Friday 25 April 2014

Final Broadcast Piece

This is my final piece for the broadcast platform. I've combined scenes of 'constructed' reality, although scenes are natural and have no script. This is combined with the acting of 3 other parties- 2 individuals and a group of girls who were my acting well-known celebrity figures to review my show. As well as this the added use of background sound (music), effects, transitions and techniques and the editing on iMovie. The product that I have created has the intention to promote a reality programme to my target audience of the E4's demographic 15-35 year olds. I have incorporated certain features to the product to emphasise its certain aspect of looking realistic and as if it was to be a final product to be aired on national television.

Thursday 24 April 2014

iMovie: Broadcast Production

For the development of my reality programme I wanted to use a program that would be appropriate to edit my sequences in. I tried other programs such as Movie Maker on the PC and other free programs online but none of them were as effective as iMovie was. This is why I decided that iMovie was the best program to use, because iMovie is a more professional looking editor. Whilst editing my filming I decided to take screenshots of my journey whilst using iMovie, and to show what specific effects I used in the making of the sequence. Coming to a conclusion that iMovie on the MacBook would the best option for my project.
The first aspect covered with the editing was to chose the clips to be edited at first. The clips were on a separate section and I was able to select only the edited clips onto the main project library. Within that section I could select what I wanted to be edited such as the audio (if there was any) or the clip itself. Once I was able to identify what clips I wanted to use within my final sequence I could select them by using the 'Edit' tool (which can be seen to the right, where I have clicked onto it).
As well as that if I wanted clips to be completely precise I could choose if I wanted  to use the precision editor which allowed me to choose clips and edit them in further detail. (Which can be seen to the top of the page).
Once I had edited my clips in great detail and selected them onto the final board for my final sequence, I then decided to choose appropriate sounds for the background of some of the scenes. If I had diegetic sound (talking) then I wouldn't be featuring other sounds or music in the background, that would be used for when I use text and scenes where there is only a picture and no sound. 
I decided to use iTunes which was already a program on this MacBook. I downloaded a music clip which I thought was appropriate for the sequence. I tested different sounds, some that were already on there and wanted to see what sound suited the most to the text and background scene. I finalised with a Kanye West song but because of copyright I only used the background sound and not his actual voice.


This can be seen below where I have chosen a suitable soundtrack as a background to my scenes. As shown, there is my scenes and below shows a green line which states where the sound has been put in. This shows that I have edited the sound to work with my scenes and only feature the sound of the music and not any artist's voice. This music (of the same length as the beginning- 11s or shorter) would be featured in all other sequences where there are no sounds. 

As well as this, I wanted to use some effective effects to combine with the sequence, filming and sounds. I looked at all the effects and tried some of them out, and for most of the scenes I chose to use the 'Cross Dissolve' effect which creates a flowing edit between scenes. As can be seen above; where two scenes are intersected and shows the two scenes together whilst the other scene is being put into action. 

Furthermore, on this program you are given the choice to have a them of the whole project. In which I chose to do so, the options are shown in the above photo to the right, where I chose the photo album theme. I chose to do this because it reflects the family values which my programme is about and shows that the family is the main part of the programme. This would feature several times throughout the sequence, and would show the flow of the scenes together, as well as other effects like 'Cross Dissolve'.
With the text aspect to the sequence I wanted to use simple and small words to create a sense of impact to the audience. To use text I just dragged the 'T' button which is shown above and you are given options of what type of text design you want. I chose to use a gradient background combined with a lighter, bold text (with sound). I then had to edit the text of what words to choose. After you have done that, you can edit the text again. As this is what I did, when I found that the initial words I used were too long, and so I wanted to edit them out for more shorter words.

Lastly, whilst using iMovie which at first I found a struggle but with more practice became easier. I found many effects that I didn't know existed and so found myself trying out a lot of different effects and techniques. Within that I found a 'Green Screen' option where I was given the option to have a green screen when I wanted two images in the same sequence. This provided me with a new effect to the sequence, and potentially made the sequence more interesting and effective.
Overall, I found my experience with iMovie challenging but rewarding. At first I found it very difficult to control what I was doing because it was a new program to me and something very daunting to look at. But when I was able to start the editing within using the precision editor I found it much more useful then when all the clips were just put together, as this was confusing. As I continued to use the program I found that I gained confidence in using the program and that is when I started to try different effects and techniques for my sequence. As I practiced using the program more, I found that I was able to chose the right effects and sounds to use for each sequence. I was then able to create the final sequence with different effects than I was expecting to use. In the end it was a rewarding feeling to be able to of edited a piece of such hard work. Through dedication I was able to finish my sequence and produce a aspiring piece. On evaluation, I decided to change my sound. I evaluated the choice of my music for the background of certain scenes. I chose a less well-known song which is on the similar reality show to mine- Made In Chelsea. Where the song is featured as the background music of some scenes in the show, but more known as Made In Chelsea's intro music. The song has less of a copyright stigma because it is used as Made In Chelsea's introduction music, and so it isn't copyrighted like Kanye West's song Power that I was originally going to use.


Creating Social Networks

Even though I had not chosen the E-Media platform I decided to consider it within my work. I decided to create 2 social networking sites dedicated to my broadcast product. I created a Facebook page which would be created as if it was a real programme, the page was able to be liked by fans and other Facebook users which would show convergence throughout this platform. As well as this, I created a Twitter account that fans and users could follow. The account would then promote the programme, as would the Facebook page which would show synergy between different companies. 

I've also added comments on the pages as if it was a real programme that was going to be aired. This would show the increase in evolving technological advances over broadcast platforms, and that they can rely on the e-media platform for promotion of the broadcast platform and programme. I've also stated that the programme will be featured on E4 at 8pm, which fits my brief because the programme (opening sequence) is aimed at the pre-watershed audience, which is therefore before 9pm. I've also added a picture of the E4 logo and a picture taken especially for the show which is a picture of my family and I which text of the programmes name as the logo for the show.

Wednesday 12 March 2014

Print Research- Heat magazine

Initial Research
Heat is a British entertainment magazine published by German company Bauer Media Group. As of 2004 it is one of the biggest selling magazines in the UK, with a regular circulation over half a million. Its mix of celebrity news, gossip, beauty advice and fashion is primarily aimed at women, although not as directly as in other women's magazines. It also features movie and music reviews, TV listings and major celebrity interviews.
Analysing
Content Type
Heat at first glance can be seen as a reality magazine, with its bold and eye catching headlines, font and styles. The words used such as 'exclusive' and 'revealed' entice readers to read the magazine because it is unique and unknown information and by reading the magazine means they get exclusive information. The controversial headings, and photos ensures the magazine is known as a reality magazine but also one that needs to be read. In addition to the reality aspect of the magazine it features quizzes and polls for readers to take part in, this aspect could make readers feel a part of the magazine and also have a bit of fun as well as reading the magazine.
Target Audience
With Heat using bold, colourful and extravagant fonts and styles it could be suggested that females are the predominant target audience for this magazine. Predominantly the colours used are red which connotes love, another association with females. As well as this, the style of font could suggest the demographic of the magazine might be C2 and below as the font seems cheap and just placed in a random order. The colours, style of magazine and type of content in the magazine could suggest that the age for this magazine would be a younger audience. The audience age may be of a teenage age- such as 15 to the age of 22, or around that.
Styles
Predominant colours in the magazine are reds, yellows and whites. Suggesting that bold colours are used to attract readers and to highlight the controversial and bold headlines and sub-headlines. Although, the use of a simple white could be used to contrast with the eye-catching, bold colours. Font styles used within the magazine are also bold, which would further readers to be intrigued. The design of the magazine features not  only bold colours, but also text boxes in the shape of stars, circles and other shapes which feature bold coloured text. The use of two bold colours together highlights the story and headline more, making it a more eye-catching magazine and headline.

Industry & Where It Fits In
Similar to OK! magazine, Heat features celebrities and heavily features the use of beauty endorsements to intrigue readers further. Unlike OK! magazine, Heat features more celebrities who have controversity behind them, this could be to attract more readers. They also use famous names from controversial and popular (usually reality) programmes.
History
Heat was launched in February 1999 in the UK as a general interest entertainment magazine, at a cost of more than £4m. However, unlike other Emap (now Bauer) magazine launches before and after, it was not an immediate success, with a circulation below 100,000. A series of revamps quickly repositioned the magazine as a less serious, more gossip-oriented magazine aimed at women, and circulation quickly grew. A series of high-profile celebrity relationships, such as Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt provided ample material, while reality shows such as Big Brother and Pop Idol grew popular at just the right time to help fill pages. Heat achieved record sale figures when Jade Goody had a make-over and was first on the front cover after her stint in Big Brother 3 (2002) and later when Nikki Grahame and Pete Bennett from Big Brother 7 split and Nikki spoke exclusively to Heat (2006).
In 2009/10 Heat spearheaded a campaign alongside Girls Aloud's Nicola Roberts advocating the banning of sunbed use in the UK for under-18s. The campaign was a success and a bill was passed by Parliament shortly before the 2010 General Election.
The site crashed after the magazine was mentioned on Channel 4's Million Pound Drop Live; it took up to eight days to restore. Its total circulation from June 2013 was at 241,055.
Evaluation
As well as researching other reality magazines I am able to see the general structure of a reality magazine, and which could make me think and give me ideas on what to include in mine. The use of bold headlines, colours and font styles can give me inspiration in what to include on mine. As well as combining both magazines I have researched to create a more unique, and successful magazine which can appeal to a wider audience. Lastly, the layout of this magazine is a more realistic interpretation of what a stereotypical reality magazine would look like. This is why I will be using both aspects of both magazines to create a sleeker interpretation of a reality magazine.

Sunday 9 March 2014

Print Research- OK! magazine

Initial Research
For research into the Print platform I decided to research a variety of reality magazines, such as OK! This type of magazine will allow me to see the type of information that goes into the magazine, but also how it is laid out. OK! is a British weekly magazine specialising in celebrity news, where its first issue was published in April 1993. It originally launched as a monthly magazine but was changed because of its popular demand. In September 2004, OK! publishers Northern and Shell launched in Australia as a monthly title – the magazine went weekly in October 2006. In 2005, a US version was launched, followed by an Indian edition in May 2006, a Spanish-language version in Mexico in 2006, a Bulgarian-language version in 2007 and a Spanish edition in 2008. OK! is the world’s biggest celebrity lifestyle magazine, with more than 30 million readers worldwide, and now appears in 20 countries (Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, China, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico, Middle East, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the UK, the US, Venezuela and Vietnam). OK! is best known for its coverage of celebrity nuptials. OK! was awarded £1,033,156 in a lawsuit, but lost it when the case came to the court of appeal. OK! had exclusive rights to the wedding of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas, but its rival Hello! magazine, published pictures as well, so OK! sued.

Analysing

Content Type
OK! is evident to anyone that it is a reality magazine and contains celebrity gossip and information, by which it makes audiences think they need to know this gossip. It contains bold headings to capture the readers attention and pictures that line with the headlines. In addition to the reality aspect of the magazine the magazine features advice and help on wider health issues that readers could face. This aspect to the magazine could pull in further audiences due to the further niche interests, as well as women who need advice on important issues.

Target Audience
The usual target audience for reality magazines is women, due to the stereotypes of reality being a feminine genre- whereas men are seen as masculine and not to be associated with this femininity. OK! magazines feature a young female on the cover, representing the target audience of the magazine. But, also the use of similar issues young females face such as divorce and relationship issues could suggest the target audience further and that in fact it is females who read this magazine and other reality magazines.
 Also the colours within the magazine are usually reds which connote love, suggesting that women are the audience because it is associated with them. As well as this, mainly women are used on the cover of the magazine, outlining their drama, suggesting that the women could relate to this. The use of images and text would suggest this is for women, because a wide use of images is associated with females because most women prefer pictures to text. In comparison with male magazines the use of text and images is hugely different; there is a wider use of text and facts in male magazines and usually just 1 picture- the cover. The age of the target audience is from 18-35 year old females, although there are other audiences that go against the main target audience but the majority of the audience is young females.
Styles
The colours in OK! magazines are primarily reds and yellows. The use of red suggests love and luxury; a material such as velvet could represent this. The yellows go against the red and compliment each other with the darker colour of red beneath the yellow, with the yellow piercing through. The yellows are usually  the colour of the text, this could be to attract readers to the magazine with bold headlines. The page layout is neat but extravagant, suggesting more to the female gendered audience. The main headings of the magazine are enlarged and are usually a lighter colour than the background to stand out of the magazine. Smaller headlines are also light, but lighter colours such as whites are used to compliment the yellow and red which are quite extravagant and bold colours. The use of celebrities are always used in this magazine, primarily because the magazine focuses on celebrities and celebrity gossip. On this particular issue, Kate Middleton is used, a well known, respectable celebrity who is used for good press. Sometimes in magazines celebrities are used to endorse more profit and media coverage but sometimes in a negative way. For example, one issue of OK! included Kerry Katona's cover where she pleaded for 'help' and in which featured her in a swimming pool with mascara running down her eyes. This negative view of her created a media controversy and caused more readers to buy it.

Industry & Where It Fits In
The reality genre could be one of the most popular genres, with the celebrities and the celebrity gossip within it being extremely popular within any industry. It fits in with the female lifestyle of those who enjoy celebrity gossip and actually like the particular celebrity. Because this particular issue features a highly respected individual/ celebrity and someone who is in the Royal family, the particular issue was very popular with readers due to her high status and the interview she was featured in. Most celebrities have a huge fan base behind them and with that would be brought to the magazine if they were featured.

History
OK! magazine was first published in April 1993. It originally launched as a monthly magazine but was changed because of its popular demand. In September 2004, OK! publishers Northern and Shell launched in Australia as a monthly title – the magazine went weekly in October 2006. In 2005, a US version was launched, followed by an Indian edition in May 2006, Mexican edition in 2006, a Bulgarian-language version in 2007 and a Spanish edition in 2008. OK! is the world’s biggest celebrity lifestyle magazine, with more than 30 million readers worldwide, and now appears in 20 countries.

Evaluation
By researching different reality magazines it gives me an insight of what I could include in my magazine and what not to include. For example, in this magazine I have realised that female gendered magazines usually feature extravagant, bold styles as well as using lighter colours to compliment the bold ones. Also, the layout of the magazine will help me with the layout in designing mine, with it being one of the most popular reality magazines in the UK and further countries.  The use of images and amount, as well as the use of bold headlines and the image to underline this, this could help me with my magazine. By taking inspiration and various ideas from this highly popular reality magazine, I can know what not to feature and what to feature to attract the right readers. As well as having an effective, persuading magazine which entitles any readers on what my magazine is initially about; my reality TV programme.

Wednesday 26 February 2014

Peer comments for pitch


I created a presentation which was a representation of what my project was about, this was to show to an audience what my idea was and for them to give feedback on it and to get any improvements for my project. I included 5 slides which showed everything I had thought about; including the location of my reality TV show. The layout looked like this:

1.The idea has a potential as a media product?
        1      2       3       4        5

2. The correct audience has been selected?
        1      2       3       4        5

3. The research is appropriate?
        1      2       3       4        5

4. The blog is effective and guides us through the learning journey that has taken place?
        1      2       3       4        5

5. Media concepts have been thought about and applied?
        1      2       3       4        5

The audience circled a number between 1-5 on how they thought my presentation was based on my project idea, blog, audience, camera angles, characters and location. Number 1 was the least effective and 5 being the most. Usually my comments and feedback were positive and only a few improvements that could be made. I created a table to show each person's score out of 5 for each question and to show any feedback or improvements they have asked me to make in order to improve my project.
These comments and scores enable to know what others think about my idea and all the elements involved. The improvements that have been given to me will give me an insight to what I could do in order to improve my project and certain areas of it. For example, there were a few comments about my blog which said I needed to update my blog regularly. All the improvements given I will do to ensure I can reach the best of my ability. Some of the improvements I may have to do extra research so that I am able to improve; an example is thinking more about the theories and being able to apply them to my project and any written tasks.


 Idea has potential:
All of the scores were 4 or 5 out of 5, showing a positive view on the idea of my programme. This will enable me to see that there are no issues with the initial idea of the programme I am creating. It also shows that the idea has potential as a proper reality TV programme that's been aired on TV.

Correct audience:
The majority of the audience had agreed with my selected target audience, although there was one individual who scored 3 out of 5 for this question. This could suggest that the target audience selected needs to be thought out more and potentially having a more precise audience than originally thought. As well as this, a peer made a comment on the audience selected and commented that I needed to find the specific target audience.

Research is appropriate:
All scores were 4 or 5 out of 5 suggesting that the audience think the research I have initially done is appropriate. As well as being appropriate, it is also relevant to what I am doing and links in with my reality programme.

Blog is effective:
Judging by most of the scores given the audience believe my blog isn't as effective as it could be. This is an improvement to be made; to continually update my blog with research and relevant information. Furthermore, many comments given were about my blog- including that I need to include more research and that I should update the blog regulary. I will therefore make sure that my blog is more effective in showing the journey of my reality programme, as well as giving the appropriate research.

Media concepts applied:
Most of the audience felt that I had applied media concepts appropriately, although one person scored me a 3 out of 5. Which could suggest I may need to include more concepts with links to them. Other comments from the audience included- think more about theories and include more concepts. This is another improvement to be made to ensure its very effective and appropriate.

By having peers witness my ideas will enable me to see their feedback to make any initial improvements. As well as this, having them score each important aspect of my project will enable me to see what specific areas I need to focus on and to give any improvements on. This will make sure that my blog and my project as a whole are as effective as they can be.

Monday 24 February 2014

Broadcast Research- Made In Chelsea




Made In Chelsea is another reality programme that I will be analysing as it has some interesting camera angles in, but also it allows me to focus on the 'reality' of the show which my show will feature. Firstly, with the camera angles the camera men use interesting shots throughout the trailer which actually mirror the type of shots shown in the show itself. An example of these camera angles is when the shots were focused on the location; London. The angle purposely frames the location to emphasise the shows name- (Made In) Chelsea, a popular location within London. The location is extremely important because it is what makes the show iconic, and so by focusing on that with the camera angles viewers understand straight away what they are viewing and the importance of this. As well as this, audiences who  regularly watch the show and are fans will recognise the iconic shot of the location in London and will be able to relate with that. Along with the establishing shot of the Thames in London, other shots of signs are iconic and compare with shots such as the London Eye and the Thames.
The shots of the signs, such as Chelsea Embankment are iconic along with famous London attractions, this is because it shows where the characters are and viewers can relate to this because they know the connotations of each place. For example Spencer, one of the main characters on the show usually meets one of his girlfriends or exes by the Thames, and this would usually be for a chat or to break up with them. Viewers know that when they see this particular location that something similar will happen, that they may have seen before. Along with the other codes & conventions there is a variety of shots which include an over the shoulder shot which also features in the actual show on occasions, this is because it shows the setting of the scene, and shows who is involved with the scene. As well as this, almost all the time an establishing shot is used, and is almost always the location of the programme- London. The shot is establishing because it conveys power, and a sense of being superior over other programmes and places.

In this trailer the characters seem to have a sense of humour portrayed about them because the main characters are singing. Even people who didn't watch the show could see from the trailer that the show has some humour to it. By making the characters sing it mirrors the shows content because some of the show is humorous and conveys the unreality of the programme, which this trailer shows. The sounds are usually non-diegetic as dramatic music contrasts with some of the scenes, this can make a scene more interesting to watch. Although, when the characters are talking this sound is diegetic as they are saying it right there and then. The location and miss en scene show that the show is upper class, combined with the portrayal of the characters as 'posh' with their accents, clothing and activities they do.
The miss en scene includes the props this trailer uses, such as when some of the characters are in a luxury bar drinking alcoholic beverages. Two of the characters can be seen holding glasses which seem to be expensive which contain alcohol. This mirrors the characters lifestyle; as luxury and expensive. Combined with this the lighting is usually well lit within the show and trailer, this shows the show as being able to afford a well lit setting, which would therefore show the characters outfits, make-up, drama that happens, emotion on the characters faces and any props used; such as wine glasses and beverages. The lighting actually compliments the characters complexion and makes them look better.
The other miss en scene includes the characters use of make-up, and their clothes. As within the show and trailer the women characters always seem to be wearing a lot of make-up and wearing glamorous clothes, on any occasion. This would show that the characters take pride in their appearance, and there by doing so shows that they have a lot of money, mirroring the show's expectations. As well as this, the trailer only uses the main characters, this could be because it is more appealing to the fans. Combined with the iconic, main characters the trailer shows similar scenes which the actual show has. For example, the trailer has pauses, awkwardness and similar music is used. This is so that fans who regularly watch the show are familiar with the scenes and would know that the show is sticking to its particular, iconic, comedic roots.
The fans would watch the trailer and see the main characters and be instantly engaged, therefore would want to watch the show if the main, iconic characters were featured. The main miss en scene such as the cars and houses shown combine with the rest of the miss en scene and characters and mirrors the type of show it is. The cars are usually Ferraris and Rolls Royces which are known as expensive. The houses, in Chelsea are shown as white and big, luxury and expensive, like the show. The expensive, luxury items combine with the setting and location to portray the show as luxury and upper class.