Learning Outcome 3 (U3): Be able to create production materials for an original media product to a client brief (P4, M3)

Learning outcome 3: Be able to create production materials for an original media product to a client brief

Body Copy- for Double page spread(interview with the main picture on other pages)

UNPLUGGED- Body Copy for a double page spread 

Megan Cooper is a 23-year-old singer-songwriter from North London who possesses a voice that commands your attention. Megan is one of the most promising singer-songwriters from the UK right now. After releasing the best selling single, with the song staying in the top 10 in the UK for seven weeks- beating Ed Sheeran and George Ezra to reach number 1. After this incredible achievement, she had her first headline tour and is currently working to release her self-titled debut album in March 2019. Working with a top producer who has previously worked with Adele and Lilly Allen. 

Unplugged was delighted to have the opportunity to interview this star after a successful gig at the KOKO. 

You’ve been getting lots of attention and acclaim already at the start of your career. Did you ever expect that kind of thing to happen so soon? 

No, not at all. I feel like, because I’ve been writing and playing for such a long time, you just have zero expectations. There are no expectations at all. Every single person that turns up to a show, you really appreciate them. They mean a lot more when you haven’t had them, you know? So I’m just extremely grateful for all of this. It’s incredible. 

Who are you inspired by in the music industry? 

I’m inspired by so many great artists however my complete idols growing up were Adele and Florence and the machine. I was hugely influenced by them due to such powerful lyrics and the natural talent Adele has while singing. 

Also, a lot of piano-based musicians as I play the piano myself and love incorporating it into my songs. Artists like Tom Odell and Elton John, they are incredible. I genuinely feel like the kind of music I listen to is so predictable as they have such influence in my songs. 

In the current age of Spotify and streaming being dominated by certain genres of music – is it more difficult for your style of music to break through or does it actually help it in terms of discovery?

I think it’s the same with growing up. I never went out to make the music that people would like. I mean, I tried, because every teenager tries to do that. But in my heart, I’d always come from gigs where I played upbeat guitar covers and I’d start writing sad songs on the piano.

So I feel like, this is who I am authentically. And I’ve always held onto that through loads of different trends and things. So it’s just really exciting that this is what people are really responding to, the fact that it’s authentically me.

If I asked your 16-year-old self, what career you wanted to be in, would you of said the music industry? 

Well, I was so delighted to attend the BRIT school at the age of 16 as this made me certain that the music industry was the career path I would like to take. I remember so clearly on the walls were pictures of Adele, Leona Lewis and Amy Winehouse who all attended my school. This made me want to follow their footsteps and made me so motivated to make it into the Music Industry. 

How do you feel performing live? Any sort of stage fright involved still?

I would say I’ve always had pretty bad stage fright. But I feel the more I’ve had to perform, it gets a tiny bit better each time. But when you get a week or two off, it does come back in full force. My mum just told me to just “ride the wave”. You know its coming but it’s important to just take a deep breath. I feel like nearly everyone gets anxious before you go to perform and you need to accept that it is totally normal. 

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps? 

I would say that if you have a passion for music you need to do anything possible to breakthrough into this tough music industry. If you are motivated, determined and patient there is no reason why you can’t be successful within the music industry. One major component is you have to be willing to work and develop your talent. Everyone starts from the bottom, you just have to work your way up- for example singing at gigs and release your music. 

Assets: 

Setting up equipment and taking photos: 

In this image, I have attached the DSLR camera on the tripod by using a quick release plate/shoe. This makes sure the camera remains still during photoshoot. Furthermore, I'm extending the tripod legs, making sure it will stand. 

The tripod is set up, fully extended ensuring all the images will not be blurry making all shots at the highest quality. 

The image is taken in the stables market. The tripod is not being used due to limited camera angles. This is why the tripod is not in use. I attached a lens cap and strap so the camera cannot be damaged. 

Images before post production: 

This image will be used for my front page spread. There was a number of factors why this specific photo was chosen. Firstly, the centre of focus is the model making direct eye contact with the camera. It's also a mid shot at an extra angle. This enabled good lighting and a good composition. Which had great contrast with the beige background. This colour for the background has a rustic feel with the guitar representing the Acoustic genre perfectly. Lastly, the direct eye contact connects with my target audience inviting them to purchase unplugged. 

The photo above is being used for my double page spread. The rule of thirds is perfect in this photo, with the shadow of the model giving a dramatic effect. The guitar is placed slightly in front and at a very natural position. The guitar links to the acoustic genre. In addition, the model's smile and tilted angle connect with the reader once again looks friendly and inviting. The backlight provides shadow and the simple background ensures the model is the focal point. 

This photo will not be selected, as I have only selected two. This photo has positives and negatives. However, even though the model's smile might attract the reader she is looking away. Moreover, there is bad lighting on the second part of her face. The slightly high angle puts the model not within the rule of thirds when thinking of framing. The backgrounds simplicity does enable the model to be the focal point. 

The low titled angle, at a long shot, enables the model to be slight of the centre for framing. Also is a canted angle.  This image is also not being used as the lighting is dull due to the background being white. In addition, even though the model is looking at the centre of the camera. It does not look inviting. Lastly, you can see other objects, at the top right of the photo which could distract readers. 

The image above will not be selected because the model seems to be distracted due to looking in an opposite direction. The photo is a mid-shot and is taken using the tripod. The lighting is quite dull due to the white background and will not stand out to my target audience, even though it meets the requirements of the brief and represents my genre. The main reason why it has not been selected is because it does not appeal to my target audience. 

This image has not been selected. The background steals the focal point of the model due to poor lighting. You have a limited view of the model due to the stump. The camera shot is wrong as its more of an establishing shot. In addition, it does not attract to the target audience as the model's outfit is quite dark, not standing out on a front page spread. 

This image has not been selected even though it has better overall lighting. The models standing position is bad due to her stance not facing the camera and instead of turning away not connecting to the reader. The image was taken outside the roundhouse which perfectly fits the brief however the overall image is not high enough quality. 

This image has also not been selected as the framing is not where I want it for my front page/double page spread. I like how the model is leaning against the pole however the colourful background changes the attention of the reader towards that and the surrounding objects rather than the model. 

The reason why this photo has not been selected is due to the model shutting their eyes when the photo was taken, not focusing the readers attention. Even though there is good lighting, the two coloured background does not complement the models outfit. Lastly, the guitar did not look natural and the angle was lower than the subject. 

This image has not been selected, due to the wind placing her hair in front of her face, it looks distracting and does not make the target audience focus. On the other hand, there is good lighting however i dont like the mixed background. The angle is slightly below the subject. 

This image was going to feature across a double page spread however it was not selected. This is partially because of bad lighting on the right hand side and the model too focused in playing the guitar rather than connecting with the reader. In addition, the shadow on the bench is quite distracting.

This photo was not selected due to the model being in an awkard stance and the facial expressions are districating rather than intriguing the reader and my target audience. The shadow for the lighting is to domintant in contrast to the main focal point. 

This photo was not selected due to the models hair covering her face, once again. being too focused in playing the guitar than looking appealing to my tareget audience. The model sitting on the top of the bench gives it a dynamic twist however the main concern is the models face being covered. 

This photo was not selected due to the shawdow overshawdoing the rest of the photogragh. Its far too dominant. The positioning of the model suits the rule of thirds for framing, however the reader cant see the models face clearly meaning they wont connect and be intriguied by this upcoming artist. The guitar looks natural however the lighting made this picture to not be selected. 

Setting up templates: 

Setting up a new file, selecting new. 

Measurements for magazine, A4 for front cover- International paper

New file opened for double page spread, International paper at A3

Rotating A3- 90 degrees clockwise so it would fit for the double page spread 

New file for double page spread created

Tools Used to create text: 

Font chosen is Love story, applied by downloading to font book. Masthead across the top of page- draws attention to reader. Added a text box across the page, selecting my chosen font.

This shows the background being changed using a gradient fill- this was best suited with changing the title to be white.

Codes and conventions 

 This image represents the acoustic genre due to the fashion used and guitar being present. The acoustic genre represents a stripped back and calm theme. This is what I want to portray throughout my magazine fashion wise. My magazine should influence fashion styles that acoustic artists wear. In terms of mise-en-scene fit the codes and conventions of the acoustic pop genre. With the guitar being featured, this is extremely common in acoustic magazines. I decided to include this feature after my research on the competition my magazine faces from the acoustic market. It also clearly grabs the attention of the reader and gives information to tell them straight away that its an acoustic pop magazine.

Furthermore, the tag lines that feature on my front cover clearly connotes the genre I have chosen. The information is beneficial to the reader and meets the client brief. It educates the reader about venues around London and the best gigs in North London. This informs about the history of the acoustic genre and the present. It also introduces the reader about new music and upcoming artists in the acoustic pop industry. This is an implicit requirement mentioned in the brief 'showcase the talent and venues' in the north London area. This convention meets the needs of the brief because it rates venues and introduces the reader to new acoustic music.

The title unplugged connotates the acoustic pop genre perfectly. Unplugged is symbolic and represents an instrument being disconnected. Further to this, it informs the reader how it will be an acoustic genre. Another convention of how this image meets the brief is the skyline. It mentions a gig guide and an interview. This teaser informs and educates the reader about the genre and tells the people of north London about the gigs in the local area, an explicit requirement.

This pull quote is a key convention within any magazine. It was taken from the interview of the acoustic pop artist. Moreover, it inspires the reader to get into music no matter what your upbringing is within North London. This pull quote draws the audience in and makes the magazine stand out.