The document discusses how a media product follows conventions of children's television opening sequences. It structures the name to appear at the end, includes a group of friends with diverse personalities, and uses energetic shots of the characters at the beginning and end to draw in and keep the audience's attention. Individual character clips reinforce each character's stereotype. School uniforms unite the diverse characters. Props further characterize each person. An upbeat song makes it seem fun and youthful. The conventions aim to clearly introduce the characters and show the program will be enjoyable for its target age range.

1. In what ways does your media product
use, develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products?

2. From extensive research into opening title sequences of
children’s television programmes I discovered the
conventions which make them what they are. I followed
these conventions such as structuring the name of the
programme to appear at the end of the opening titles in
the same way that Tracy Beaker and The sleepover club
do. By doing this it allows the audience to be aware of
the name of the show and gives a slight insight into what
the programme is to be about.

3. Another convention that I followed is the use of
having a group of friends being both male and female
which all have very individual yet stereotypical
characteristics, style and personalities which would
usually occur in them not being friends. But the
convention followed is that the group of friends
with all of the different characteristics can actually
all be very good friends. Therefore sending a
subliminal message to the audience.

4. Following another convention, I structured the
cast to do fun, energetic and youthful shots all
together at the beginning and end of the
opening title sequence. This is to firstly draw
the audience into watching the video which
works as they immediately see fun and youthful
characters simply having fun, which is appealing
for the target audience. And then to keep the
audience wanting to watch the programme as
the final image they see if again fun and
youthful characters having fun. This in-stills the
thought to the audience that the programme is
going to be fun and for their age range.

5. (the individual clips will be on the next slide)
Another convention followed is the use of individual clips of each character
performing an act which relates to their character in the programme. For
example I structured Sam’s character as eating biscuits in his individual clip
which reinforces his stereotypically underdog/average character. I
structured Daisy’s character to be giggling and blowing kisses in her
individual clip which reinforces her stereotypically girly character. I
structured Annie’s character to be conducting a science experiment which
reinforces her stereotypically geeky character. I structured Ashley’s
character to be dribbling a football through cones which reinforces her
stereotypically sporty character. And I structured Toby’s character to be
causing mischief by attaching a 'KICK ME' sign to the back of another
student, therefore reinforcing his stereotypically mischievous character.

6. Another convention that I followed is having the complete cast wearing school uniform as their
costumes. This convention signifies to the audience that although the group as individuals are
represented as very different, they are however all united through the uniform. Although they are
all dressed in the same uniform their characteristics and individual personalities are again shown
through the different ways in which they wear the same uniform. For example Sam and ben wear
theirs scruffy by having un-tucked shirts and ties that are done up quite high but wonky. Daisy
wears a skirt and an added pink cardigan and also wears her tie quite low down in a large
knot. Annie wears her uniform very neat and tidy with all shirt buttons done up and tie fastened at
the highest point in a small knot. Although Ashley doesn't wear the same uniform as the rest of the
cast she still wears a school PE uniform of shorts, top, football socks and trainers.

7. Another convention that I followed is the use of
props to reinforce each characters
characteristics. For example I reinforced Annie’s
'science' character by having her surrounded by
science props such as a Bunsen burner and a test
tube rack. And had her conduct an experiment with
test tubes whilst also wearing glasses and science
goggles. All of this reinforces to the audience that
she is 'the science' one of the group.

8. Another convention I followed is the use of a youthful, fun and upbeat
backing track.
(the song will be on the next slide)
The use of a youthful, fun and upbeat backing track to the opening titles of a
children’s TV programme is to reinforce to the audience that it is a youthful
programme which is suitable for themselves. And also that it is something
fun to watch.
The track was called "Highway Five" and I trimmed it down
to the exact length and desired part on iMovie before adding
the clip to my project.

9. Although I haven't challenged any conventions of the
opening to a children’s TV programme I have however
left out the illustrator/directors names out of the end
of the opening titles as when I asked the target
audience if they want this, all responses were no or
not bothered.

10. Another convention followed is having the characters name
appear next to them in a shot of just themselves. This allows
the audience to establish who the characters are before
watching the programme which leads to easier
viewing. Another convention followed is having the name of
character appear in a colour that represents their
character, whilst having the same colour background or
surrounding objects. This is because this creates verisimilitude
and continuity of the characters identity to the audience
therefore making them more identifiable. I followed this
convention by having Daisy’s name in a pink shade and her
cardigan, highlighter, lipstick and mobile phone all in pink
shades.