluctuating as well as the top hits of that specific month.

This below is my updated version of my Contents page and will be shown as my final product:

Production task 1: Photography

Magazine cover page 1                                                                                                               

These images are the lot which i took when in the production for the front cover of my first edition. In these images, i planned to use a white background to allow Ella as the DJ to stand out in costume and grab the attention to her audiences. In the image, she is specifically stood to give the impression to her consumers that she is enjoying and consumed within the music she is listening to through the prop of the headphones. This indication as the front cover main image implies that she is listening to the genres of house music from the type of clothes/costume which is also another indicator to imply interest from those reading.

Outfit - i have specifically chosen Ella to be wearing this gold mini skirt as it reflects and glistens grabbing the attention to the consumers and making it specifically stand out from the other magazines/ competitors.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

contents page cover 1

images which shall be featured within my contents page shall be multiple photos from above to make a collage with all of the different photos i have taken. For example, these shall be around the outskirts of my contents page which shall also feature a yellow border. the reason i have specifically chosen yellow is because it is a bright color and matches with the skirt and therefore shows a relation between the magazine and my model Ella.

within this page, i shall also feature photos shown below which are from when i have been to previous concerts where they have used similar lighting in the show similarly in color with my page.

Magazine cover page 2

 

These images below were taken by me purposely to appeal to my audience after taking out the survey. It is clear that people between the ages of 16-25 have an interest in House music which is why i have specifically chosen my model (joe) to play the role as the famous DJ David Guetta, as i know that he is of interest to a lot of people especially around this age range. 

As well as this, also when taking the images, i made sure that it was within a different setting and with different lighting to ensure to my consumers that it is not always the same as this could then be boring to them which is why it is extremely important in order to keep them engaged within my magazine.

 

contents page cover 2 

images which are going to be on the contents page linking to and in relation with this front cover are again photos of joe around the boarders as well as again these photos which i had taken at a festival which i went to in august. These photos help to advertise  music festivals  in the summer which mainly focused on House music aimed at those between the ages of 16-25 . These images help link to the magazine as the tickets to see David Guetta perform shall be at similar venue (Creamfields festival) where the audience then has the chance to enter that competition or buy tickets in order to experience this event. Overall helping to advertise the event also to the company hosting it as it will mainly appeal to the age range which it is aimed towards being 16 to 25 year old. 

Within the contents page it shall feature one or a couple of the images featured above as well as the ones at the festival displayed below:

                                                                             

 

Planning Task 8: Photography Planning

For my first edition of my first newspaper, i plan to use a boy (guy) and then for my second edition i shall use a girl (Ella) in order of ensuring that i am using two different genders to show that i have explored different ways to fit into the demographics of the set text. When taking my images i will ensure as well that they are both shot in different places featuring different backgrounds in specific to my vision.

In the first edition shot somewhere outside featuring the boy (top body shot) holding a microphone. This will be where i compare and label him as well known Rn B artist Bryson tiller which may attract those who are interested and familiarize themselves with his music. this is a positive as when publishing my first edition of my newspaper, people will know who he is which may influence of their purchase. When i take this photo, i specifically have chosen his costume being him wearing some form of jacket, preferably denim, as well as accessories including sunglasses or a hat/cap to really fit the genre of a music which i am specifically trying to get across to the consumers. In terms of how i want him to be postured and standing, i will ensure that he is looking directly at the camera creating that direct gaze to make that connection to the consumers. As well as planning this for my main image on the front cover, i also plan to add in smaller photos within my contents page featuring where i have been to recent festivals and concerts linking it with content plugs of giving the consumers the chance to win tickets to their next concerts, also pushing and influencing them on their purchase. An idea of one of the images i shall use on this edition of the contents page is an actual image of Bryson in concert where i shall also use the color pallet in connection with that image too.

Secondly, for the second edition of my music magazine, it shall feature the girl (Ella) who is taking the role of the well known DJ Hannah Laing who mostly fits the genre of house music. In the image she will have headphones on with her hands on her ears emphasizing that she is deep in the world of music. In this image, it shall be shot from a low angle with a white background with the focus being on Ella. As well as this, i have also planned Ella's costume/clothing in order for her to fit in with the stereotype of what people who listen to house music may wear in order to familiarize the consumers and make connections to what genres are being communicated through the image. She shall be wearing a white top with red shorts with white boots. I have specifically chosen for her to be in red shorts as they are bold and shall stand out meaning i can match using a color pallet on my front cover making my masthead red too. In terms of deciding how i want Ella to be stood, i want her to be facing sideways holding her headphones to show that she is 'lost in the music' and highly interested in the music she is listening to. In order with linking this closely as well with my contents page, i shall use the same color pallet throughout ensuring that my headline and subheadings remain the same color throughout and ensuring that the color is bold and stands out to everyone who views it. 

Planning Task 7: Website homepage and Linked page

 When creating my website for my new upcoming magazine 'electric echo', i shall ensure the header of my website is bold and stands out to my consumers. I shall do this in order to grab their attention as this shall be the first thing the consumers will see in their eye line when loading the website themselves. The positioning of the masthead being in the center makes it easily visible and clear to those exactly where they are reading things they are so they know in order to pay back another visit if they show interests to this specific magazine. As well as this, the font in which i shall use for the masthead shall also be the same as the one which i am using on my front covers to keep it continuous throughout. This shall familiarize and give sense to those who may have seen the main copy of the magazine to link the two and two together in understanding and coming to the conclusion that they are both in relation to each other.

masthead - use in bold. makes it stand out to its consumers and allows them to gain the relation to the copy of magazine as well as the online website.

different content plugs/ genres - using different content plugs allows the consumers to easily access what information they are looking for instead of wasting time in trying to search everywhere for this. this means they wont get frustrated or give up on the news they are trying to find.

search bar - allows them to easily find and search up exactly what they're looking for.

social media hyperlinks - gives consumers the chance into going to different social media platforms in adding in their own comments and recommendations to others who may use this magazine as a form of their way of finding out news within the music industry. 

On the homepage of my website, it will feature color pallet which shall connect and link in with my physical magazine showing similar designs and image types which gives the consumers the chance to realize and familiarize themselves of which magazine/ website they are reading from. As well as this, i have specifically also chosen to add in the subscribe button up in the right hand corner. With this being in a speech bubble in caps, it signifies importance meaning that it is important that the consumers take into consideration subscribing.Also, with it being in caps it falls into the rule of thirds where the direct gaze from the audience shall fall straight onto that. secondly to do with that my  

Planning Task 6: Content Pages

 In my contents pages that shall go along with my main front covers including the exclusives of both Bryson Tiller as well as Hannah Laing who are both huge names in the industry of music in the genres of Rn B as well as Hannah who is more in the genre of House/Techno. i have specifically used these 2 mainly on my two front covers as they are both from different social groups e.g. Bryson being male and Hannah being female. on my contents pages which shall link into these two featuring them both with an exclusive interview, i shall also feature different content plugs  on the contents page for example being;
- main news stories headlining different artists e.g. celeb gossip
- music stars featured as well in the music magazine being featured  
- pages ........ - providing different hints and a preview as to news stories and exclusive information on these pages. these shall include for example comedic and political stories.
- the feature of new and upcoming new music stars to promote and give them chances of the audience getting the feel and deciding if this music taste is for them or isn't.
- 10 best new songs in charts this month

 

Edition number 1 - feature of Bryson Tiller

in this edition of the contents page, i shall use the main image as being a photo i recently took when i personally went to the concert of Bryson tiller.

color pallet - on the contents pager i shall use the color fonts as pink to align against my dominant image which shall appear at the bottom of my contents page (shown as orange on cover however it will be pink)

this image shall draw to the audiences eyes as the direct gaze in my rule of thirds. The audience shall be drawn to this as it shall Aline to the colors as well featured allowing the consumers eyes to gravitate their eyes onto the images featured within the contents page.

  

mock up 1- this is my mock up which shall go along with my first edition of my newspaper mainly including the genres of Rn B.

 

- image based at the bottom shall be rectangular and will feature alongside the top 10 hottest hits this month.

- upcoming artists which i shall also include and feature within my magazine: 

- Beyonce
- Rhianna
- Max Dean 
- Josh Baker

sneak previews to the page where they can find out more info - hints to the readers into wanting to read on and see what the celebrity gossip or news stories there are currently in our society.

mock up 2 - This is my second mock up of my newspaper which shall be my second edition of my newspaper featuring DJ star Hannah Laing (Ella).

content plugs: 

- introduction of newly introduced artists into the industry.
- using new upcoming artists makes young students who may study music, feel empowered by there own music which they are creating. Emphasizing to the consumers at this age group of students, they should get out there and release their own productions.

exclusives featured - giving the audience the chance to exclusive content makes the magazine as a whole stand out from the rest. If they are offering different and more unique content to other different magazines, those who want to know more will be more drawn to wanting to read on when seeing the hints into what is going to be on the newspaper.