Article Draft (double page spread)

Article Drafts

Here at soundz we pride ourselves on giving you the freshest, newest sound on the scene and we may just have unearthed a lil gem in our latest featured band. With the guys at Soundz studios getting very excited over these youngsters unlike any band or artist before were tipping these guys to go to the very top. The band in question are 'Skies don't lie', and we are sure you will be hearing this name a lot more in the coming months and years. Leading artists have in the past used our mag to publicise this group as potential future stars and a must listen. With a friend of the magazine 'Example' being such a big fan of them he has selected them to support him on his up and coming U.K tour. Now that is a compliment! This exposure to the main stage will do them the world of good and could be the stepping stone to stardom.
The release of there new album 'Coming of Age' has took Itunes by storm with their upbeat bouncy beats proving a hit with fans as they have sold well over 1million within the first 6 months for a relatively unknown band this is a momentous feat. Endorsments from artists such as Example and Calvin Harris on twitter will have gone some way to helping this. This rapid rise to the top is an amazing feat for two brothers who only started playing music just over a year ago. Tom and JP started mixing new sounds and music using their Imac and what turned into just a small hobby in their free time developed into an over night sensation. The brothers decided after each mix they would upload it to youtube to initially share with their friends. It some came aparant though that it wasn't just their friends listening to their sound in fact people as far and wide as Sweden and Norway and even in India and China were listening to them, this leading to them to becoming an over night sensation. The rise of these two brothers shares resemblance to parody band The Midnight Beast. But 'Skies Don't Lie' are different and they have much more potential. 'Skies don't Lie' are further evidence of how recent changes in technology are transforming the face of music as we know it.
A mix of upbeat bouncy beats with a hidden deep meaning is how the band describe their music and this type of ambiguity adds to the suspense of the duo and after their recent surprise success a second album is already on the cards. Here at Soundz we know that its going to be a success and we are eagerly anticipating the new stuff just as much as you. Skies don't lie groundbreaking new sounds could be a start of the next generation of music and new dimension to music with the techno trend really starting to hit the big time. Initiators of the electro sound Example and Calvin Harris can both take massive credit for this and are both excited with the new direction that music is taking. Example recently said to us 'It's amazing to be apart of it's about time things changed and to freshen things up is what we have needed, as the industry was slow and boring, welcome to a new area and were here to stay' Calvin Harris simply stated ' I find it all a cool ride that i'm not getting off in a hurry'
We've gave you a bit of background on the group but who better to give you an insight to their rapid rise to the top than the guys themselves so heres a recent Q&A sesh we organised via twitter! More signs of how the social media and social networking is taking the music industry by storm!

The Interview
Hi its Tom and JP here ready for anything you guys have to throw at us! Hit us hard people!
What made you go into music? ermmm well we accidentally fell into it we just messed around with some sounds and uploaded them to youtube, and they seemed to be a hit we never even dreamed of our success so thank you guys!!
Who's been your biggest influence in music? Example has been like a big brother to us as soon as he heard our sound he has been in touch giving us guidance and help! He's now even asked us to tour with him which we are rapped about it's insane! I remember going to Hmv and buying his album now were performing with him sometimes we have to pinch ourselves to see if its real or if were dreaming! Also we might be about to announce something special very soon soo keep it here tweeters!
What has been your fave moment of your new music life? All of it! Our lives have changed soo much it's incredible!
What's it like being big celebrities? You sure about that haha, Well we wouldn't say that were just brothers from Australia living in London making music! Although we do now have a nandos card is that big time? haha
What's next for you guys? Well were going to be heading back into the studio well the bedroom in the summer, first of all we have a big tour with our big bro Example coming up and were stoked about it man we can't wait! We hear it's a sell out which is going to be insane! But after were done with the tour were planning on laying down some fresh new beats which we will upload to twitter to find out your guys views. 2012 is going to be massive for us hopefully we can carry on and you guys continue with the support which we simply adore and admire you guys thankyou all so much for everything!

That was a snippet of the twitter Q&A sesh we held with the guys from Skies don't Lie to find out more follow us at Twitter @Soundz or the guys themselves @SkiesDontLie! As the band go into depths about their personal lives and interests including why selling their dog Jasper was one of the hardest yet best decision they have made in their lives and also which premier league football ace has asked them to perform a one of gig at their house for 1Million and why they had to turn it down! Also how JP has denied any link with TOWIE star Lydia!

The guys ooze potential and their new sound is simply a breathe of fresh air to us all, here at soundz we know these guys will be a big hit and will be a household name just like their 'bigbro' Example. We are going to follow these guys every step of the way and will give you any updates on them and keep your eyes on it at twitter! This young Ozzie pair are showing turning the tables and are showing that the sounds from down under are making it big right at the top and we feel that they are there to stay.

Things i need to do to improve my blog.

The feedback i received for my blog was generally quite good with most of my ticks featuring in the level 4 and higher level 3 sections on my feedback sheet. There are some things though which i need to do in order to sustain the highest grade i possibly can of all level 4. To get to this target on my blog i need to do the following things.

• Rotate my test images and annotate the strengths and weaknesses and reference to proffesional texts.
• For my secondary audience research i also need to think about including images of audience profiles this would make the post easier to read as well as giving some evidence to back up my findings.
• I have been asked to also include front covers on my textual analysis, My prezi which is my textual analysis does infact include these but aren't easily noticeable as to see these it requires a bit of zooming in so i could either make a note about this or in turn re do my prezi so the front covers are more noticeable.

This is the feedback sheet is the one i recieved in order to improve my research and planning.

Fonts

Fonts

Here are a selection of different fonts which could be suitable for my magazine. As my magazine is for dance and dubstep style music it will need to be quite noticeable and in your face. I would look to use fonts which are bubbly and curvy and not ones which are sharp and ragged which you would find in more heavy metal and contrasting magazine styles to mine such as Kerrang. I am going to use dafont.com to look at different fonts and select one which is suitable for my magazine and that i will find effective. I am going to look at different fonts for my Masthead Contents page and double page spread. I am going to look into fonts which relate to the story so for example if i was to find an image for a story called the heats on i could look for a font which represents fire or flames.

Potential  Fonts

This font could be relevant for my front cover as it meets my specification of being curved and not jagged, so is related to my genre of being dubstep and dance music as it is easy to read as well as being easy on the eye.This font has quite a retro look about it and looks quite cool and i would associate it with quite dancey and bouncy music. So it would be a relevant font for my magazine.

This font would be relevant for my story about the heat being on which is featured on my contents page, it is relevant because the text is fire like which is what the story is going to be about so it is relevant to the genre of the story as well as adding an original and specific feel to the storyline making it stand out from the other stories within the contents page. Also this font would reflect the coolness that the magazine is trying to represent and would be memorable to the readers so it would have a positive effect.

This would also be a relevant font for my magazine as it is quite a cool looking font which you would associate with dnace style music and the type of font you would associate with dance albums such as clubland. Although the genre i am looking to emulate isn't quite the clubland style i feel that this font would also be relevant as it is original and would stand out and be recogniseable. Also this style of font represents dance and my music also has a foot in the dance genre so it is relevant.

This Font is quite simple and easy to read and understand which also part of the criteria of my magazine as i want it to be easy for the readers to read and understand and these are the nice simple rounded letter i wanted my magazine to have. As it gives off a connotation of it being a laid back and fun magazine to read is what i want the readers to think. This is also the type of font i am looking for in my magazine as it would also fit in well with my genre as it isnt sharp edged and it is just rounded and fun reflecteting the dubstep and dance style of music i am going for.

Progress Tracker

Progress Tracker

There are 6 weeks until the Easter break which means - 6 weeks of lesson time to complete my foundation portfolio.

There are 60 marks available for construction and 20 marks for Research and Planning and 20 marks for evaluation - 100 marks in total

To achieve a grade:

A I need to get 80 marks

B I need to get 70 marks

C I need to get 60 marks

To be in level 4 (grade A/B) my work must demonstrate excellence throughout.

By Monday 5th March I should have a rough cut of my products

By Monday 19th March my products should be completed

From Monday 19th - Friday 30th March I will be working on my 7 evaluation questions.

The my completed portfolio should be submitted for formal marking on Monday 16th April. I should use the Easter break to make any minor amendments to my work.

In order to meet these deadlines I will: Make sure that i turn up to all my lessons, waste no time during these lessons and work in my own time to make sure i meet my deadlines.

Images of practice poses for magazine

 These are four potential camera shots i could use the first image here shows what a mid shot of one of the models just staring at the camera would look like. The second shot shows an image shows of the model looking up to the sky which could represent looking to the future or aiming for a higher place within the industry this shot could be neccesary for my image about 'skies don't lie and skies the limit'. The third image shows a sense of power as they are telling the audience to shush and listen to them as they are either worth listening to or are about to make a big statement so it shows power. The fourth image shows vulnerability and how maybe the music industry isnt helping them and hasn't been good to them and could be looking to turn their back on the industry so this image could work as it could create a sense of intrigue to the audience.

Strengths
The advantages/Strengths of these photos are that they show attitude and confidence for example the photo which is looking away from the camera shows  some arrogance and adds a sense of ambiguity and intruige as the audience will want to see more of the artist so this could be a good photo for a front cover as it will make the reader want to read on and see more images of the artists so it would be a good tactic to use to make them buy the magazine. Photos are also used to show personality so if they were hiding from the camera it may something like vulnerability and example shown by the bottom image where my model is facing away from the audience but her face is still facing the camera this is an image which could be used if an artist was struggling or was up against it in the undustry and they werent as succesful A strength of the first image seen above is that the audience get to see all of the artist and the audience can feel that they are on the same level as the artist and they can emphasise with them. So this is an advantage because it will make the audience like the character involved and want to buy the magazine to see the story on the artist.

Weaknesses
These photos are all a bit too simplistic and aren't too difficult to replicate so the audience might feel there is a lack of proffesionalism or effort taken into composing the shoot. Also there is a lack of use of props within these images so there isn't much variety and there is a limit to what can be achieved in these photos. The use of props also show a lack of initative and creativity which may lead the audience to believe the band are dull and it also limits how much of their personality you can show as you aernt showing things they do beyond their appearance. The photos are basic and dont excite the audience too much.

Evidence of me Organising makeup and outfits

Here is an image of my model Lucy applying the type of make up she will be wearing in my photos. I have decided that make up is not the main element needed in my photos so there is no need for any Lady Gaga style make up as i am looking to go for a reasonably natural look. Lucy is here applying some mascara what she would wear on a normal day to day basis.

These two images also show the type of outfit i would be looking to go for on the female as the tshirt has some attitude about it as well as some elegance at the same time it is not to formal so would suit the dubstep genre i am going for. Also the leggins are quite different and unique and suit the original type of theme i am going for within the magazine, i am also looking to make the genre cool and elegant so that the audience feel they can relate to the magazine and see that it is cool. Also the hair style used is something i would look into using as it is quite different and not common.







This baseball cap will be used on one of the male models as it shows a bit of a rebel nature as well as it have connotations of coolness. Also this can be used in a variety of different ways and used correctly it could be a very useful piece of prop as it can portray as it can show attitude and add a sense of intrigue to the audience if it covers the face.

For the male shoot i would be looking for them to wear a printed tee that is something like this or maybe a striped shirt or shirt with a message. They should be wearing a shirt which shows of the band or artists personality. Also the jacket shows an element of class which i like as it shows how the genre can be classy so i would also look to incorporate this style of jacket to the image. The male actors wouldn't need to apply any make up as this doesn't apply to the genre as the men tend to be rough and natural in the dubstep style genre.

Model Release Forms

Model Release Forms

 These model release forms give me permission to take and use these people for photos to be published within my magazine. This form contains their consent for me to use their images in production of my magazine and to be published online or within this blog. The Top of my model release forms provides the name and 'logo' which identifies which magazine and production company model are signing too. My Company is called 'SOUNDZ'

Callsheets

Model Call Sheets

 Below are call sheets for each of the models i am going to use in my Media Print Production Magazine. The Call sheets each include an image of the model i am going to use in my magazine to identify each actor used. The Call sheet also includes a shooting date to give information of when the images of when each model is being are being taken as well as the location of each shoot. These call sheets also contain information of whether a release form has been signed, this release form gives me permission to use their photos in my magazine and to be published online and printed.

Call sheet


Actor Name - Lucy Bramham
Character - Media Print Production Photography Model
Release Form Signed? Yes
Shooting Date - February 2012
Location of Shoot - Fields in Middleton One Row (Darlington)   
Producer - Danny Carr
Director - Danny Carr


CallSheet

Actor Name - Gavin Watson
Character - Media Print Production Photography Model
Release Form Signed? Yes
Shooting Date - February 2012
Location Of Shoot - Brick wall Background (Darlington)    
Producer - Danny Carr
Director - Danny Carr

CallSheet

Actor Name - Rachel Carr
Character - Media Print Production Photography Model
Release Form Signed? Yes
Shooting Date - February 2012
Location - Street Scene (Darlington)              
Producer - Danny Carr
Director - Danny Carr







Actor Name - James Ohara
Character- Media Print Prodction Photography model
Shooting date- February 2012
location-  Street scene
Producer- Danny Carr
Director- Danny Carr

Hazzard and Risk Assessments

 These risk and hazard assessments are to make me and the actors aware of anything which could possibly harm them or could be seen as something which could affect the production of making these photos for the magazines. The Risk Assessment highlights what are the dangers and potential risks of the location and settings used. They also feature details on the dates that the shoots are likely to take place.As well as a risk assesment there is a hazard evaluation for all of the locations this goes into more detail of why they are risks and also what things could be done to negate control and reduce these risks.

Recee Of location

 Potential Locations - Description - Field or park (preferably one that is remote quiet, and features a river behind it) (Middleton one row)

 Is it suitable – how? Why? (Access, Lighting, Sound )
This is a suitable location as there are many different types of shots I could do to create a different effect. I would use the field for when I’m shooting for my image for skies don’t lie. So it could be relevant to get an image from a lower angle of the artist looking up to the sky. This would be an easy accessible location as they are many different fields in the area also I wouldn’t need any permission to shoot here. Would be a good location to shoot an image which is portraying the other side of dubstep and dance music showing it in a lighter more happy sense and that it isn’t all just about grunge and dark nightlife. An underground music dens.

 Additional  Comments / Observations

 This shoot depends upon the weather as it wouldn’t be a necessary photo if it was raining or murky dull weather as I am looking to shoot a sunny upbeat shot so I would look to shoot when the weather is sunny or at least bright so I can create a sunny upbeat atmosphere. Parks and fields are versatile and can feature different props so you can make a different scene for different story.

 Potential Locations - Description - Street scene in the night (using the street lights to create effect)

 Is it suitable – how? Why? (Access, Lighting, Sound )
 This is a suitable location as there are many different types of shots I could do to create a different effect. I would use the field for when I’m shooting for my image for skies don’t lie. So it could be relevant to get an image from a lower angle of the artist looking up to the sky. This would be an easy accessible location as they are many different fields in the area also I wouldn’t need any permission to shoot here. Would be a good location to shoot an image which is portraying the other side of dubstep and dance music showing it in a lighter more happy sense and that it isn’t all just about grunge and dark nightlife. An underground music dens.

 Additional  Comments / Observations
 This shoot depends upon the weather as it wouldn’t be a necessary photo if it was raining or murky dull weather as I am looking to shoot a sunny upbeat shot so I would look to shoot when the weather is sunny or at least bright so I can create a sunny upbeat atmosphere. Parks and fields are versatile and can feature different props so you can make a different scene for different story.

Potential Locations - Description A background of a brick wall.

 Is it suitable – how? Why? (Access, Lighting, Sound )
 This is suitable shot because it is easy accessible and I won’t need any permission to use this as I could use my own house. Also minimal lighting is needed as It is a brick wall so it doesn’t really matter if it is light or dark as the surrounding area doesn’t matter. I am using a brick wall because it adds to the urban effect which I am going for and would emphasise where the artists have come from and show off their background and roots.

 Additional  Comments / Observations
 This shot would be more effective if it was to be shot on a day it wasn’t raining as it then wouldn’t effect the actors make up and it would make them look more professional as they can pull of whatever pose I need with minimal fuss.

Planning My Article

Article
My Article will be a story into the band 'Skies Don't Lie' rise to the top and it will be a story and insight into what they have done to be successful and how they have made it to where they are. But this article also at the end of the piece feature an interview with the group and their insight into what they've done to be successful and what they plan to do next to continue on the success. This will give the fans access to the group. So this is a story and review of the band with a small feature at the end of an interview with the band of them saying their views.

Style
My narrative voice will be initially third person as the article is a piece about the bands rapid escalation to the top, so i will be reviewing their journey to where they are so using first or second person is unnecessary on this occasion as i am writing about them and i am not a part of the band. The article will also include an interview with band and they will speak in first or second person as they will be speaking about themselves and what they did to reach where they are now, but they may also use some second person so that can create Synthetic personalisation with the audience and create and understanding between the two so that the audience can feel like they are interacting with band. As my group are a dance and upbeat type of group they bring across a sort of buzz and energy and vibrancy, so they will use words that will engage their audience and remain upbeat. They aren't going to be a negative group or written in the style of a magazine like Kerrang, they will use words which will engage and encourage the audience into remaining interested. The group are quite young and informal and want to be fun so words that i use are not going to be highly intellectual and they will be short and snappy and engaging. Words i may use could be things like: Buzz, Joy, Banter, all words which associate with fun like the style of group they are. In this article as it is a story about the actual music industry side of the bands success some specific words will have to be used like promoting, production, influence, indie labels E.C.T. This would be used in the story to add formality and add professionalism to the article.

Beginning
My Begging will be A summary/descriptive piece of what the article will be about and what the reader can expect to see in the article. How i will encourage the readers to read on is by giving them little snippets of information which will make them want to read on and find out more about what has been said. Also i would use words which may exaggerate or escalate the context so that the audiences sees it as a must read and be intrigued by the text and want to found out more. So in a way an enigma could be used. I might also gradually build the introduction up and end it on a sort of cliffhanger leaving the audience on the edge of their seats desperate to find out more of what the band did next. And i would also mention about the interview which fans will want to find out about and read on to see as they would want to feel like they had a connection with the band and create a link between the two.

Extra Text on the page
As my article ends with an interview with the band, the readers may not find out everything or something in particular they were expecting or may be intrigued to get to know the band better. So i could set up a webchat with the group via the magazines website, which would encourage more visitors to the sight and raise its profile. I may also do a Q and A section where the band will follow up the article and do a question and answer section with its fans and they will be published in the magazine the following issue which will encourage more purchasers.

Inspirational images/ moodboard

 This is an inspirational image as it shows how the background and location can represent the artists genre and his style of music. This is example and he is quite an urban undeground grunge type artist. Also the use of costume makes him standout as he is wearing a bright white t shirt which makes him stand out, giving the image that he stands out from the crowd and his style of music is unique. Also in this image example is looking up to the sky which you could use in a few different situations, you could say he was looking to the future and looking to doing something different and expanding his music range. Also it could be used to show his rapid rise to the top and how he is aiming for the stars as hes looking above suggesting he a cut above the rest. Also the camera angle is slightly lower angle suggesting that Example has contorl and is of more power.


This image of chase and status is quite intersting as it shows how they are staying still despite the world around them changning as they are stood still but the cars and lights behind them are blurry showing how they are moving. Suggesting that the band aren't going to change for anyone and they are strong enough to stay succesful despite the industry changing. Also this is a mid close up of the hroup showing they are trying to create a relationship with the audience so that they can empathise with the group. They also chose to shoot this image at night a time when primarily you would listen to chase and status' music as it is upbeat and dancey which is why this is a relative image as this is the type of genre i have gone for also. So my image could use some of the features found in this photo. The effect of doing this photo at night could lead to the connotation that they shine despite being in darkness and can stand out.

 I chose this image of Pro Green as an inspirtational image because it highlights the importance of camera angles as he is staring directly at the camera he is trying to engage witht the audience to create a relationship with them so they can feel empathy. Also this camra shot shows how the background and location can be significant as he has a blank white background which could suggest he is trying to be fresh and wipe the slate clean. But what it does do is focus all of the attention to him as the black of his shirt stands out from the white. As there is nothingelse to look at the audience would just be concentrating at looking at Pro Green. Also costume is used as he lookjs quite cool and with the slick gelled back combover he is showing his personality. Also his tatoo isn't hidden showing he isn't scared to show off his identity and who he is.

This image of Calvin Harris is significant as it shows the importance of costume when taking a photo. The use of his glasses hide his identity which could lead the reader to thinking there is more to come or that he has something to hide giving off a sense of intrigue. Again in this image he is on a white background so all the attention is focused on Calvin Harris.

I chose these images as these are the type of artists which my magazine will feature and i can draw on these as inspiration from my final product. I can now see what is succesful. These images have shown me that the choice of location can be of importance and how camera angles can show off power. I may consider using a white background if i want my characters to stand out. Or i could make them wear a white top on a dark background or dark night scene. Colour is very important within my genre to generate the vibrancy and bouncey nature it has which appeals to its audience.

Image Analysis and Composition

• This image of Ne-Yo displays he is an artist who is very powerful as in the rule of thirds his eye line is in the higher third which suggests that he has a lot of dominance and is trying to gain power over the audience. His eyes are also looking directly at his audience showing he has power and he is trying to draw the in.
• His pose is one of confidence and arrogance the type of pose someone who is very successful would take. This is as his body is quite open and he is not shying away from the camera he is looking directly at it showing he is trying to engage to his audience and get them to relate and empathise with him.
• A mid shot is used as we see half of his body this could suggest that the artist is trying to show that there is more to come from him and that his audience haven't seen the best of him yet. Creating that sense of suspicion and intrigue to the audience.
• He is wearing quite formal clothing suggesting he is quite a sophisticated artist who takes his music and himself very seriously. Also showing that there is maturity to his music and that he is ready to mature into a different artist and hes not all the same thing. Wearing a hat also shows that he is maybe hiding something from his audience like that he has something up his sleeve to wow his audience with. The use of a suit in R&B is unusual so what Ne-Yo is trying to show that he is not one to follow the crowd and he is trying to make the genre his own and be different. This would interest the audience as they would be intrigued to what his different about him to other R&B artists.
• The lighting used also creates a shadowed effect which would create intrigue to the audience so they would want to find out more to who ne-yo is.
• His facial expression is quite unresponisve and neutral suggesting he is a person who is looking to engage with a lot of different audiences as he isn't looking to put any one off his style.

After making all of these points about Ne-Yo i would presume he is a character who is suspicious and has a lot more to offer his audience and he is sophisticated and looking to make the next step into his fledgling music Career. He is a powerful character who is trying to get his audience onside.

• This image shows a lot of suspicion as his eyes are hidden by his hair suggesting he is either shy and wants to hide away from the media fame or that he is hiding something which makes him seem suspicious to his audience and they would want to find out more.
• Also Closed framing is used as he is on a backdrop of a wall so it looks as though he is trapped and can't get out and wants to do something different as he isnt totally comfortable in what he is doing and where he is within himself
• There is a shadow effect made by the lighting suggesting that there is a suspicion around him as a character and he isn't letting on everything and hes hiding something which would make the audience intrigued.
• He is in the centre of the page and looking directly at the camera suggesting he is trying to engage to his audience and hook them in and make them empathise with him and feel like they are both on the same level.
• His costume is quite casual suggesting he is easy going and there isn't to much seriousness and maturity as a group and that he is just like his audience and he doesn't look into to much of the fame side of the music industry.
• The camera shot is like a mid long shot suggesting that there is maybe more to come from him as an artists and he doesn't yet want to let out his full identity.

After looking at all of these things i would suggest this guy is a shy character who has more to give as an artist and wants to try something different.

After looking at these images i would like my images to show a lot of power and hold over the audience so i would use High eye lined shots so in the rule of thirds the eye line would be in the top third as this shows power and authority.But as my music magazine is about dance style music it doesn't require to much seriousness so my models would have to be laid back in their pose and outfits so they wouldn't be wearing things like suits and shirts and ties instead they would be wearing clothes demonstrated in image two in which the audience can relate to and feel like they are on a similar level and relate to the audience. Lighting used would have to be clear and not dark so it doesn't take the emphasis away from the audience and shadowing would be a good technique to use if i wanted to create a feel of uncertainty and intrigue. My location would have to be quite simple as the emphasis on my magazine is on the artist and not the surroundings they are in. The body language would have to be quite dominant so that the audience can feel confident of the artist.