This is the first draft of my research and planning for my AS media studies coursework.

1. AS MEDIA
AS UNIT G321
FOUNDATION PORTFOLIO IN MEDIA
RESEARCH AND PLANNING
Candidate Name
Candidate Number
Centre Name
Centre Number
Philippa Rowe
4276
The Leigh Academy
61101

2. This magazine front cover follows many magazine conventions. For example Q magazine have used no more than four colours
throughout this magazine front one cover also the main cover line is used in a conventional way. They have used the main cover line in a
conventional way as it is the biggest text after the title and the article is related to the main image. I think this is because the main image
is quite a large image so there needs to be room for the anchorage text, sell lines, and cover lines t0 be placed on the front cover.
Furthermore the barcode is placed in the conventional way and goes with the colour scheme of the front cover. Consequently it is not
conventional for the main image to be placed behind the masthead however this magazine front cover is conventional is every other way.
Using and following conventions
Developing conventions
The cover GQ develops conventions of a typical magazine cover. Firstly the colour scheme only contains two colours which are red and
white. These colours are quite simple which however can make it easier to understand but it develops conventions as a colour scheme
on a magazine generally contains up to four colours. However sometimes magazine front covers use two colours as they feel the
magazine will give more of a classic look and the main image will be the main focus. Moreover the masthead is smaller in proportion
then other mastheads. Following conventions the masthead would be spread across the top of the page where as this masthead is
smaller and in the left hand corner of the page. However this magazine does follow a lot of magazine conventions, for example: the sell
lines are in the right place which are found on the left side of the page. Also the anchorage text is writing that relates to the main image
so therefore it follows conventions. Furthermore the main image is a close up shot will follows the conventions of a magazine front
cover.
Challenging conventions
This magazine front cover ‘Kerrang’ challenges conventions of a typical magazine cover. It challenges the typical conventions of a
masthead as the main image is covering the masthead. Also the main image is a full body shot therefore it challenges conventions
because conventional magazines have the main image be a close up shot. Moreover there is several other images on the
magazine cover with the main image, which typically magazine front covers don’t do. Furthermore the sell lines and text on the
magazine front cover is covering the main image therefore it challenges conventions. Also with the text overlaying the main image it
makes the magazine lose it focus. However the colour scheme of green, red, white and black follows conventions. This colour
scheme shows the magazine is rock type of magazine. Furthermore their target audience may be attracted to the front cover as it is
more personal than conventional.

3. Social groups by Occupation
Group A- People in group A tend to live in expensive houses, own a holiday home and travel on their holiday’s to the Caribbean’s and Skiing in the Alps.
Moreover they can own yachts, drive expensive cars e.g. Bentleys, Ferraris and Mercedes Benz. Moreover they can afford to buy luxurious products from
brands such as Louis Vutton, Gucci, Levi and Dior. Furthermore because of their busy lifestyle they have very little time to go on things such as social
media, film and music. Consequently people in group A consist of : Bankers, Lawyers, Doctors, Surgeons, Scientist and Higher Management. Finally people
in this group are the most powerful.
Group B- People in group B tend to live in only their own home. People in group B are not dependent on government benefits. Moreover they have their own
mortgage, health insurance, cars and they are able to fully invest in their own child’s education. Furthermore they can afford to buy clothes and jewellery
from high street brands. In addition they normally go on holidays twice a year. Moreover as well as group A they don’t have time for social media, film and
music. Consequently people in group B consist of: Teachers and middle management.
Group C1- People in group C1 tend to live in low mortgage houses. Also people in this group will get benefits e.g. working tax credits. Their money is
generally spent on : fitness, attending shows, cinema and holidays. Furthermore sometimes they can afford to shop in expensive shops and buy from high
street brands. However they generally do not shop for really expensive things. Moreover people in group C1 read newspapers such as : The Guardian, Daily
Mail and Fitness magazines. Consequently people in group C1 consist of : Junior management, Bank Clerks, Nurses and ‘White collar’ professionals.
Group C2- People in group C2 generally live in rented accommodation and the majority will get benefits from the government. Moreover most of the time
they have a family car which is also used as a work vehicle. People in this group can only afford to shop for the discounted brands and buy their food from
their local supermarket. Also they are able to spend up to 4-5 hours on either: watching TV, listening to the radio or on social media. Moreover people in this
group generally spend their free time in the holidays at the sea side or visiting local attractions. Furthermore people in this group read newspapers such as:
The Sun, Daily Mirror and they read magazines such as: Vibe, Billboard and GQ. Consequently people in C2 consist of: Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters
and Blue collar professions.
Group D- People in group D generally do not have very much money. People in this group typically live in a rented accommodation which are most likely
provided by housing agencies. Moreover people in this group can only afford to shop in non expensive shops, such as: Lidi, Aldi, Poundland and Primark.
The majority of people in this group have no preference over fashion or cars because they buy what they can afford. Furthermore people in this group will
generally travel on public transport or have second hand cars. In addition the majority of people in this group read from The Sun and the Metro.
Consequently people in group D consist of: Drivers, Post Sorters and Warehouse pickers.
Group E- People in group E generally live on state welfare and benefits. People in this group generally do not have a specific income. Therefore people in
this group can only afford to buy discounted food and clothes. Also people in this group have no preference on fashion and what brand they’re buying as
they can only buy what they can afford. Moreover people in this group can spend a lot of time: watching TV, listening to the radio and being on social media.
In addition people in this group watch programs such as: Big Brother and im a celebrity get me out of here. Also people in this group read newspapers such
as: Metro, Telegraph and what they find on public transport. Consequently people in group E consist of: Students, Unemployed and Pensioners.

4. Representing and appealing to social groups
This magazine would mainly appeal to people in social group E. You can tell this by the mise-en-scene. The layout of the front cover is very busy with
the font being overly large and the puffs and sell lines covering the main image. This would appeal to teenagers (social group E) as they tend to like lots
of information on the front cover so they know what will be inside the magazine. Even though the slogans and sell lines are downgrading to women e.g
“672 ways to look pretty for spring” teenagers will be attracted to this front cover as this will make them think they can look like Leighton Meister by
buying this magazine.
Lighting
The lighting in this front cover is bright therefore this will mean high quality of lighting was used, e.g studio lights. If the lighting was dark this would not
typically appeal to teenagers in social group E. This is because teenagers when looking at a front cover like to see eye catching bright colours because it
appeals more to their personality. Moreover if the lighting is bright you’re able to see the main image more clearly.
Language
The language that is used throughout the front cover is informal. Informal language is generally used on front covers that companies are trying to
appeal to teenagers, for example, people in social group E. The sell line ‘the best guy advice ever’ would appeal to young teenage girls as many of them
will be going through problems with boys and will need advice. This language wouldn't’t necessarily appeal to an older audience as they generally like to
see more formal and sophisticated language on a magazine front cover. In addition people in social group E can be unemployed therefore this magazine
will attract them as the main cover line is ‘ the cutest clothes, what to try & how to save.’ The unemployed will want to buy clothes on the cheaper side
but still look nice. Also below this cover line it reads ‘ exclusive coupons and freebies, this will attract students as the majority will not have any source of
income or very little.
Camera Angle
The camera angle used on this front cover is a mid shot. The use of a mid shot will appeal to the younger audience. People in social group E mainly
consists of teenagers/students therefore they will mainly interested in appearance. By doing a mid shot magazines are able to show a little bit of their
outfit but not loose the main focus of the persons face. Leighton Meister is the main character in a popular show called Gossip Girl. Therefore having
the main image as a mid shot it will attract a younger audience as they will want to see her outfit.
Pose& body language
The body language of Leighton Meister is the typical model magazine pose which is used because it typically the convention of a magazine main
image. However the model is smiling which shows that this magazine shouldn’t be taken too seriously. Moreover Leighton Meister has her hand on her
hip this is a typical girly pose therefore this will appeal to the younger audience as they feel they will be able to relate to this magazine.
Mode of address
The main image the model is making eye contact with the camera. This would appeal to my social group as they feel the magazine is more directed and
make them feel involved within the magazine. Moreover making eye contact is implied as a gesture/manners therefore this will appeal to teenagers as
they like to be respected. In addition if the model was not making eye contact this would imply that they were either distracted or simply did not care.
Social E many consists of teenagers/students. With teenagers there are many stereotypes. For example many people say that teenagers are addicted
to social media which is more then likely true. Over the years social media has grown massively. People buying magazine has more then likely
decreased over the years as there are other platforms to access magazines and this results in teenagers having to not pay. Other stereotypes of
teenagers are: Rude, alcohol, drugs, threatening, thief’s, littering, bullies, informal, spits, smoke. I think these stereotypes would not this magazine as
this front cover displays an uplifting atmosphere and a magazine you would feel happy about. Moreover this magazine front cover displays that to show
teenagers the right manners and morals.

5. Which media institution might distribute music magazines and why?
Distributor: Bauer Media Group
Marketing: Bauer Media Group
Production: Bauer Media Group
Distributor: Bauer Media Group
Marketing: Bauer Media Group:
Production: Bauer Media Group
Distributor: Development Hell Limited
Marketing: Development Hell Limited
Production: Development Hell Limited

6. What types of technologies and processes might be used to constructing
magazines?Physical Technology
Physical technology is equipment that we need to use to physically take
images. This enables us to be able to construct our magazine. For example:
camera’s. The most popular camera’s to use our nikons and canons due to
the good quality of pictures they can take. Also a photographical camera
allows you to see the photo right after it is taken therefore this will allow you
to see if you have the right angle shot.
Also you use studio’s in physical technology so you can get the best lighting
and the quality of the picture will be better. To construct a magazine you will
more then likely use a both types of physical technology e.g. photographical
cameras and studios because your images in a magazine will need to be the
best quality.
Digital Technology
Digital technology is an important role in the making of a magazine. Computers
such as Apple Macs are the most popular computer hardware to use in the
production process. Computer hardware needed to be able to complete your
magazine design are: a monitor, mouse, keybord, data sorage and hard risk
drive.
To design a magazine you will need to be able to have features that enables you
to edit images, font and colours etc. A computer that has a big memory storage is
essential as you will need to edit your magazines frequently and efficiently.
Software
When creating a magazine you will need to use many different types of soft
wares. The most popular software that I will use is Photoshop. This is
because I will have to edit and create my magazine designs in more detail.
Photoshop can change the background colour, edit images in greater detail,
crop and enlarge images, edit the colour of the image etc. To use this
software you will have to download it on to your computer. Furthermore I
used an online software called slideshare that will enable me to post my
research and planning on to my blog. Moreover another software you will
have to use in your production work of your magazine is a free blogging site.
You will have to use this to show a progression on your research and
planning, questionnaire and analysis, school magazine designs, music
magazine designs, examples with comments, different drafts of your work
and the evaluation of your construction work.
Printing
To print a piece of work a process has to happen called printing process. This is
used to be able to count the amount of copies you will need when printing. A
printing press is an machine that applies pressure to an inked surface where then
the ink will be then transferred. The printer hardware will have to be large enough
to be able to print all of the contents of your magazine. For example the printer
company Canon and HP are two of the biggest printer companies therefore they
will have to be efficient and have very high speed when printing. Moreover the
hardware that is in the computer will have to be large as it needs to be able to
send the message from the computer to the printer quickly. Also the hardware will
have to be large as big files can be sent to the printer.

7. Which forms and conventions will be used in my
design? (School Magazine)
• I am going to have a skyline at the top of the page as this a typical form and convention of magazines. This skyline will give information
about competitions that are going on in the school.
• I am going to have my masthead under the skyline which will go across the page.
• The main cover line “anchorage text” will be in a bigger font this will likely to be covered over the background of the image.
• I am going to have a cover line to the left of the margin under the main coverline in smaller font.
• My color scheme will be different shade of green ( my college colour) however I will have white to break up the colours. Also I may include
some shades of blue as that is another college colour in my school
• I will have a medium shot as my main image. I will more likely have a picture of a student therefore this will outline it is about my school
“Leigh Academy”. The main image will be of a student as my target audience is to younger pupils.
• I will have puffs to show the audience what my magazine will contain.
• I will include a mini version of a contents page to show the reader a little insight in what will be included in my magazine.
• I will include a main image on my front cover and three other images on contents page as it will attract students and make it unuqiue. This
will challenge conventions however it will appeal more to the students which is my aim.
Back To School Font Bad Striped Font
Baron Neue Font
I will be using a green, blue and white colour scheme.

8. Researching your preliminary exercise
In this school magazine it follows many forms and conventions of a magazine. The magazine goes mainly across the top of the page
therefore it follows conventions. This magazine is in black bold writing therefore it stands out to the target audience. Also the masthead is
not overlapping the image below so it follows conventions also it keeps the vision of the magazine and does not confuse the target
audience. Furthermore the masthead is called “Get Ready” so this highlights a more personal magazine which does develop the
conventions of a magazine. Moreover this magazine follows conventions by containing a skyline across the top of the magazine. The
skyline is seperated in a text box so it makes the magazine more clear and concise. Moreover the skyline will attract students as
competitions are included in the magazine. In addition the colour scheme in this magazine contains three colours therefore it follows
conventions. Having three colours as the colour scheme in the magazine makes it more recognisable and professional. Also as some of
the text is in bold text it makes the magazine stand out to readers and follows conventions of a magazine. Moreover the sell lines in this
magazine is on the left side of the magazine which follows conventions. Finally the main image does develop magazine conventions but
however does follow school magazine conventions. The main image is medium size shot of a girl that is laying down on her bed using her
phone. This will attract students as it is more personal then professional. As the main image is at an angle it can come across
unprofessional to parents.
This school magazine challenges many conventions. This magazine does not contain a skyline across the top of the magazine
therefore this challenges the conventions of a magazine. In this magazine front cover instead of a skyline it has the date which
typically magazines do not do at the top of the page. The masthead follows conventions as it across the top of the magazine and is
in red bold font that stands out with the background being cream. Also the main cover line is on the right side of magazine cover
which challenges conventions as cover lines/sell lines are on the left side of the magazine. The text “cover story’ is in blue writing
which could confuse the readers as no other text is in blue text. However the text is in capitals which will stand out from other
magazines. Moreover the main image challenges conventions as it medium long shot which is not typically used in magazine front
covers. Also the main image is placed on the left side of the magazine where conventional magazines place a close up shot in the
middle of the page. However the main image is a student holding a text therefore this relates to the type of magazine. Furthermore
the text of the right side of the front cover develops conventions however none of the text is overlapping the image which follows the
conventions and makes the magazine more clear and does not confuse the reader. In addition 3 smaller images are in the middle of
the front cover which breaks up the text. The pictures follow conventions as the images tells you what the cover line is about. These
images will attract younger students as they will be able to get an insight about what prom is like. The anchorage text challenges
conventions as it is on the right side of the magazine then on other magazines where it is on the left. However the anchorage text
does follow conventions as it is a different colour to the cover line. Also it will attract students as the cover line is about exams which
many students will be experiencing so therefore this will benefit them. Furthermore this magazine does follow conventions with the
cover lines.

9. This school contents page follows and challenges conventions. The masthead follows conventions
as it clear and in bold font across the top of the page. This will attract students as it show
professionalism and stands out from other magazine. Also the articles are in columns which
follows the conventions of a magazine. However in this contents page the articles are very
crammed in together which loses the focus of the magazine and can confuse the reader. Moreover
the images that are on the contents page are not the best quality therefore this makes the
magazine less appealing. Furthermore the colour scheme throughout the contents page is mainly
of white and black and a bit of purple. This challenges conventions as colour schemes typically
contain up to four colours. Also the white and black does not make anything stand out and make
the contents page quite bland. In addition the use of page numbers in this contents page follows
conventions. Also the use of page numbers will show the reader which page the article is on.
Moreover the use of subscription and contact information in the bottom of the right hand corner
follows conventions and will attract more students. The use of sub lines in the contents page will
give specific details to what the article is about and this follows conventions. The use of four
images in a contents page will show the reader what the article is about and weather or not they
want to read that page. Furthermore this magazine challenges conventions by having the largest
image right at the top of the page and not like other magazines where they have them places down
the right size of the magazine.

10. Music forms and conventions contents page
There are many forms and conventions in a music magazine. Firstly in a contents page
there is a “page title” that is mainly at the top of the page. Also at the top of the page will
be a issue date which shows the reader how many magazines have been previous. In this
magazine it is included in the top right hand corner. More then likely in a contents page
there is a “features section” that tells the reader a little bit more information about what is
included inside the magazine. Furthermore in the contents page they will include page
numbers to reference where the article is at within the magazine. This will help the reader
know what page each article is at. The contents is generally sectioned into main
categories and headlines. This is due to them allowing the audience to be able to identify
the categories. Firstly it starts off with the features and then the regulars. In the contents
they generally have the page number then a couple of words which could be the artists
name or text that will draw the attention to the reader. This text will more then likely be in
bold text and in capitals. Moreover in the magazine headlines are in clear and large font
as this will allow a reader to know the main points of the magazine. Also in the contents
page they will have a colour scheme running through the magazine this will enable the
magazine to be clear and concise. Also in a contents page they generally use colours that
are simple in colour and that are also used within the front cover. In this magzine contents
page they have used the colors red and black. More then likely this is because they are
generally two colours that are paired with eachother. Also red and black are simple
colours but bold and eye catching. More then likely in a contents page they will have one
main image that relates to an article. The main image will more then likely be the main
topic article. Furthermore in a contents page they will have a structured order to the
magazine this is because this will make it easier for the reader to find which article they
want to read. In this magazine contents page they have used the convention of having a
column down the left hand side where the “features section” is placed. Then they have
used one main image of Adele which is the main article where they have put the page
number of where the article is within the magazine. Consequently they have used sub
heading image in the bottom right hand corner where it shows the reader more articles
that are within the magazine.

11. In this magazine contents page it is slightly different to the typical convention of a magazine
contents page. Firstly in this magazine contents page it does not include a issue date however it
includes the month and year of when it was published. Moreover in this magazine contents
page it includes a features section which allows the reader to know the articles that are included
in the magazine. Also it includes page reference to each article so the reader finds it easier to
know which page each article is on. The contents is generally sectioned into main categories
and headlines. This will result in the reader being able to identify the categories. Firstly it starts
off with the features and then the regulars. In a contents page under the page reference they
will generally have a couple of lines which tends to be a sentence or two. This is because it
shows a little insight on what the article is going to be about. The text will typically in a medium
font size so the reader is able to read what it says and not either too big or too small.
Furthermore generally in the magazine contents page they will have a colour scheme through
out so the reader is able to see that it clear. They do this because if you were to have too many
colours on a contents page it would get confusing for the reader. In this magazine colours
however they have used a main colour which is red to draw the attention to the reader but they
have used four other colours. However as they have mainly used the colours red and black it is
still clear and concise. . More then likely in a contents page they will have one main image that
relates to an article however in this magazine content page they do not. In magazine contents
they can not have a main article but sub heading article so therefore this is more then likely why
they have used four sub heading images to show each article. In addition they generally have a
structured order to the magazine this is because will make it easier for the reader to find which
article they want to read. In this magazine contents page it is mostly in a cronical order however
they have not used a column to have the “features section” down the left hand side. In this
magazine they have put the main two articles into the top left hand side where they have then
placed their images relating to the article. In this magazine contents page they have placed the
sub heading articles at the bottom part of the page. This is generally not following the main
conventions of a contents page however some magazines are set out like this. Also in this
magazine they have included a column with a subheading image and then they have
information about music events that have even taken place or are taking place in the future.
This allows the reader to want to buy the magazine as they’re more likely interested in music
artists or bands.
Music forms and conventions contents page

12. Music forms and conventions double page spread
In a magazine double page spread there are similar codes and conventions that are in a
contents page. Therefore they can use the same conventions just in a different form or order.
Firstly in a double page spread they use a large image that is generally on the left. However in
some magazine it can be used on the right. But this does not follow the codes and conventions.
The main image on the double page spread is always related to article. In my magazine Lana
Del Rey is the main image and the article is about her and her music. Moreover on the double
page spread under the main image are by-lines which are put under this image to give credit to
the photographer and writer. In my magazine these by-lines are not included. In a double page
spread they use a large image which is normally a celebrity as this is a mode of address to draw
the attention of the reader. In this music magazine they have used Lana Del Rey this is more
likely because she is a popular music icon. This entices the reader to buy the magazine because
the target audience is more likely to buy this music magazine if there is a celebrity doing a article
within the magazine. In a double page spread they could use something that the celebrity was
discussing throughout the interview as the main headline quote. This is because it breaks up the
text within the magazine. Typically the quote is controversial which makes the reader want to
read more. In my magazine they have not used one. Furthermore in the double page spread
they use the celebrities name in bold. In this magazine double page spread they have put her
name in the top right hand corner. In bold black font which also goes with the colour scheme.
Moreover in a double page spread they include a little introduction of the celebrity. They do this
because some people who have bought this music magazine may not know who the celebrity is
from just looking at the main image. So therefore including a introduction in this double page
spread it saves the reader time with trying to work out who the celebrity is. Furthermore the text
on a double page spread is size 11 font and generally in aerial. Also in a double page spread it
will have something called a drop cap this will allow the reader to know where to start reading.
Moreover in a double page spread it will more likely include about 2-4 columns as this will keep it
clear and concise. Generally the page number, magazine name and text within this article will
use the same font. Therefore this will not make the reader confused and not want to carry on
reading this article. Consequently in the double page spread it generally follows the same colour
scheme that has been used through out the magazine. This is because they want simple colours
and the article is the main focus and therefore they do not want bright really bold colours to over
power the article. Generally the name of the celebrity is highlighted however some magazine do
not.

13. Music forms and conventions double page spread
In a magazine double page spread there are many codes and conventions.
The conventions are very similar to a contents page. Typically in a double page
spread there is the main image that the image of the person relates to the
article. In this magazine double page spread is Lady Gaga she is the one
featuring in the article. In the magazine double page spread Lady Gaga is
talking about his music career. Furthermore in a magazine double page spread
they use the larger image as the celebrity on the left side of the page because
it will catch the readers eye and this will therefore make them want to buy this
magazine. In addition by this magazine using a popular celebrity icon will
encourage the reader to read the article and more likely other articles in the
magazine. Furthermore another code and convention of a double page spread
is to have the celebrity’s name in bold font at the top of the page as this will
make them stand out to the reader. In this magazine Lady Gaga’s name is at
the top as this will then show to people who are reading this article who she is.
In the double page spread another code and convention is that they will have a
little introduction on that celebrity used as this will make the reader aware of
the celebrity as some people who have bought the magazine may not know
who the celebrity is. Moreover another code and convention for a double page
spread is to use a quote that the celebrity has used in the interview. This will
draw the attention to the reader that the article is interesting and worth reading.
Through out the double page spread the font will more then likely be of size 11
font. Moreover in a double page spread the text is normally fit into 2-4 columns
as this will make the text tidy and not have it all over the page. This will enable
the reader to be able to read the article without getting confused. Consequently
the colour scheme in a double page spread is generally two colours as this
make the article simple but effective. Also the celebrity in the article is
highlighted through the colour scheme this because the colour scheme
represents what type of genre the magazine. In this magazine they have used
the colour’s red and black.