Media Courework- January 2015

1. Analysis of Article Draft
A drop capital is usedhere inorder to grab
the reader’s attention, encouragingthem
to beginreading the article. As the letter is
in blue, standing out against the white
background, this should emphasise this
effect we wish to have onthe reader. It also
makes the article lookmore inviting.
We have chosento have three columns for this particular
draft, makingit easyto readandveryclearlyset out. This
also ensuresthat there is enoughroomfor the article
itself. Inorder to breakupthe article and make it appear
more inviting, we have usedmany typical conventions of a
TV listings magazine, suchas a pull quote and a small
image. The pullquote will be inblue, standing out against
the white backgroundandblackwords. Thisthen also
matches the colour of the drop capital, so that the article
does not appear too messyor overwhelming in terms of
colour. To emphasise the quote, it willbe inlarger font.
The image inthe lower corner will be of a scene from the
documentaryinanattempt to entice the reader to watch
it. We will chose an interesting still fromthe documentary
to do this. A captionunderneathwill describe to the
reader what is goingon inthat picture, making it clear as
to what the image is of.
At the top of the article we will have the title ofthe documentaryinwhite writing
against a red rectangle, andthe date/time/channel underneathina yellow
rectangle withblackfont. Then, ifthe reader looks backat the article to find out
when theycanwatchit, this gives them a quick reference. It is in red andyellowin
order to draw attention to thisas it is suchimportant information. It alsoadds
colour to the article, catching the attentionof the reader.
The ellipsis here willintrigue readers, leaving them
wantingto know more. Therefore, the use ofthis
device will encourage them to read the actualarticle.
We have chosento have a banner saying ‘TOPPICKTHIS
WEEK’ in white writing against a redbackground. If the reader
thinks the documentaryhas beenwell received, and thus has
been recommend, thenthiswill encourage them to find out
more- byreading the article andbywatching the
documentary. The use of red alsoattracts readers to this page
as it is eye catching.
‘Straight isn’t the onlywayforward…’ is the title of the article. Thiswill be in
white, big font. It willtake up a quarter of the left page, making it clear it is the
title ofthe article. We have chosenthe colour white for the title as it is a typical
conventionof magazine articles. We have chosen this title as it is light hearted
and doesnot give too much awayof the actual documentary. It alsomakesuse
of linguistic devices as it is a pun. It links to bothdirections andsexuality,
suggesting there are other life choices other thanbeingstraight- thus linking to
the idea of homosexuality. This shouldgrabthe reader’s attention, encouraging
them to readon.
This image will take us the whole left side of the double page spread. It will showa
full bodyshot ofour documentarian- Katie Chapman-allowing the reader to be
familiar with her before theyactuallybegin readingor watching. She will have eye
contact withthe camera, showingher confidence. Thiswill alsocreate rapport with
the audience. She will have her arms crossed, giving animage of determinism. In
the background there willbe two men, one proposing to another, makingit clear
this documentaryis about homosexuality. As thisis a happyimage (two people
showing their love for each other), this makesit apparent this documentaryhopes
to depict the LGBT communityina positive light. As this topic is quite controversial
to some members ofthe public, we wishto make it clear this documentaryaims to
promote equality. The gaycouple will be further awayfrom the camera sothat
Katie, the documentarian, is the mainfocus. Eachpersonwill be ineveryday
clothes- jeans/leggings andaninformal top or jacket. This is alsoto promote the
idea ofequality. The setting is ina park, with a sunnysky, symbolisinghappiness
and positivity. This is alsoa place that manypeople propose, soit is a realistic
scene. We hope this image will make the readers feel joyous, and encourage them
to read the article and watchthe documentary.
A by-line willsaywhotook the
photograph,giving themcredit. This
will be in small, black font so it
stands out against the green grassin
the image, yet does not take the
focus awayfrom the other aspects
of the article, suchas the title.
In a red star like shape, the word ‘NEW’ willappear
in yellow writing. This makes it clear that this
documentaryhas never been seenbefore,
encouragingthe reader to readthe article as they
do not knowanything about this newTV show.
This will alsograbthe reader’s attentionas it
stands out against the green background.
The page number in black, small writing will appear in
the top corners of each page. Thismakes it easyfor the
readers to navigate throughthe magazine.
Again, the date/time/channelof the
documentarywill appear. This is repeated at
the end ofthe article sothat those whohave
just readthe whole article thencontinue to
read this sotheyknowwhentheycanwatch
it. As it is at the end, this is what theyare
most likelyto remember from the article, so
theyare then more likelyto watch the
documentaryas it’s freshintheir memories.