Audience Feedback of Final Product

“I think it’s great, I like the way you used the same colour scheme throughout.” – Emma Harrison, 16

“I don’t like the picture that’s on the front cover, I think it would be better if there was a picture of someone performing.” – Jane, 13

“It looks good, but I think to improve you should include things for older people too.” – Avril, 40s

“I like it, but I wouldn’t buy it because it’s too expensive.” – Lesley, 40

“It’s not my kind of music, so I wouldn’t buy it, but it looks great.” – Kyle, 17

Audience Feedback of Final Draft

"Put a frame around all the pictures in you article, to create a better sense of cohesion - use a polaroid frame, wooden frame, or drawing pin graphic."

"I think you should change the picture on the top left of the front cover, because it's someone's back so it's not very accessible on the cover."

"I don't think you need the second part of the introduction to the article, the first bit and the title is enough."

"You need more pictures on the contents page, there's not enough variety, because it's the same articles as on the cover."

"Move the editor's letter to the top of the page."

Draft of Editor's Letter

[Photo]

 [Signature]

Hey there!

Welcome to the first issue of brand new mag, Debut, bringing you the best of all musical theatre right now – old and new, local and worldwide – with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to musical television shows and films, as well as performances all over the globe.  In-depth interviews, balanced reviews, and never-before-seen pictures are just some of what’s on offer in this amazing first issue.

Flip to page 51 for our reviews section, or our quiz of the fortnight on page 4.  Our cover-page star, Lucie Mardon, has a whole four pages to tell us what she really thinks of her new life, and model this season’s hottest colours in our photo shoot beginning page 47.  Theatre correspondent Holly Max gives us all the goss on page Cabaret, on page 54, and on page 18 we chat to the Royal Ballet School about their showcases next month.

Hope you like it!

Article Copy

My Original Draft:

So, Lucie, to start off...  How does it feel to be a celebrity?

[Laughs] Don’t call me that!  It’s so strange; I don’t feel like any of this is happening to me... I wake up in the morning like, “Wow, this is my life now... It’s awesome!”

What do your friends and family think of this new life?

They’re all so supportive, and I’m so grateful to have them all there for me.  They’re trailing round after me - my best friend had to drive me here today!  But they get invited to all the celeb parties and stuff, so I hope that makes up for it!

And what about school?  Because you’re famous for being the hard-working, girl-next-door kind of person...

Yeah, I know, people look at me in the corridors and do a double-take!  It’s weird, I feel like people are always talking about me... How big-headed does that sound? [Laughs] No, it’s just paranoia... But at least I can get feedback on my song lyrics and stuff from my friends, one of them is in a band as well, and we collaborated for some of the tracks on my album... It was so much fun; I loved every second of it!

Ahh, so you can use your own contacts to help your friends?  That’s great...

I know, I’m glad I can do it... He’s so good, I’d love to know I’d helped him to get where he wants to be... Anyone reading this, go check Temporary Challenge out on MySpace, they’re amazing!

How do you fit school work around performing?

Well, if anything, it’s the other way around!  My parents refused to let me give up school, which is good, because I don’t think I would have anyway, but it means I always have like a safety net.  And if I have not done my homework, I will not be going to the party!  My dad’s quite protective, he always wants to know who I’m with and where we’re going and how long we’ll be... But then I guess a lot of dads are like that, aren’t they?  He just wants to make sure I’m safe, and I’m not going to complain about that!

What’s he like about boys?

When I was younger, he was really strict, he was all “No boys are getting their grubby hands on my daughters!” but now he’s kind of mellowed.  When I remember when I was eleven, my sister was fifteen and started to get noticed by boys, and a lot of her friends had boyfriends, but she just wasn’t interested.  I think that made it a lot easier for me, because he learnt that he could trust us not to go out and drink or smoke or get off with random guys, and now he’s ok with me going out because he knows that that lifestyle is just not for me.

Critical Feedback:

The conversation feels comfortable which is because of the sense of a level of informality, she is able to relax in conversation and make it feel like she’s saying what she thinks.

It feels like an actual conversation with a new celebrity which we can see when for example she says she still doesn’t feel like a celebrity, still just a normal person.

All the questions are open which is good because it allows the person to elaborate on their answer and not just give a straight short answer.

I think there could be a couple of more ‘fun’ questions added in such as ‘What was your most embarrassing moment?’ or something like that, just to keep the reader as interested, or to make them laugh. Even a question which the person will tell something the audience didn’t know.

My New Question:

What was your most embarrassing moment?

Well, after a show last week, I went to Subway with Ricky (Johnson, currently playing Fiyero to Lucie’s Elphaba in the West End production of Wicked), and we got a big tub of nachos, with loads of sauce, and I spilt this massive stream of sauce all over myself, because I was holding the pot of sauce right by my face, and it went down my chin and on my front, and I think there was even some in my hair!  And then some random paparazzo came by and took a picture, where we’re both laughing and I’m covered in sauce, with him trying in vain to wipe some of it off my face... Yeah, that didn’t work!  It was so gross. [Shudders]

Cover Lines

Existing Lines:

“Kathleen Turner – Matt Wolf needs a Hollywood Superstar.”  - Down left-hand side of page, KATHLEEN TURNER in capitals, bold and bright colour to attract attention, easy-to-read font.

“What are the top ten French operas?” – Down right-hand side of page, in contrasting colour to background, easy-to-read font.

“Early English Opera: A Heritage Beyond Handel.” – Down right-hand side, easy-to-read font, bright against background of page.

“Diana Damrau flies high.” – Name in bold, down left-hand side, easy to read font, bright against backdrop.

“The Man Who Dressed Dame Joan.” – Unobtrusive, down left-hand side of page, not in bold, easy-to-read font, white against black.

“Parade Marches On.” – largest cover line, easy to read, eye-catching, stands out against colour background in white.

“Exclusive! My Fair Lady.” – bright colours, down left-hand side, underneath hat in picture so noticeable, largest cover line on page.

“John Wayne ... The Duke Is King.” – name in bright colour, larger and bolder than resst of line, between two lines, eye-catching but inobtrusive.

My Ideas:

1) The highs and lows of Fame
2) Ellen May's shocking new look
3) The West End’s hottest new actress opens up!

4) The latest news and pics from new film TRACKS
5) WIN! With PLAY.COM   Tickets for the best new production in town!

6) Is Priscilla: Queen of the Desert really the greatest new musical out there?

Music Magazine Name Ideas

Ø  Supernova – sounds good and has musical connotations, but would not work well with intended genre – more useful for a rock magazine, so I will not use it.

Ø  The Show – musicals/performances/“TV shows”, simple name, already in use?  Won’t use.

Ø  Piece – performances, part of a larger entity – too obscure?  Won’t use.

Ø  Track – like soundtrack of a film/musical, although sounds more like a train magazine than music.  Will not use.

Ø  Chorus – show, musical reference, simple, easy to remember, already in use?  Will not use.

Ø  Demo – like soundtrack, needs knowledge of genre to be recognised, doesn’t sound right for magazine name.  Will not use.

Ø  Debut – new, interesting, exciting, debut on the stage, debut performances.  Will use.

Photo Ideas

0Main article -

Jenny singing into microphone - close-up

Jenny playing with props - hat, shoes, coat, handbag

Cover -

Jenny with props (+ pull quote)

Bronwen posing with clothes in wardrobe

Someone spray-painting a wall

Competition for live show tickets

Penny close-up, smiling

Contents -

Tickets

Graffiti
Feet with ballet shoes on pointe

Bronwen in wardrobe

Close-up of Chris - editor's picture 

• Ellen's wardrobe - Bronwen dressing up in clothes, playing around with accessories and clothes.
• TV show - Unidentifiable person spray painting graffiti against bank wall – baggy hoodie and jeans, next to graffiti, facing camera but face is mostly hidden. Dark and dingy.
• Show ticket.
• Other artist – Penny with hair curly, close-up of head and shoulders, bright colour, smiling.

Penny

Bronwen

Jenny



Chris

Ballet



Graffiti

Ticket

Music Magazine Title Connotations

• OK - affirmation, worldwide, recognisable
• Hello - greeting, welcome into celebrity lives
• Grazia - international, elegance, high fashion
• Red - sophisticated, fashion
• Now - immediacy, gossip
• Chat - friendly, gossip
• Heat - hot gossip, exciting
• Mizz - grown up, rebellious adolescence, edgy
• Marie Clare - French, chic, high fashion
• Cosmopolitan - elegance, internationality - shortened to Cosmo when smaller size brought out - moving with the times.
• Vogue - high fashion, sophistication
• NME (New Musical Express) - contemporary, recognisable
• Kerrang - musical term, onomatopoeic, suggestive of loud rock music (genre)
• Top of the Pops - crème de la crème of pop music, current, easy to recall
• FHM (For Him Magazine) - contemporary, hidden meaning, sounds like radio (FM)

SHORT/ONE WORD NAMES - EASY TO REMEMBER

Magazine Contents Page Analysis - Connotative and Denotative - 2

The front cover of this magazine doubles as a contents page, so it is very easy for passers-by to see what is inside.

Denotative

There is a large picture of Cheryl Cole as the main image, and she is smiling widely, looking happy and relaxed.  Her head slightly obscures the title, but some of the other articles cover her chest or arms.  The are several boxes which contain pictures, pull-quotes, introductory questions and page numbers for the articles, and most of the pictures are people, all of whom are celebrities.  There is no editor's letter, as there is no room, but the issue date, barcode and price are all visible at the bottom of the page.

Connotative

The picture of Cheryl Cole looks happy, relaxed and friendly, and the caption to her picture would entice younger girls.  The title is easy to work out, even though it is partly obscured, and it is well-known anyway and the font is recognisable.  The colours used on the page are bright and eye-catching, and would appeal to younger girls, and the pull-quotes or introductions to articles interest any potential readers.  The page numbers are easy to read and obvious, so anyone who was interested by a story on the cover would automatically know exactly where to look for it.  The issue date, price and barcode all indicate that this is a readily-available product, and they are easy to find at the checkout.

Magazine Contents Page Analysis - Connotative and Denotative - 1

Denotative
There is a letter from a member of the editorial team down the left-hand side - around 200 words.  Use of a photo and handwriting font for greeting and signature.  The magazine logo, date and issue number are small, in the top left-hand corner of the page.  There is a large photo of Joe McElderry with caption, and some smaller pictures with captions.  The inset picture of Rihanna has no caption, but corresponds with the article that is listed next to her head.  The list of magazine content is split into sections, and each section's heading is in a different-coloured box.  The colours of each section are used for the page numbers of each article inside the respective sections.  There is a false perforation line between the editor's letter and the contents themselves.


Connotative

Chatty, friendly tone to letter makes reader feel included and welcome.  Handwriting font and picture emphasise connection between magazine and reader.  Logo, date and issue number are unobtrusive in the top corner, not impinging on the content of the page.  The captions or corresponding articles to photos reinforce the idea of a friendly connection between the reader and magazine.  The colour scheme on the page creates a sense of cohesion and holds the page together, as well as making it easy for the reader to find what they are looking for.

Magazine Cover Analysis - Connotative and Denotative - 2

Denotative Analysis

The larger pictures of single artists are accompanied by names and short, interesting headlines.  The pictures overlap things around them, and are overlapped by text.  The head and face are always left open, however.  The "X" of The X Factor's logo is present at the top of the cover, as the magazine is called X Magazine.  The pictures and headlines are all encased in bright pink or purple boxes or outlines, and the same colour scheme is used throughout the cover.  The font is large and easy to read, even from far away, and the lines are short and simple.  The price is near the barcode, along with the date and issue number, and they are all quite small in comparison to the rest of the magazine.  There is a small bubble containing information about a competition.


Connotative Analysis

The pictures are all inviting, and the headlines correspond to the pictures, with actual quotes from the article/interviews inside.  The "X" is instantly recognisable as being from The X Factor, so fans of the show will be attracted to it, and the magazine has instant status, as it is produced by the makers of a well-loved musical programme.  The bright colours attract the attention of passers-by, and make the magazine look interesting and fresh.  The font is easy to read from far away, making the magazine more attractive as it looks more accessible.  The headlines are simple and to the point, and help a great deal to persuade someone to buy the magazine.  The small price seems unobtrusive in the lower corner of the magazine, and the barcode is easy to find at the checkout, but takes upb little space on the cover, leaving the articles and content to be the main focus.  The bubble containing the competition is quite small, but noticeable as there is not much negative space on the cover of this magazine.  The pink stands out and calls attention, and contrasts well with its white background.

Double Page Spread Analysis - Connotative and Denotative - 2

Denotative Analysis

The title of the article goes across the top of both pages, and the character file at the bottom does too.  They both use the same colour scheme, yellow, pink and red, and these colours are used less obviously in the rest of the article.  The box down the left-hand side of the page uses the same colour red, with the yellow writing for certain words, which makes them stand out.  The interview in the middle of the left-hand page has a pink box at the top, containing the introduction, and the pink is used to indicate the questions.  Yellow is used for the pull-quote in-between the two sides of the interview.  The Jonas Brothers are the main picture in the article, and the background is simple but eye-catching, because of the different shades of blue.  The word “rock” is in larger letters than the rest, with black outlines for each letter.  The picture of the DVD cover of the film also uses the same colour scheme, meaning that the colours are from the original film.

Connotative Analysis

The repeated colours create a sense of cohesion in the article, and the bands covering both pages make sure that both pages of the spread connect with each other.  The fact that a small part of the picture of the Jonas Brothers also crosses the gutter continues this effect.  The article is split into three different parts; information about the film, the characters, and an interview with some of the actors themselves (the Jonas Brothers).  The brothers look relaxed and dressed-down, like they are casually hanging out, as opposed to being busy, or obsessed with their celebrity status – their clothes and manner make them seem down-to-earth and approachable. The colours will be noticed by any fans of the film, which will entice them to read the article further, because they will recognise them from the film.  The simple background to the picture also helps to make the boys seem more casual and approachable, because they do not have anything intimidating or outrageous behind them, just a calm, blurry picture of a lake.

Double Page Spread Analysis - Connotative and Denotative - 1

Denotative Analysis

There are lots of pictures from behind the scenes of The X Factor, which all have a thin white border, and are arranged like a collage.  The pictures all have captions, and they take up most of the double-page spread, overlapping the gutter.  The title of the article is in bold, and on a slant, and so is the introduction underneath.  The text at the bottom is aligned to the left, unjustified, and arranged in two straight, even columns.  The first few words are in bold, and there is a black X logo at the end of the second column, to indicate the end of the article.  At the bottom of each page, there is a page number, the magazine logo and the date of issue.

Connotative Analysis

The word “exclusive” coupled with the behind-the-scenes pictures, make the article seem like it is the only place to go for information about what is going on off-camera on the show.  The collage of pictures attracts the eye, and the pictures look natural and realistic, though they may have been posed.  The “110%” is in a bright, shiny blue box at the top of the page, and the word “exclusive” is encased in acid-yellow.  The text in the article is small, as the pictures make up most of the content, but the difference in the style and direction of writing between the title, introduction and main body of text grabs the eye and makes the text more noticeable, so it will be read.  The magazine logo at the bottom of the page holds the entire magazine together, by subconsciously reminding the reader what magazine they are reading.

Magazine Cover Analysis - Connotative and Denotative - 1

Denotative Analysis

The main picture on this cover is of Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, accompanied by a large headline inviting people to read the interview with them.  The picture obscures the title of the magazine, and part of the pictures on the left, although the faces of all the stars are still easily visible and recognisable.  The pictures are all accompanied by a headline or piece of text explaining the article that features them, including pull-quotes from interviews.  The barcode and price are easily visible but not taking away any of the focus from the rest of the cover.  The email address of the magazine is visible at the top of the page, as is the BBC logo, the company which produces the programme “Top of the Pops”.  The bright blue, pink and yellow colour scheme is present on the whole of the cover, and a lot of white is visible as well, simply to attract attention, as it contrasts with the blue background.

Connotative Analysis

The picture of Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens looks fun and relaxed, giving the impression that they are happy in each other’s company, and a good couple.  The interview sounds interesting from the text in front of the picture.  The stars are all quite famous and recognisable for a lot of people, and a name is provided for most pictures as well.  The magazine is well-established, so the picture covering the title does not matter, as it is quite easy to work out the name.  The headlines accompanying the pictures serve to entice the passer-by, and the pull-quotes show the kind of content in the article.  The barcode is not obtrusive; it is small and in the corner, not attracting attention.  The price is the same, although it’s low, it is not obvious or standing out.  The BBC is a reputable company, and the presence of the logo subtly shows that the magazine is well-endorsed.  The bright colours make the magazine look fresh and attractive, obviously for young people, and fits with the theme of the magazine.

Double Page Conventions

 Larger photo (overlaps to next page)

Colour scheme

Magazine logo at bottom of page

Page number

Pull quotes

Large headline

Different font/colour for questions and answers

Border?

Text wrap?

Enlarged opening paragraph to lead in to article

Article in columns – not justified

Little negative space

Drop cap first letter

Semiology

The Study Of Semiotics

Images and colours can be signifiers - meanings widely shared which the media producer can then use to communicate with an audience.  When considering mise-en-scene, it is important to remember semiotics:

• Pose/Facial Expression
• Set/Location
• Props
• Lighting
• Colour

Signs combine to create meaning - each sign must be in keeping with the others.

Paradigms and Sytnagms

Each individual item is a paradigm and they combine to create a syntagm.
e.g. Hats
       Boots
       Props
-All paradigms but they create a whole (syntagm).

Connotative and Denotative Analysis

Denotative - state what you see.
Connotative - what do the things mean? What message is conveyed?

Audiences

Defining an audience:

1. Age
2. Nationality
3. Location
4. Ethnicity
5. Religion
6. Political alliance/beliefs
7. Education
8. Taste
9. Socio-economic groups:

A                        B                        C                           D                        E

Higher                  Mid-level                 1)Junior Management          Semi/Un-skilled         1)Casual Labourers
Management         Management           2)Skilled Manual Workers     Manual Workers         2)Unemployed
Positions                                                                                                                       3)State Pensioners


Audience reactions:
  Hypodermic needle theory -
The idea that the audience is passive, and unquestioningly accepts the information presented by the media.
  2 Step Flow –
Audience discusses media content and comes to own conclusion, which may agree or disagree with the media’s.

Colour Psychology

Colours in the red area of the sprectrum are known as warm colours and include red, orange and yellow.  These can evoke emotions ranging from warmth and comfort to anger and hostility.
Colours in the blue area of the spectrum are known as cool colours and include blue, purple and green.  These colours are often described as calm, but often call to mind feelings of sadness or indifference.

Some associations for popular colours:

Black - often used as a symbol of menace or evil, but also a popular inidcator of power.  Associated with death amd mourning in many cultures, as well as unhappiness, sexuality, formality and sophistication.  Often used in fashion.
White - represents purity or innocence, and can create a sense of space or add highlights, because of its brightness and clarity.  Also often described as cold, bland or sterile.
Red - a bright, hot colour that evokes strong emotions.  Associated with love, warmth and comfort, but also anger and hatred - all heated, passionate feelings.
Blue - calls to mind feelings of calmness and serenity.  Often described as peaceful, secure and orderly, but can also create feelings of sadness or aloofness.
Green - symbolises nature, health, tranquility and luck, but also jealousy.  Green is also a symbol of fertilty, and has a calming effect.
Yellow - bright, cheery and warm, representative of the sun.  Can also create feelings of frustration and anger.  Yellow is the most visible colour, and the most noticeable, and can increase the metablosim.  Yellow is the colour most fatiguing to the eye, because of the amount of light reflected.
Purple - symbol of royalty and wealth, and also represents wisdom and spirituality.  As it does not often occur in nature, purple can seem exotic or artificial.  Also often associated with chocolate.
Brown - a natural colour that evokes a sense of strength and reliability, but can also create feelings of sadness and isolation.  Brown brings to mind warmth, comfort and security.  It is often described as natural, down-to-earth, and conventional.
Orange - a combination of red and yellow, considered an energetic colour, and is often used to draw attention.  Calls to mind feelings such as excitement, enthusiasm and warmth.
Pink - essentially a light red, associated with love and romance.  Thought to have a calming effect initially, but this wears off after exposure to the colour.

Cover Page Conventions

Price

Date

Barcode

Masthead

Some articles without picture

Large main picture – links to main article

Different font sizes and colours

Pull quotes

Eye-catching introductions

Most pictures of celebrities/artists look happy/relaxed

Questionnaire and Analysis

Questions:


1) Do you often buy music magazines?
2) Do you prefer a thin weekly, medium fortnightly, or thick monthly magazine?
3) Do you think there should be more music magazines that focus only on musicals?
4) What would be your maximum spending on a magazine of this type?
5) What would you like to read in a magazine of this type?
6) What attracts you to a magazine in the first place?
7) Would you prefer to read more about: Television, Films, or live shows?
8) Would you prefer a magazine that has more variety and appeals to a wide audience, or one with a smaller target audience?
9) Where do you buy most of your magazines from?
10) Would you buy every issue of a magazine? Do you think there should be a subscription option?


Example Reply:

Emma: female//16

1)No
2)Thin weekly
3)YES!
4)£1.50
5)About new songs that have come out and musicals that will come out soon :)
6)The brand usually but sometimes what’s on the front
7)Tricky...Films probs
8)Variety
9)A shop :D wherever
10)No i wouldn’t buy every issue

 Questions 4 & 5 cannot be represented in chart form, but I have taken the answers into consideration.

These charts clearly show, according to my intended audience, that the magazine I am going to create should be a medium-sized fortnightly magazine on musicals that caters for a wide audience.  The magazine should have an interesting cover, be stocked in several different places and contain information about many different types of musicals.  The magazine will have a subscription option.