It's all over...

😢

Here's the link to the final production outcome:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8O-SA9S7y0&feature=youtu.be

Give it a watch through if you're interested, but please be nice... I haven't created anything like this before 😅

Thanks for following this blog!

 - Mollie 😊

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Final Aims and Intentions

Genre:

'Paranoid fiction'; 'dystopian'; 'Orwellian'

Channel:

ITV

Location in narrative:

Point of disruption.

Aiming to achieve:

   A dystopian production, lightly touching on sci-fi themes and genres like ‘paranoid fiction’ – a style more suited to the works of George Orwell (1984). The three-minute production will be at the point of disruption, where the enemy figure commences the operation to trace the protagonist and rebel group. This is during the time that the protagonist forms his alliance with this crowd, joining forces in fighting the hierarchy together.  My media magazine will promote this product with a feature article: a front cover and a Q+A style interview with a cast member.

Target Audience:

‘Renegade 7’ will be an ITV production, targeted at a demographic of ‘Millennials’ (18-35 years) – as with my magazine pieces. My series will be of particular interest to this audience, with themes mirroring the real dilemmas and controversies that preoccupy the minds of this age band. It will cater to those seeking an escapist fantasy with parallels giving the narrative more depth. In terms of gender appeal, the protagonist is male, but in order to by-pass the gender bias here, there is another focal female character in the series, not standing as merely a love interest. Issues such as mental health and LGBTQ+ will also be addressed. In terms of socio-economic groupings my target market would fall into the C1/C2 (lower middle class/skilled working class) bands, given that these will be most able to identify on a personal level with the focal characters. That said, I think that themes in society mirrored this way are universally understood.

Form and Style:

 The series will span many episodes, with a complex narrative that may have the potential to continue over several seasons. The production itself will have a high production value, working with a more cinematic style. A dystopian aesthetic will a large contribution to the product’s unique selling proposition. Given that crime drama is popular, but mildly overused, I decided to incorporate some stylistic features in my production, developing a ‘Dystopian-Noir’ feel. To broaden the show’s impact, I broke out of the confinement of one creative genre, allowing mine to work with much genre hybridity and therefore appeal to multi-fandom interests and audience personalities.

Themes and Features:

  A successful fictional dystopia needs a certain type of protagonist. A non-conformist. A rebel. Mine stands as a young man devoted to fighting for freedom, whilst at the same time trapped in his own mind, shackled by depression and PTSD – a perfect paradox. Subjecting this character to common themes of dystopia works to induce fear from parallels between this fiction and real-world problems. Having a relatable character allows the viewers to easily slip into his shoes, facing a world not too dissimilar from our own. A totalitarian hierarchy, loss of control, technological takeover – each fears of today’s millennial generation, and prominent subjects within dystopian literature. Orwell’s ‘1984’ has served as a large inspiration, and so themes and features of this text may be borrowed as a visual demonstration as to how disturbingly distorted our future could be.

This is the final outcome for my double page Q+A article. ^

Front Cover

...This is the finished product for the magazine cover we were tasked to design and create. I found it difficult to work with the text tool on Photoshop, but I'm fairly pleased with the final outcome. I made the 'actress' the main feature of the composition, with her feature article the most prominent. The other two articles I tried to write in keeping to the style of a lifestyle magazine, and the colour scheme and fonts were selected to reflect the mood and sophisticated style in the GQ Magazines I was inspired by.

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Magazine Cover + Double-Page Article

Cringy title, I know, but these are the finished images for my cover page and double-page article... 

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Q&A - edited article (draft)

'Renegade 7' (9:00 pm), the new series to ITV, has taken the television scene by storm. Viewers can't get enough of this dystopian mystery drama, and neither can we! We were lucky enough to have Lyra actress, Ellyn, speak with us here at ____ Magazine about her rise to stardom and her experience with working on this hit show:

__________________________________________________________________________

So, obviously you must be pretty excited to be working on your first role in the TV industry? How are you finding the world of production?

Honestly, I’m still overwhelmed. After the first few shoots I figured that the buzz would have worn off, but I was totally wrong. It’s demanding, I won’t lie, but I’m still convinced that it’s too much fun for me to call it a proper ‘job’.

I’m sure. Just how pleased were you to have been casted for this new series?

I’m incredibly lucky. Being able to learn and grow with an upcoming show takes the pressure off a little bit. I mean, of course you want to give your best for your audience, but it allows me time to develop my character as the narrative progresses. Also, this is the first major production for the whole team which is nice, because we’re all learning together. On ITV, too! That’s a pretty big deal. Again, I never thought I’d see the opportunity to work on something like this. When I was first approached, I left the offer hanging for a little while. I was so scared, and I didn’t think I had it in me, but threw myself at it – thank god – or I wouldn’t have had this amazing opportunity.

Obviously you like working with the show, but the concept itself. What do you make of it all? Do you think it’s relevant to today?

Oh, absolutely. It’s like a more modernised take on Orwell’s ‘1984’, and I think that in many ways it’s the similarities between this dystopian fiction and our reality that make it so much more of a success. It makes it less of simply a dystopian fiction, but throws an element of horror into the mix as it becomes clear that the tragedies of the narrative could be the outcomes of our own actions.

Do you think that the show is more suited to the younger adults of today, rather than the older population given the themes?

The series is definitely tailored to a more progressive audience. My age group of ‘millennials’, and also the ‘Gen Zs’ after us, will feel the deepest connection. The characters predominantly lie within these categories that might make it a little harder for older people to relate to. Ideas surrounding pollution, the media, mental health and current issues of female empowerment, disability inclusion, and… I’m not sure if I can tell you too much, but LGBTQ+ characters also make an appearance. More controversial topics basically, that might not be as well received or valued by the elderly than the young adults of today.

This female empowerment radiates from your character in particular. Do you think that having Lyra as a lead is important in today’s television industry?

Lyra isn’t the lead as much as she is a rival to Orin’s position. He’s still the focal character of the series but as you’ll start to discover – wink -, Lyra isn’t all she seems right now. That’s all I can tell you. The two work in unison with Orin being the key character, but the female presence challenges this and defying many stereotypes that a lot of women, particularly in the lore of television and cinema, are burdened with.

And you like working with this director? We hear they’re also fairly new to the scene. Could you share your experience with a newbie creator?

I always envisioned a director as being an older, grumpy guy with glasses, frowning in his special seat and living off of coffee – specific, I know. But I was wrong. Howarth is a joy to work with, very patient with all of us, and I’m so thankful to be working with her on my first large scale production. She’s an incredible visionary to create something so diverse, and she really holds the team together. I think that working such long hours in a frantic studio environment is enough to drive anyone slightly mad trying to organise, but she manages it. Also being a girl? I think that’s cool. Even now, like me, you probably picture mostly men running things behind the screens. Again, I was totally wrong. Maybe not about the coffee, though. I think it’s her life-source at this point.

I can’t say I blame her! Anyway, it’s been really great to speak with you today - I’m a big fan of your work so far, even if the series is in the earlier stages still. Did you have anything else you wanted to share? Maybe to your audience?

I mean, really just that I hope they’re enjoying the content as much as I am being part of creating it. Keep going – the drama’s barely kicked in yet. And to those that haven’t watched yet: don’t worry, you haven’t missed that much just yet. It’s something fresh and different, definitely worth a try. Even if it is a little dark. It’s also pretty diverse, so chances are they’ll be elements of it that will suit your taste.  

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Q+A article - rough draft

‘So, obviously you must be pretty excited to be working on your first role in the TV industry? How are you finding the world of production?’

Honestly, I’m still overwhelmed. After the first few shoots I figured that the buzz would have worn off, but I was totally wrong. It’s demanding, I won’t lie, but I’m still convinced that it’s too much fun for me to call it a proper ‘job’.

‘I’m sure. Just how pleased were you to have been casted for this new series?’

I’m incredibly lucky. Being able to learn and grow with an upcoming show takes the pressure off a little bit. I mean, of course you want to give your best for your audience, but it allows me time to develop my character as the narrative progresses. Also, this is the first major production for the whole team which is nice, because we’re all learning together. On ITV, too! That’s a pretty big deal. Again, I never thought I’d see the opportunity to work on something like this. When I was first approached, I left the offer hanging for a little while. I was so scared, and I didn’t think I had it in me, but threw myself at it – thank god – or I wouldn’t have had this amazing opportunity.

‘Obviously you like working with the show, but the concept itself. What do you make of it all? Do you think it’s relevant to today?’

Oh, absolutely. It’s like a more modernised take on Orwell’s ‘1984’, and I think that in many ways it’s the similarities between this dystopian fiction and our reality that make it so much more of a success. It makes it less of simply a dystopian fiction, but throws an element of horror into the mix as it becomes clear that the tragedies of the narrative could be the outcomes of our own actions.

 

‘Do you think that the show is more suited to the younger adults of today, rather than the older population given the themes?’

The series is definitely tailored to a more progressive audience. My age group of ‘millennials’, and also the ‘Gen Zs’ after us, will feel the deepest connection. The characters predominantly lie within these categories that might make it a little harder for older people to relate to. Ideas surrounding pollution, the media, mental health and current issues of female empowerment, disability inclusion, and… I’m not sure if I can tell you too much, but LGBTQ+ characters also make an appearance. More controversial topics basically, that might not be as well received or valued by the elderly than the young adults of today.

‘This female empowerment radiates from your character in particular. Do you think that having ‘____’ as a lead is important in today’s television industry.’

‘_____’ isn’t the lead as much as she is a rival to ‘…….’’s position. He’s still the focal character of the series but as you’ll start to discover – wink -, ‘____’ isn’t all she seems right now. That’s all I can tell you. The two work in unison with ‘…..’ being the key character, but ‘___’ challenging this and defying many stereotypes that a lot of women, particularly in the lore of television and cinema, are burdened with.

‘And you like working with this director? We hear they’re also fairly new to the scene. Could you share your experience with a newbie creator?’

I always envisioned a director as being an older, grumpy guy with glasses, frowning in his special seat and living off of coffee – specific, I know. But I was wrong. ‘_____’ is a joy to work with, very patient with all of us, and I’m so thankful to be working with her on my first large scale production. She’s an incredible visionary to create something so diverse, and she really holds the team together. I think that working such long hours in a frantic studio environment is enough to drive anyone slightly mad trying to organise, but she manages it. Also being a girl? I think that’s cool. Even now, like me, you probably picture mostly men running things behind the screens. Again, I was totally wrong. Maybe not about the coffee, though. I think it’s her life-source at this point.

‘I can’t say I blame her! Anyway, it’s been really great to speak with you today. I’m a big fan of your work so far, even if the series is in the earlier stages still. Did you have anything else you wanted to share? Maybe to your audience?’

I mean, really just that I hope they’re enjoying the content as much as I am being part of creating it. Keep going – the drama’s barely kicked in yet. And to those that haven’t watched yet: why not? Don’t worry, you haven’t that much just yet. It’s something fresh and different, definitely worth a try. Even if it is a little dark.

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Q+A magazine content – Media

Promote show concept

• Personal detail – promotes actress; personal relationship with audience
• Reasons for pursuing the role
• Personal identity with the character
• Female empowerment
• Character’s motives
• Working with the cast
• Opinions of the narrative and its ties to today’s society
• (^ Millennial audience)
• Co-stars  
• Fan base
• Series’ success
• Success on ITV

 

‘Stay True to Your Brand

 

Staying true to your brand is key for creating a great feature, and the content of the interview should additionally highlight the magazine’s core values or overarching message. If the magazine has a theme, try to ask one or two questions specifically related to the theme of the issue, or address a subject that may be relevant to the specialization of the magazine itself. Pay close attention to the ideas expressed within the interview that also reflect the publication’s brand or values.’

>>>>> https://blog.issuu.com/tips-for-a-successful-magazine-interview/ <<<<<

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Magazine Creation

    In order to push forward with producing a final outcome, I need to begin constructing the Q+A article piece, deciding how I'll work with style and layout. My sister will also need to be roped into a photoshoot, where between us we'll choose clothing fitting for the magazine images. A plain background with emphasis on lighting will aid the creation of a more sophisticated approach. I could lightly touch on the chiaroscuro technique that I've recently developed through my art coursework, where light and darkness are contrasted to intensify the images. Also, I would like to trial hair and makeup here, giving my experience needed for future studies in the field.


   The Q+A article is an easier process. I will compose a series of questions similar to those of most interviews carried out this way, and from this I will answer these questions as if spoken by the actress herself. Composition and style will have to take a backseat until I have a clear sense of the materials I'm working with.


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Gender Neutrality in the Magazine Market

>>>>   https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/mens-magazine-womens-cosmo-gq-esquire-gendered-a8422761.html  <<<<<




   Since I'm working to create an entirely original magazine brand, I found this article particularly insightful. If I could design a product that defied the idea of gendered content, I'd benefit from the broadened market and define my magazine from the competition. Given that I'm working with a millennial demographic, the idea of gender neutrality is appealing to the progressive nature of the subjects. This generation have grown up with a more inclusive mind-set and I feel will appreciate the attempts in eradicating these gender divides. This, alongside the narrative of my production - working with both strong male and female leads -, will hopefully push forward the themes of empowerment and unity.
    To achieve this, I can use 'GQ Magazine' as the basis of my piece. Stylistically, this glossy, sophisticated look should appeal to a male audience, familiar with the feel of magazines like 'GQ'. To build on this, having a female focus on the front cover should also catch the eye - though, the primary goal is to empower women, so the male gaze isn't my main interest here. Women will be drawn to the female imagery, especially if I can make the shots artistic, perhaps with a more fashion magazine look. The make-up and clothing will need to be fitting for my magazine's tone, catering to a ore professional impression. The black and white colour scheme is a safe choice in terms of gender appeal, with the contrasting colour relevant to my production. The content of the article will be heavily focused on the series itself, with an interview with a female cast member shedding light on her experience and feelings towards her character/narrative.


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Magazine - things to include...

>>>>    https://www.magloft.com/blog/incredible-magazine-design-tips/ <<<<

• PULL QUOTES (a pull quote is a quote taken directly from the article that is presented in a much larger font than the body text.)
• MAKE USE OF WHITE SPACE - don't overcrowd the page.
• FOCUS ON FONTS
• STRUCTURE
• LAYOUT
• IMAGERY
• STYLE

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Q+A reference articles

http://nymag.com/movies/features/34430/
https://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/q-andy-tommy-wiseau
https://www.vogue.com/article/q-a-an-interview-with-james-franco
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https://www.slideshare.net/Laurengibney/codes-and-conventions-of-a-double-page-spread
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Magazine Cover - Female Focus - Inspiration

 

 Since my sister is more accessible to me for photoshoots, I'd like to try and work with a front cover focused on a female cast member. This enables me to appeal to a female audience, and notify them that my television programme has a strong female lead. Sticking to a format like that of 'GQ Magazine' allows me to still gain male attention by the overall impression of the magazine, but will hopefully pull in female readers and potential viewers of the show. If the front cover is shown to empower this female co-star, dressed modestly but still sophisticated and glamourous to appeal to the male gaze, the impression on either gender should be effective.

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Magazine Aims

The purpose of the magazine article and cover is to promote the new television series, 'Renegade 7', that I produced a 3-minute insert for as my main coursework piece. This needs to include a double-page article, which I propose to write as a Q+A style interview with the lead cast member. To support this, I need to create a magazine cover following the format of a 'GQ Magazine', focused on the subject of the article.


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Magazine Cover - Student Inspiration

I wanted to look around at the work of past students doing similar work on a media studies AS course, just to understand how other people went about producing an outcome in their own projects. This image stood out to me in particular, being of a fairly similar style to what I plan on creating. This person has also chosen the black and white theme as the primary colour scheme, but has paired this with red text for contrast.

  The character depicted is in the forefront of the shot, but stands as the only object in the photograph to obtain colour. This stands out, but I feel could detract from the overall impact. It was useful for me to consider the conventions used by this student, and allowed me to project my own concept onto a similar layout.

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