Coursework: Print brief research and planning

 Research and planning blog tasks


Create a blog post called 'Print brief research and planning' and complete the following tasks to plan and prepare your print work.

Front cover

1) Research TV listing magazine front cover key conventions. Find at least five examples of TV listings magazine front covers and post them to your blog. This will give you a good idea of the type of magazine you need to produce.











2) Note down the design elements you notice in each front cover example you research and look for aspects you can use in your own work (e.g. camera shots, page design or cover lines). 

Bold Typography
Barcode
Cover image
Taglines
Magazine Logo


3) What key conventions can you find across different types of front cover - e.g. title placement, cover lines, main flash or cover line, date/price/barcode etc.

Here are a few examples to start you off: 

Title placement is usually on the top left or top centre of the magazine
Cover lines are placed across the cover to capture reader interest
Barcode placed near the bottom of the bottom or in an area that doesn't distract from the main view
Colour scheme is used to show a specific theme or mood
Bold typography
Brand logo are typically placed near the top as well to increase brand recognition








Inside page feature

1) Now research inside page features from TV listings magazines. Post at least five images of the magazine inside page features (they can be from different magazine genres if you are struggling to find TV listings on magazine inside pages).

Here are some examples of inside-page features:








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2) Note down the design elements you notice in each inside page feature example you research and look for aspects you can use in your own work (e.g. use of main/secondary images, page design, pull quotes, picture captions etc.) 

A grid layout is used
Program listings
Section headings
Inside Photos
Consistent typography
Feature articles

3) What key conventions can you find across different types of inside page features - e.g. headline, subheading, main image etc.

Headings and subheadings
Text formatting (bold, italics, underlining)
Images and captions
Pull quotes
Text in columns
Footer information 


Planning and sketching

1) Plan the content and cover lines for your front cover:
  • Title (must be NEW original TV listings magazine you have invented): OnScreen Guide
  • Slogan: "Your window to entertainment"
  • Cover image: The main protagonist looking slightly towards the audience
  • Main cover story/main flash: Up and coming show featuring the Dark Detective Pierce
  • Additional cover lines: Behind the scenes Interview with characters of the show
  • Additional two smaller images: Picture of evidence shown within the show, picture of a mask
  • Font style/colour scheme, additional design aspects: Helvetica Book, Helvetica Bold with Helvetica Neue as a backup, a colour scheme of darker colours will be used to match the grittiness of my crime drama.

2) Plan the images you will use for the front cover - use CLAMPS. One main image and two smaller images are required to meet the minimum content in the brief.

One of Detective Pierce

One of Lucky

One of the place where the actual setting of the 3-minute scene took place


3) 
Plan the content for your inside page feature:
  • Subject of feature: Unraveling the Enigma: Inside the World of Shadowed Intentions
  • Headline: Bringing Light Upon the Shadows
  • Subheading: Delve into the twists, turns and unspoken motives in this critical crime drama.
  • Main image: Another image of Detective Pierce, bringing attention to his gun
  • Smaller images (need a minimum of four across the three pages): Close-up of bullets, medium shot of Lucky, Medium shot of Pierce, close-up of his gun
  • Font style/colour scheme, additional design aspects: Helvetica Book and Helvetica Bold with Helvetica Neue and a backup, classic house style 

4) Write the copy (words) you will use for the inside page feature - headline, subheading, article text. 

Bringing Light Upon the Shadows

Delve into the twists, turns and unspoken motives in this critical crime drama

Within a city cloaked in mystery and intrigue, lies the gripping world of "Shadowed Intentions." As shadows dance across dimly lit alleyways and secrets lurk behind every corner, Detective John Pierce navigates a web of deception in the pursuit of justice. Through exclusive interviews with the creators and cast, behind-the-scenes insights, and analysis of key plotlines, this feature takes readers on a journey into the dark and suspenseful world of "Shadowed Intentions." Join us as we unravel the enigma, exploring the compelling characters, intricate narratives, and pulse-pounding mysteries that define this series as one of the best up-and-coming dramas of the decade. From the gripping suspense of crime scenes to the complex emotions driving each character, "Shadowed Intentions" captivates audiences with its relentless pursuit of truth. Discover the secrets and uncover the hidden intentions that lie beneath the surface of "Shadowed Intentions." Step into the shadows and prepare to be fascinated by the twists and turns of this relentless crime drama. Are you ready to bring light upon the shadows?


Into the Underbelly

OnScreen Guide sits down with the mastermind behind the captivating crime drama, "Shadowed Intentions," to uncover the secrets of Ravencrest's shadowy underworld. Join us as we delve into the creative process, character development, and the pulse-pounding mysteries that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. He digs right into the details of how this amazing crime drama came to be. He begins by saying "The inspiration for 'Shadowed Intentions' came from my fascination with the complexities of human nature and the shadows that linger beneath the surface of everyday life. I wanted to explore the darker aspects of society while weaving a compelling narrative filled with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists." He then later goes more into the characters general feel, and what drives them, "Character development is at the heart of 'Shadowed Intentions.' Each character is meticulously crafted to have depth, complexity, and layers of intrigue. We wanted to create characters that viewers could relate to, empathize with, and sometimes even question their motives. Our hope is that viewers are not only entertained but also challenged to think critically about the complexities of human behavior and the consequences of our actions." Finally, we learn more about the heart of Shadowed Intentions, Ravencrest. "Ravencrest is more than just a setting; it's a character in its own right. The city's dark alleys, hidden secrets, and ominous atmosphere play a crucial role in shaping the tone and mood of the series. We wanted Ravencrest to feel like a character, with its own secrets to uncover and mysteries to solve. The city's rich history and complex dynamics provide a fertile ground for storytelling and add depth to the overall narrative."

Thank you to the creator of "Shadowed Intentions" for sharing insights into the making of the series and the secrets behind Ravencrest's dark drama. Stay tuned for more exclusive features and behind-the-scenes interviews in OnScreen Guide!

5) Plan the social media content you will include in your print work to create opportunities for digital convergence e.g. hashtags, social media details etc.

I will bring in audiences by referencing dramas that are also similar to my drama like True Detective to bring in more fans. I will also reach a wider demographic by creating an Instagram and Tiktok account that follows @ShadowedIntentions as there are a large number of users who both of these apps, reaching a readership of over 2.5 billion.

6) Research and select the font or typography you will use for your print work. This is a critical element of your print work - the brief requires a consistent house style running through all of your pages. 

I will follow stereotypes of the average TV Listings magazine by using Helvetica Book and Helvetica Bold while also using a consistent house style.

7) Produce an A4 sketch of your front cover design and scan it/upload a picture to your blog.

8) Produce A4 sketches of your inside page feature with a clear layout of where headlines, subheadings, images and text will appear on the pages.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

9) Create a new A4 portrait document in Adobe Photoshop (or Adobe InDesign) for your front cover design. Start to add text, check your font choices and put in the elements you have already planned/sketched. 




10) Create an A3 landscape document plus an A4 portrait document in Adobe Photoshop (or Adobe InDesign) for your inside page feature. Add the elements you can - headline, subheading, text etc.




Photoshoot

1) Who do you need to photograph for your front cover and inside page images? Remember, you need seven original images across the whole print production. 

Just me and Frankly, although if I am unable to meet the requirements, I'll get extras who are wearing masks

2) What camera shots do you need? Write a shot list for your photo shoots. Make sure you plan a variety of camera shots you will look to capture - medium shots, close-ups etc.

Close-up of Detective Pierce
Medium shot of Detective Piece shrouded in darkness
Medium shot of Lucky
Long Shot of external shooting areas
Close-up of fake bullets and gun

3) Plan the mise-en-scene. What costumeprops or make-up will you require for your photoshoots?

A green screen, the suit I was wearing in the first draft, a pair of handcuffs, a mask (optional), and a fake gun (optional).

4) Finally, note down the time and date for your photoshoots. This may be inside or outside school (or a combination of both). You will have Media lesson time for this after the mock exams.


Yet to be determined

Statement of Intent

1) Once you have completed your print research and planning, go back to your statement of intent and make sure you have included the print brief in your final draft. Then, submit the final draft statement of intent to your teacher. 

My TV crime drama will be called "Shadowed Intentions", an up-and-coming drama that will be streamed on Netflix. My three minute extract would appear at the start of the crime drama. "Shadowed Intentions" follows Detective John Pierce as he navigates the dark underbelly of crime, tackling intricate cases while confronting his own demons, all in a pursuit of justice.

I intend on meeting the brief by using 2+ locations within the extract and using narrative features such as flashbacks and for genre codes, conflict, tension and moral ambiguity. I'll be using a wide range of camera shots such as close-ups, particularly on character's faces and on story-related content i.e. evidence to add to the extract. There will also be over-the-shoulder shots as well as the 180-degree rule, overhead shots, and possible split screen shots. I will be using diegetic sound such as dialogue to build up the story and non-diegetic sound such as voice-overs to provide context for the extract as well as being able to communicate the narrative efficiently. The narrative theories evident within "Shadowed Intentions" are Propp's Character Roles and Todorov's equilibrium, and the genre theories available are hybridity as it can be argued my extract combines crime drama with elements of psychological thriller such as moral ambiguity and more depth in terms of characters psychology.

"Shadowed Intentions" both challenge and reinforce certain stereotypes. It reinforces character archetypes such as Pierce, the "rogue" detective but also subverts stereotypes such as gender, which is evident due to strong female characters who aren't limited to traditional roles and are portrayed as skilled professionals. As well as this, portraying criminals with depth and delving into their background and motivation allows them to be humanized and have an actual bond with viewers of "Shadowed Intentions." Stuart Hall's work on representation talks about how media constructs and presents lots of social groups, which can be applied here due to the portrayal of race, gender and class within "Shadowed Intentions." 

My TV listings magazine's front cover will prominently feature "Shadowed Intentions", the main image being Detective Pierce shrouded in darkness and the cover images being key supporting characters as well as a crime scene. The headline will be "Exclusive Inside: Shadowed Intentions". There will be a byline used to credit the photographer to bring recognition to the photographer and bring in fans of that photographer to read the TV listing's magazine. This will, in turn, cause more people to know of "Shadowed Intentions" and may result in an increase in views. I plan on promoting both my TV Listings Magazine as well as "Shadowed Intentions" through the use of social media, in particular TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter as they are currently the highest used forms of social media for the younger demographic. The Instagram account and TikTok account I will mention will be called @ShadowedIntentions and will also be followed with a hashtag of the same name. I will also mention high-profile TV celebrities to bring in fans who like their work to view mine as well

A vast number of crime dramas target an audience within the age range of 15-40 year olds. Although "Shadowed Intentions" has a maturity rating of 12, it still appeals to people within the previously mentioned age range without being limited to it. It would also attract strugglers who escape through the use of shows and explorers who discover and invest in a show. Blumler and Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory can be applied to explain audience pleasure. "Shadowed Intentions" provides a diversion from real-life problems, Surveillance as "Shadowed Intentions" does include accurate portrayals of the investigative procedure. As well as this, the audience may build personal relationships with characters from within the drama. Stuart Hall's theory of Dominant, Negotiated and Oppositional readings will also be there as audiences try to establish the meaning between a particular scene or action portrayed in my crime drama.


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