Question 1a) Describe the ways in which your production work was informed by research into real media texts and your ability to use such research for production developed over time
Start with foundation portfolio (AS)
The genre is punk/rock so I researched into similar magazines with the same genre. These are magazines such as Kerrang and NME. I got my inspiration and ideas from these magazines as they contain the same features of mine, a music magazine. They all contain lists and articles on music which is what I made my magazine feature. I had to include all of the same genre of music as it would make sense to appeal to the targeted audience. I deconstructed a couple of existing punk rock magazines as this would help me to understand what appeals to my audience. These were things such as bold headlines selling the story on what the best music is currently/concerts going on. They also included a main image to sell the music, I did this with my foundation portfolio as well because I think it sells the story if there is a key image to associate it with. I picked out the main articles down the side of the magazine talking about the current news in music (kerrang TV) I got my inspiration from a particular article on Kerrang which shows a lot of information about what is new. However I reduced the amount down the sides as it looked a little bit crowded because of the colours I had (red, black, and white) I learned from this that you need to consider the layout and colour schemes of the magazine before adding in the text otherwise it may not be visible enough to read. Kerrang's colour scheme was black and white so the text was easy to adjust as opposites over the colours to make it clear, but when I did this I found that some of the words were not seen because of the red which had a major effect on the important articles.
Advanced portfolio
This is a fashion magazine specific to the North East region of England. I have researched into other magazines similar to this such as Etc magazine and Living North magazine. Etc is about fashion and advice aimed at women but Living North is mostly about interior design, however I chose to look at these because they are based on the NE of England which helped me to understand what kind of things people from this region look for in a magazine. They would mostly be interested in events happening around them as they are the people most likely to attend. By researching into other magazines similar to mine I have gained an insight as to how to make my magazine the best and most professional it can possibly be. My magazine genre is quite unusual of pop culture/indie regional fashion magazine so I had to look at genres of magazines that have these features because none had them all together. Comparing existing magazines to mine was proven quite difficult as it is a very rare genre if not existing at all. My magazine is a combination of these common genres found in regional magazines. I developed my creativity skills from the foundation portfolio as I had to combine the two genres together to come up with a new genre, rarely seen. This includes the two genres that are becoming increasingly popular by demand (pop, indie/rock). I managed to combine these two effectively as I have displayed a range of both genres in my images and layout. I think this works because I have not neglected one or the other so there is a balance of both that create a feminine outlook on the indie/punk genre. I was able to do this through researching into existing magazines as I found support on how to set out my magazine to attract the right people, for example, the colours to use, type of font, typical stories that they would be interested in (fashion icons/music icons/regional events).
1B
Analyse one of your coursework productions in relation to genre
In my advanced portfolio I have created a regional fashion magazine. The genre is pop and indie/rock. A combination of two genres (hybrid) The two genres I used are not typically seen together (binary opposites) but I have put them together to create originality. These two genres are becoming very popular now and as they are combined it could potentially increase the number of buyers for the magazine if it were to be published as it includes features from both genres that would help to sell the magazine, for example, the style of clothing my model wears is both pop and indie. This also helps attract readers of the targeted age as she is 20 years old.
The layout is for women age 16-25, young audience, feminine- colours pink, black, and white. Typical of a fashion magazine to attract certain type of person, who would most likely be involved in fashion or have hobbies such as clothes shopping. Includes some indie genre on the double page spread- clothes, colours, for the older audience (b&w) 20-25. The younger audience more attracted to the front including brighter colours.
The two chosen genres would typically not be seen together but as I have combined them together and incorporated their features together I have created a new kind of genre that older teenage girls and young women (20-25) would most likely to be interested in. (because of the fashion changes and what is most popular with these age groups. I think these work because the two genres are closely linked in terms of audience, closely linked fashion themes and colour schemes. However the indie/punk side of the magazine changes the genre dramatically but I have thought about how to present this in my double page spread and figured out a way to make this genre come across more feminine with pop culture.
1A
In my foundation portfolio I chose to create a music magazine with the genre of punk/rock. I researched into existing magazines such as Kerrang and NME to look into what I needed to add to my magazine in order to attract my targeted audience. I looked at how the front cover was presented and the colour choices they made. My biggest inspiration for this was Kerrang. They use predominantly black and white for most issue covers, I think they do this because these are the most popular colours for this genre. I took note of this and when it came to planning and creating my magazine I used the same colours with a red background. I added the red because my magazine is called 'Fire' which corresponded with the colours and gave it more emphasis on the name to make it more memorable. Kerrang have the slightly burned out masthead similarly to mine to give it the rebellious look. I included, in my magazine, the names some bands under the headline 'the hottest music' this again corresponds with the theme of the magazine, that being fire. It makes sense to name the bands that are typically liked by the people who would like my magazines' genre of music, this is to attract my target audience. I deconstructed a few magazines with the genre similar to Fire to get an idea of what they consist of and how I can use that information to create a successful magazine that appeals to my target market. The most important thing that I found out from the deconstructions was that the masthead and the headlines as well as the key image are really important for attracting people's attention. From this I learned that, in future production of a media product, I need to make sure these features are the most prominent because this is what will determine the popularity of the magazine. For example, it has to have a catchy or bold masthead and the main image needs to instantly connect with the readers, this could be through the use of a personal mode of address with direct eye contact. The stories down the side of my magazine were looking too crowded at first so I researched into how other magazines presented their articles and some of them could get away with the crowded text look but my colours were too bright to do this. It started to look messy because of the red background so I took this into consideration and reduced the amount of words for each story. In turn, this gave enough room to move the image along the page to get more of the model in frame. I could also make the masthead bigger and therefore more noticeable which is one of the main points to emphasise. My ability for research into existing magazines developed over time as I found out that certain colours should not be implemented when black or white text needs to be used. I also found out that the image's position is really important for mode of address.
Friday, 16 May 2014
Gauntlett & Connell- MH notes
(Refer to MH magazines for analysis's)
Men's Health quote by MORGAN REES, EDITOR 'Men's Health is the magazine for active, successful, intelligent men who want to make the most of their physical, professional and emotional lives. We give men the tools they need to make their lives better.'
MH powerpoint Gauntlett:
They all usually contain something about sex and how to be the best. MH also almost always have an 'advice' column that instructs men on what they are doing wrong or what they have to do.
Extract slide 6- They force men into being married as it suggests an easier life, men may feel threatened by this and marry out of fear rather than love. According to MH men should be married or they can seem weird and not following the path society has made them go to. It also suggests that men can feel happier with a partner and safer as not being married can cause a risk in heart disease (from eating unhealthy) They persuade men to be married because it will boost their earnings by 20% which is more of a motivator than to do it because they want to. Connell might suggest that this is making men an overman or hegemonic. Gauntlett may suggest it makes men insecure and feel like they need to change their lifestyle to become a 'real man'.
Slide 7- The extract suggests that men need to be laddish to cover up their insecurities about their lifestyle choices. This extract is for a typical hegemonic male. They tell men to beat their friends at relationships by staying married at 30 even if your friends 'buckled'. It is border line sexist by implying that women are temperamental without sleep and that all women don't want a commitment. Instead of having a conversations they tell men to follow their advice which could be dangerous for certain relationships.
Slide 8- Tells men that married life will make you better emotionally, physically, and mentally because it helps to loose weight, be happy, and more attractive. In reality this is not 100% true as each individual is different but MH twists the truth into making married life better. Using statistics can help to persuade the men to believe them as they think these numbers are accurate and more believable.
There is evidence in MH that men can get insecure over the articles in the magazine because it suggests that all men need to be like this (refer to any front cover male who shows muscle) and if you don't then you are weird and makes them out to be 'losers' as some captions will include words such as 'to be the best' or 'fight and win'. Once MH have the men feeling insecure over their bodies and minds they have 'solutions and reassurance' that men can be who they desire (hegemonic) when in reality there was nothing wrong with them they just do this to sell the magazine.
Mode of address
Most MH magazines will have a laddish tone to protect their heterosexuality as they are given advice on relationships, health and cooking, and sex. These are more commonly found on women's magazines which is why men are taking back their masculinity (Bly) Gauntlett suggests humour and irony is used in a laddish tone to cover up the fact that men don't want other men to know that they read this stuff. It makes them feel weak and inadequate.
Identities are not given but are constructed and negotiated...(inviting) a fluidity of identities
slide 11-
An objectifying 'advice' column where a man informs other men on how to skirt around the issue of 'sex only relationships'. When men don't want a real relationship and the woman does, this advice column suggests lying and blaming the break up on her just to save the man's reputation. They care more about how the man is represented rather than the woman's feelings and how it could negatively affect her confidence. It could also be really bad advice as not all women and men are alike and so different situations will happen. This person is taking advantage of women's minds and exploits the fact that 'women are typically looking for a real relationship more than men', and 'women are more sensitive than men usually'. They try to show respect for the women by saying 'bad mouthing her won't reflect well on you', however, although they are suggesting to not bad mouth women (as they shouldn't) they are also showing that they care more about their reputation than the women's. To save themselves they must show women respect which is selfishness, they should be taught to show all people respect because it is courteous, not because it will reflect good on themselves.
"She's not worth more to you than sex", Blumberg is suggesting that this is the real reason why some men don't want a real relationship by adding "It's a hell of a lot better than telling her [she's not worth...]" This is telling the men that showing yourself more respect (as a man) is what you should do and not show women much respect as equals because it shows weakness.
Men's Health quote by MORGAN REES, EDITOR 'Men's Health is the magazine for active, successful, intelligent men who want to make the most of their physical, professional and emotional lives. We give men the tools they need to make their lives better.'
MH powerpoint Gauntlett:
They all usually contain something about sex and how to be the best. MH also almost always have an 'advice' column that instructs men on what they are doing wrong or what they have to do.
Extract slide 6- They force men into being married as it suggests an easier life, men may feel threatened by this and marry out of fear rather than love. According to MH men should be married or they can seem weird and not following the path society has made them go to. It also suggests that men can feel happier with a partner and safer as not being married can cause a risk in heart disease (from eating unhealthy) They persuade men to be married because it will boost their earnings by 20% which is more of a motivator than to do it because they want to. Connell might suggest that this is making men an overman or hegemonic. Gauntlett may suggest it makes men insecure and feel like they need to change their lifestyle to become a 'real man'.
Slide 7- The extract suggests that men need to be laddish to cover up their insecurities about their lifestyle choices. This extract is for a typical hegemonic male. They tell men to beat their friends at relationships by staying married at 30 even if your friends 'buckled'. It is border line sexist by implying that women are temperamental without sleep and that all women don't want a commitment. Instead of having a conversations they tell men to follow their advice which could be dangerous for certain relationships.
Slide 8- Tells men that married life will make you better emotionally, physically, and mentally because it helps to loose weight, be happy, and more attractive. In reality this is not 100% true as each individual is different but MH twists the truth into making married life better. Using statistics can help to persuade the men to believe them as they think these numbers are accurate and more believable.
There is evidence in MH that men can get insecure over the articles in the magazine because it suggests that all men need to be like this (refer to any front cover male who shows muscle) and if you don't then you are weird and makes them out to be 'losers' as some captions will include words such as 'to be the best' or 'fight and win'. Once MH have the men feeling insecure over their bodies and minds they have 'solutions and reassurance' that men can be who they desire (hegemonic) when in reality there was nothing wrong with them they just do this to sell the magazine.
Mode of address
Most MH magazines will have a laddish tone to protect their heterosexuality as they are given advice on relationships, health and cooking, and sex. These are more commonly found on women's magazines which is why men are taking back their masculinity (Bly) Gauntlett suggests humour and irony is used in a laddish tone to cover up the fact that men don't want other men to know that they read this stuff. It makes them feel weak and inadequate.
Identities are not given but are constructed and negotiated...(inviting) a fluidity of identities
slide 11-
An objectifying 'advice' column where a man informs other men on how to skirt around the issue of 'sex only relationships'. When men don't want a real relationship and the woman does, this advice column suggests lying and blaming the break up on her just to save the man's reputation. They care more about how the man is represented rather than the woman's feelings and how it could negatively affect her confidence. It could also be really bad advice as not all women and men are alike and so different situations will happen. This person is taking advantage of women's minds and exploits the fact that 'women are typically looking for a real relationship more than men', and 'women are more sensitive than men usually'. They try to show respect for the women by saying 'bad mouthing her won't reflect well on you', however, although they are suggesting to not bad mouth women (as they shouldn't) they are also showing that they care more about their reputation than the women's. To save themselves they must show women respect which is selfishness, they should be taught to show all people respect because it is courteous, not because it will reflect good on themselves.
"She's not worth more to you than sex", Blumberg is suggesting that this is the real reason why some men don't want a real relationship by adding "It's a hell of a lot better than telling her [she's not worth...]" This is telling the men that showing yourself more respect (as a man) is what you should do and not show women much respect as equals because it shows weakness.
Wednesday, 14 May 2014
Structure of exam- masculinity response
GENERAL
2 case studies- mens health/sherlock
Intro- what case study is and what representation is (masculinity)
Historical paragraph- historically how have men been represented? (fight club, James Bond etc)
leave fight club until last to show comparison between old (FC) and new (SH)
- superior figure
-dominant
-brave
-physically fit etc
- add theory
Present case study (SH) debate over positive and negative things involving masculinity in SH.
apply theory in here
conclusion- summary of findings- talk about future representations (from all of my research I have found that men could be represented as ........ in the future)
MEN'S HEALTH!!!!
Masculinity question, talk about
-What is being represented
-Collective identity
-Representation of men (fitness, behaviour, male grooming, semiotics(?) media lang and body lang)
-How Men's health suggest men act around problems and how to fix them (mental heath/illness, activeness, socialising (mostly around women))
-How they use the cover models to advertise, create a sense of true masculinity and being an acceptable man.
-Who are the target audience and why do they appeal to this
-Add in media terminology and theorists (Connell's types, David Gauntlett's male identities, Bly's Mytho-poetic male, Freud and Nietzsche) (Identification- male gaze, Narcissistic identification, Quick fix problem solving, voyeurism, idealism, misogyny, male superiority)
CASE STUDY!!!!! (Pick one episode but can talk about others a little bit rarely)
Talk about
-Everything above in general section
-How each male character reacts/behaves, maybe why?
-Can be opposite to Men's Health or have similarities
-Involve theory on each character (males) link up to explanation
-Who is the new man? Who is hegemonic? and overman?
-Debate over sexualities of the two main characters- Who cares the most to be heterosexual? or over compensates? who doesn't show much focus on this?
WHICH THEORISTS TO USE!
-David Gauntlett- against idea of typical masculine men. Apply to Sherlock and Men's Health when associated with male grooming. (Personalities are fluid and can change) Hegemonic male- a man who wants to be a very masculine man as they think this is the only acceptation.
-......? Identification- narcissistic identification
2 case studies- mens health/sherlock
Intro- what case study is and what representation is (masculinity)
Historical paragraph- historically how have men been represented? (fight club, James Bond etc)
leave fight club until last to show comparison between old (FC) and new (SH)
- superior figure
-dominant
-brave
-physically fit etc
- add theory
Present case study (SH) debate over positive and negative things involving masculinity in SH.
apply theory in here
conclusion- summary of findings- talk about future representations (from all of my research I have found that men could be represented as ........ in the future)
MEN'S HEALTH!!!!
Masculinity question, talk about
-What is being represented
-Collective identity
-Representation of men (fitness, behaviour, male grooming, semiotics(?) media lang and body lang)
-How Men's health suggest men act around problems and how to fix them (mental heath/illness, activeness, socialising (mostly around women))
-How they use the cover models to advertise, create a sense of true masculinity and being an acceptable man.
-Who are the target audience and why do they appeal to this
-Add in media terminology and theorists (Connell's types, David Gauntlett's male identities, Bly's Mytho-poetic male, Freud and Nietzsche) (Identification- male gaze, Narcissistic identification, Quick fix problem solving, voyeurism, idealism, misogyny, male superiority)
CASE STUDY!!!!! (Pick one episode but can talk about others a little bit rarely)
Talk about
-Everything above in general section
-How each male character reacts/behaves, maybe why?
-Can be opposite to Men's Health or have similarities
-Involve theory on each character (males) link up to explanation
-Who is the new man? Who is hegemonic? and overman?
-Debate over sexualities of the two main characters- Who cares the most to be heterosexual? or over compensates? who doesn't show much focus on this?
WHICH THEORISTS TO USE!
-David Gauntlett- against idea of typical masculine men. Apply to Sherlock and Men's Health when associated with male grooming. (Personalities are fluid and can change) Hegemonic male- a man who wants to be a very masculine man as they think this is the only acceptation.
-......? Identification- narcissistic identification
Wednesday, 7 May 2014
Jackass 3 notes (2010)
Audience- 18+
How are men represented in the film?
-tough
-maybe a bit stupid
-sometimes fearless
-loud screaming
-daring
-laughs at others pain
-not very masculine
- some of them are scared to start
- try to be brave
- iconic music to represent masculinity
*Bly theorist- (iron John) grieving over loss of masculine, deep masculinity
*Connell- trying to be a masculine man and not afraid of pain, trying to be hegemonic
they are marginalised, they are repressed and try to break free of that.
All types are shown, i.e. big build, skinny, age difference, height difference, new man and typical man, all white men.
hyper masculine- wanting to be the hegemonic male a lot.
slow motion- show the pain and how much it hurts them, they are enjoying the pain themselves.
Some men are shown to be in serious pain and crying.
How are men represented in the film?
-tough
-maybe a bit stupid
-sometimes fearless
-loud screaming
-daring
-laughs at others pain
-not very masculine
- some of them are scared to start
- try to be brave
- iconic music to represent masculinity
*Bly theorist- (iron John) grieving over loss of masculine, deep masculinity
*Connell- trying to be a masculine man and not afraid of pain, trying to be hegemonic
they are marginalised, they are repressed and try to break free of that.
All types are shown, i.e. big build, skinny, age difference, height difference, new man and typical man, all white men.
hyper masculine- wanting to be the hegemonic male a lot.
slow motion- show the pain and how much it hurts them, they are enjoying the pain themselves.
Some men are shown to be in serious pain and crying.
Friday, 2 May 2014
Case study (sherlock BBC)
BBC Sherlock (tv drama) series ? episode ? year ? Mark Gatiss, Steven Moffat (Arthur Conan Doyle)
questions asked:
questions asked:
emleslieboddy.blogspot.co.uk (masculinity)
conclusion- how do you think men will be presented in the future?
Rough plan- I think that men will be represented as much more feminine in the future as they are stepping away from the idea that men have to be muscular and strong (mentally and physically). However, mostly in the western world, some men may prefer to be the dominant one over women and remain sexist towards them. I think that the idea of masculinity is going to be destroyed in the future because a lot of connotations referring to women liking certain things (e.g..pink, dolls, marriage, make-up) and men liking certain things (action, violence, sports, blue,) are becoming non-existant as these things break barriers into different genders, for example, women can be construction workers without having being discriminated (mostly). The idea of femininity and masculinity as suggested by (barthes?) is a myth, and I think that this will be a complete myth in the future because genders are not being associated with abstract theories as much. This could be because of the way women were treated and some still are treated unfairly because of their gender, so women fought to be equals and then most of the world operate in a non specifically gendered way to remove all issues of discrimination. Overall I think that men would not have the connotations of how they are now, strong, physically fit, dominant, some sexism etc because masculinity is like fashion, it goes and is replaced with a better idea. As women and men disregard the fact that they have to conform to the rules of society where they need to do certain things because of their gender, the more they rebel and become equals. In the case of BBC Sherlock where 'smart is the new sexy', it is showing change in how men want to be seen by women, for example, smart, intelligent, and respectful.
Rough plan- I think that men will be represented as much more feminine in the future as they are stepping away from the idea that men have to be muscular and strong (mentally and physically). However, mostly in the western world, some men may prefer to be the dominant one over women and remain sexist towards them. I think that the idea of masculinity is going to be destroyed in the future because a lot of connotations referring to women liking certain things (e.g..pink, dolls, marriage, make-up) and men liking certain things (action, violence, sports, blue,) are becoming non-existant as these things break barriers into different genders, for example, women can be construction workers without having being discriminated (mostly). The idea of femininity and masculinity as suggested by (barthes?) is a myth, and I think that this will be a complete myth in the future because genders are not being associated with abstract theories as much. This could be because of the way women were treated and some still are treated unfairly because of their gender, so women fought to be equals and then most of the world operate in a non specifically gendered way to remove all issues of discrimination. Overall I think that men would not have the connotations of how they are now, strong, physically fit, dominant, some sexism etc because masculinity is like fashion, it goes and is replaced with a better idea. As women and men disregard the fact that they have to conform to the rules of society where they need to do certain things because of their gender, the more they rebel and become equals. In the case of BBC Sherlock where 'smart is the new sexy', it is showing change in how men want to be seen by women, for example, smart, intelligent, and respectful.
include- episode, series, year, producers
-look at media and audience in case study
I think that Sherlock is viewed equally by men and women. Usually of ages 16+ as it appeals to a very wide range of audiences. This applies for the BBC Sherlock as it has become more popular with the actors playing the parts of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. Sherlock is perceived as quite masculine but as a new man since he uses intelligence to seem superior, whereas the common man may use strength and muscle to show superiority. Sherlock is still well dressed which emphasises the 'well groomed man who is also the new man' as a way of proving that men can be concerned about fashion but still be manly enough.
I think the audience has such as variety because of the way the original Sherlock series was. This would appeal to the older men and women. The BBC version now appeals to the younger ones as they incorporate modern terms, language, and general modern features such as the cabs and trains in place of each other. They chose fitting actors to play the parts of SH and JW as appearance helps to originate back to the original books. These actors are also becoming more popular which helps bring in more of a variety of audiences.
I think that Sherlock is viewed equally by men and women. Usually of ages 16+ as it appeals to a very wide range of audiences. This applies for the BBC Sherlock as it has become more popular with the actors playing the parts of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. Sherlock is perceived as quite masculine but as a new man since he uses intelligence to seem superior, whereas the common man may use strength and muscle to show superiority. Sherlock is still well dressed which emphasises the 'well groomed man who is also the new man' as a way of proving that men can be concerned about fashion but still be manly enough.
I think the audience has such as variety because of the way the original Sherlock series was. This would appeal to the older men and women. The BBC version now appeals to the younger ones as they incorporate modern terms, language, and general modern features such as the cabs and trains in place of each other. They chose fitting actors to play the parts of SH and JW as appearance helps to originate back to the original books. These actors are also becoming more popular which helps bring in more of a variety of audiences.
-Is identity changing?
Identity is changing in modern society as characters such as Sherlock are becoming widely acknowledged and followed. Identity is changing for the better mostly because it gives people the freedom to dress and act however they want without feeling pressured into being one gender or the other. Gauntlett is against how men are perceived in MH and doesn't believe that it is necessary, he thinks that change can happen and it will in future.
mention theorists-
Gauntlett
Connell
Frued
Bly
Butler
Monday, 28 April 2014
Section A 1A question
Describe the ways in which your production was informed by research into real media texts and how your ability to use such research for production developed over time.
At AS level I researched into real media texts by looking into magazines such as Kerrang and NME. They have the same genre as my magazine which helped me to understand what features should be included in a successful magazine that would also attract the targeted audience. These types of magazines, in the style of punk rock, usually contain very few colours and almost always use black as this colour has connotations of being associated with the rock genre. I already had knowledge of these magazines which made my magazine production easier in terms of the model's appearance, the colours and text, and relating them to music. These magazines are quite popular within this genre which is why I chose them as examples and inspiration to get a good idea of what the audience prefers in order to make my magazine professional and successful. For the most part of my main product, the magazine, I was creative in ways such as the name, headline, colour arrangements, and model position. The model on the front has her head facing away from the camera which is not usually seen on a magazine if they are to be 'inviting'. Most of the time they will be looking at the camera to give a direct address to the audience but in my magazine I wanted to create a look of mystery so we don't actually get to see her whole face. She is with a prop, the guitar, which is only rarely found on a magazine and this makes my magazine more original than the other real media texts.
For the double page spread in my music magazine at AS I researched into other double page features such as the ones listed above, NME and Kerrang, they didn't have many double page features to look into but I found some useful pages that consisted of of articles on music that display a good deal of text and images. This helped me understand what a music magazine double page should consist of. I carefully planned the images out so they would fit on the page without looking messy or out of place, by researching into other magazines I have gained knowledge on how to properly position photos in order to make them as professional as possible.
At AS level I researched into real media texts by looking into magazines such as Kerrang and NME. They have the same genre as my magazine which helped me to understand what features should be included in a successful magazine that would also attract the targeted audience. These types of magazines, in the style of punk rock, usually contain very few colours and almost always use black as this colour has connotations of being associated with the rock genre. I already had knowledge of these magazines which made my magazine production easier in terms of the model's appearance, the colours and text, and relating them to music. These magazines are quite popular within this genre which is why I chose them as examples and inspiration to get a good idea of what the audience prefers in order to make my magazine professional and successful. For the most part of my main product, the magazine, I was creative in ways such as the name, headline, colour arrangements, and model position. The model on the front has her head facing away from the camera which is not usually seen on a magazine if they are to be 'inviting'. Most of the time they will be looking at the camera to give a direct address to the audience but in my magazine I wanted to create a look of mystery so we don't actually get to see her whole face. She is with a prop, the guitar, which is only rarely found on a magazine and this makes my magazine more original than the other real media texts.
For the double page spread in my music magazine at AS I researched into other double page features such as the ones listed above, NME and Kerrang, they didn't have many double page features to look into but I found some useful pages that consisted of of articles on music that display a good deal of text and images. This helped me understand what a music magazine double page should consist of. I carefully planned the images out so they would fit on the page without looking messy or out of place, by researching into other magazines I have gained knowledge on how to properly position photos in order to make them as professional as possible.
For my music magazine I used Photoshop in
the first half of production. I changed halfway through because I found
Photoshop to take a lot of time as I had no skills in that programme. I did
learn a few things in it but it was wasting too much time so I edited the
images and moved them into Publisher which is when I presented the magazine as
a whole, including background, text and colour schemes. The editing skills I
learned in Photoshop will be useful in the future, for example, creating
another media production such as a poster/magazine etc and using the editing
tools and touch ups to make the images look professional. On the other hand,
this will take time to do and may be easier and quicker if I was to use
programmes such as Publisher, or any other Windows Office programmes.
In post-production for my AS media
magazine I changed a few features to make it look more appealing to the target
audience. These were factors such as the colour red for the background instead
of orange. I chose red as it is more fiery giving the link between the colours
and the masthead 'fire'. Red has connotations of being associated with blood,
fire, rage, and danger. On the other hand it can also mean passion, romance or
love. In the case of my magazine I have paired the colour red with black and white
throughout to show that it is reinforcing the 'rock' genre as seen in most
magazines of this type.
In A2 I looked at a range of differing
genres such as regional and fashion. My magazine is a combination of both these
genres which made it harder to get a real media text example to be inspired by.
However, I managed to look at etc
magazine and northnews which
involved characteristics of each genre. Both concentrating on one key feature, I
added parts of each magazine to make mine as original as possible. By doing
this I have a one of a kind magazine that can attract two types of audiences
that prefer certain genres, for example, my magazine mixes pop culture and
indie/rock, only subtly but the audience can still be interested if the themes
are kept as equals. I researched into the magazines mentioned above to get an
idea of what these types contain and how I can use it to appeal to the same
audience as if it were competition.
I used Pixlr,
some Photoshop, and Publisher to do my A2 magazine. These are
all the digital technologies I used to create and edit my magazine as well as
the internet for research and planning of the initial layout. Pixlr is a simplified version of Photoshop in which I could edit my images in
less time but for the same amount of overall quality. It is not as professional
as Photoshop but the image kept its quality. This was because I couldn't spend
too long on the editing of the images otherwise I would run out of time to get
the text and overall presentation done, which is quite a vital part. As
explained in AS production, I couldn't use Photoshop for very long as I didn't
have the appropriate skills to complete the task solely on that programme,
however I did use it for one of the ancillary tasks which boosted my skills in
that area a little further. After the magazine was completed I went back to do some post production which was mostly editing the images to make them stand out more, for example, I lightened up most of the photos so that the model would have a soft feminine face as this would appeal to the targeted audience more, they would look up to her and be inspired as well. There wasn't much editing to be done on the magazine because I captured them in natural light which is what I hoped to get in the photos. Since this went well all I had to do was sharpen and lighten up the models face to give her a 'flawless' look. Some colours were too bright and used too often so I took the one brightest colour on each page (excluding the contents page) and scarcely implemented it into the page. This way the text was still readable but the one colour attracts attention over to that area. This part of production helped me to develop my editing skills and further my creativity to produce the best possible outcome I could achieve.
Section A info
What is included? SectionA 1A
- real media texts
- digital technology
- post-production
- research and planning
- creativity
plan:
name the real media texts I used in AS and A2 (North News Mag., NME, Kerrang, Etc Magazine) go over how I used them for inspiration (layout, colours and poses for the model)
Digital technologies (wix, pixlr, photoshop, publisher) how I used and developed skills or not (PhSh) creating more professional looks within publisher compared to AS, give examples, colours and model types.
post-production (editing) what I changed and how I developed my final piece, I changed the colour scheme and certain words. I edited the contents pages the most, most difficult to add appropriate detail.
R&P (into magazines and genres and 'styles'.)
Creativity (how I came up with the idea of my magazines and the creativeness about them e.g. my inspiration from other texts)
What is included? SectionA 1B
- representation
- genre
- media language
- audience
- narrative
Plan:
representation (what my magazines represent) use the models and how they are conveyed as inspiration to what I need to write about)
Genre AS punk/rock A2 pop feminine hint of indie (pg. 2-3)
media language (terminology) look up
audience (AS-16 to 20) (A2 16-25) bigger range in 2nd year showing development into further audiences and reaching standards to meet them. Completely different target audience compared to AS. Shows diversity into other genres and changing them to suit the audience, versatile. Still keeping with young readers (I am best suited for) knowing what people my age want in a magazine.
narrative (p.o.v) who from.
- real media texts
- digital technology
- post-production
- research and planning
- creativity
plan:
name the real media texts I used in AS and A2 (North News Mag., NME, Kerrang, Etc Magazine) go over how I used them for inspiration (layout, colours and poses for the model)
Digital technologies (wix, pixlr, photoshop, publisher) how I used and developed skills or not (PhSh) creating more professional looks within publisher compared to AS, give examples, colours and model types.
post-production (editing) what I changed and how I developed my final piece, I changed the colour scheme and certain words. I edited the contents pages the most, most difficult to add appropriate detail.
R&P (into magazines and genres and 'styles'.)
Creativity (how I came up with the idea of my magazines and the creativeness about them e.g. my inspiration from other texts)
What is included? SectionA 1B
- representation
- genre
- media language
- audience
- narrative
Plan:
representation (what my magazines represent) use the models and how they are conveyed as inspiration to what I need to write about)
Genre AS punk/rock A2 pop feminine hint of indie (pg. 2-3)
media language (terminology) look up
audience (AS-16 to 20) (A2 16-25) bigger range in 2nd year showing development into further audiences and reaching standards to meet them. Completely different target audience compared to AS. Shows diversity into other genres and changing them to suit the audience, versatile. Still keeping with young readers (I am best suited for) knowing what people my age want in a magazine.
narrative (p.o.v) who from.
Monday, 7 April 2014
Planned points
Research and planning
AS- I looked at other music magazines that have a similar genre to mine so I could get inspiration for my colour scheme and layout/font overall. It helped me to understand the conventions of the magazine I was trying to convey and how to portray the person in the magazine. With it being a music magazine I was able to use props such as a guitar to make it seem more real, I got this idea from an existing magazine such as NME which shares the same genre as mine. It was easier to take features and ideas/inspiration for my AS coursework because it is a very popular genre which has a lot of existing magazines such as the examples above. From AS creativity I have learned that research is very important so I can understand what I need to include in my product to make it as professional as possible.
A2- In a2 I used regional magazines combined with fashion magazines to create my genre which uses both together. A regional fashion magazine is hard to come by so I used both genres separately to make a unique magazine. I took ideas from each example magazine and put them in my own because I think this is my USP. I didn't use as many examples (current existing mags) in my A2 coursework because the genre is very difficult to come across in terms of finding it through research. I also stuck to typical conventions of the two genres I used to keep a wide range of audience.
Digital technologies
AS- I started using Photoshop which took quite a long time, it was beneficial as it was professional but as I have very few skills in Photoshop which was not ideal for time management. Most parts of the images were done on photoshop but I was a day behind compared to when I expected to finish. The images came out professional looking but I wouldn't use PS again because it takes to long to figure out. If i gained skills in this programme I would most likely use it. I opened the images on publisher to organise them as if it were a proper magazine, this helped me to figure out what dimensions to use.
A2- I used the same principles like PS but soon found that it was not suitable for me and it was really hard to use, so I found Pixlr which was a simplified version and it helped me create my images and edit them (also looking professional) but it took less time. I used Wix for my website which gave a huge variety of themes and layout etc. I spent a lot of time on this as it was a big project. (detail on wix and uses) I also used publisher to set out my magazine because this is it's primary use.
Real media texts
AS- I researched other existing music magazines to identify the genre conventions it has and include them in my production. These were things like prefered colour schemes, font, layout etc. Then I made a collection of rock/punk music magazines and annotated them which helped me to understand why people like these things in their magazine and what I can do to challenge conventions. I did this by creating a magazine with similar connotations and conventions as real ones which would be seen as competition if my magazine was also a real media product.
A2- I did the same for AS but for a feminine indie/rock genre which is very uncommon. I found this one challenging because there are not many like it. I combined two of these opposing genres together to create a genre that is now becoming more recognised nowadays. I had to look at different types of magazine such as regional, fashion and, more specifically, indie/punk. I analysed these types to create a mashup of the two. My magazine is predominantly pop/feminine with a hint of indie (especially on the double page) and rock. This helped me develop my creativity skills more as I didn't follow all the conventions of the genres but instead I created my own twist on them. Examples of real media texts I used to research into genres similar to my own was magazines such as etc and northnews.
Creativity
AS- In my first year I did a music magazine which was in the genre of punk/rock as shown by the front cover layout. I followed similar conventions of a real magazine with a punk/rock genre because this would grab their attention, ultimately, as this genre is very specific and typically you wouldn't see much of any other kinds of colours, layouts, overall presentation, and word choices etc. With research into other magazines I carefully chose the conventions of this type of magazine by choosing a girl with the same fashion genre of that of the magazine and, overall, this creates an impression that the images and magazine topic link up thus making it attractive in the eyes of someone interested in punk rock genre.
A2- This is also a magazine but for regional fashion. It is a very uncommon type so I picked two genres of fashion and region and combined the two categories together so that it created a unique magazine. It would only be as popular as the regional magazines as this magazine would not be published anywhere else except the North East of England. It would also have a similar demographic to the magazines which would attract fashion interested people. I carefully thought this out as this is a hard genre to comply with in terms of picking specific features and layouts to suit the target audience. I got my inspiration from real media texts mentioned above.
Post production
AS- I edited the whole page once it was done to alter the colours that I thought was more suitable for the genre of magazine. I made the red darker and the black more intense to get the 'rock/punk' look across that would attract my audience. The images were still a little bit rough around the edges so I took the photos and spent some time getting rid of any white parts that were not needed. After a few comments on my final product (magazine) I got some suggestions that there was too much writing on the front cover so I thought of a few ideas that would make the page not so crowded. I took the ones that had the least writing but had the biggest effect on the audience, ie something that would grab their attention like 'exclusive...!'
A2- The same goes for my A2 magazine. After some feedback I got some interesting ideas that would help my magazine look more professional. I edited the photos to look better (lighting and contrast) so that they would stand out. The colour scheme for my front page was altered slightly as I used to have more purple/blues but changed it to a little bit of pink. In the end I added or took away minor detail that made the magazine seem more professional with more effort put into them. I took away one of the page numbers (5) because there was no room and the other words were off centered compared to the other page because of it. This didn't look right so I changed it along with the position of the black bar on my double page spread. I lifted it up and shrunk the headline above so I could move it further. This was because the images and text were being too compacted together and I had a lot of empty space at the top. It is important for these minor details to be corrected as it can affect the whole magazine and make it more of a success in terms of professionalism and attractiveness.
AS- I looked at other music magazines that have a similar genre to mine so I could get inspiration for my colour scheme and layout/font overall. It helped me to understand the conventions of the magazine I was trying to convey and how to portray the person in the magazine. With it being a music magazine I was able to use props such as a guitar to make it seem more real, I got this idea from an existing magazine such as NME which shares the same genre as mine. It was easier to take features and ideas/inspiration for my AS coursework because it is a very popular genre which has a lot of existing magazines such as the examples above. From AS creativity I have learned that research is very important so I can understand what I need to include in my product to make it as professional as possible.
A2- In a2 I used regional magazines combined with fashion magazines to create my genre which uses both together. A regional fashion magazine is hard to come by so I used both genres separately to make a unique magazine. I took ideas from each example magazine and put them in my own because I think this is my USP. I didn't use as many examples (current existing mags) in my A2 coursework because the genre is very difficult to come across in terms of finding it through research. I also stuck to typical conventions of the two genres I used to keep a wide range of audience.
Digital technologies
AS- I started using Photoshop which took quite a long time, it was beneficial as it was professional but as I have very few skills in Photoshop which was not ideal for time management. Most parts of the images were done on photoshop but I was a day behind compared to when I expected to finish. The images came out professional looking but I wouldn't use PS again because it takes to long to figure out. If i gained skills in this programme I would most likely use it. I opened the images on publisher to organise them as if it were a proper magazine, this helped me to figure out what dimensions to use.
A2- I used the same principles like PS but soon found that it was not suitable for me and it was really hard to use, so I found Pixlr which was a simplified version and it helped me create my images and edit them (also looking professional) but it took less time. I used Wix for my website which gave a huge variety of themes and layout etc. I spent a lot of time on this as it was a big project. (detail on wix and uses) I also used publisher to set out my magazine because this is it's primary use.
Real media texts
AS- I researched other existing music magazines to identify the genre conventions it has and include them in my production. These were things like prefered colour schemes, font, layout etc. Then I made a collection of rock/punk music magazines and annotated them which helped me to understand why people like these things in their magazine and what I can do to challenge conventions. I did this by creating a magazine with similar connotations and conventions as real ones which would be seen as competition if my magazine was also a real media product.
A2- I did the same for AS but for a feminine indie/rock genre which is very uncommon. I found this one challenging because there are not many like it. I combined two of these opposing genres together to create a genre that is now becoming more recognised nowadays. I had to look at different types of magazine such as regional, fashion and, more specifically, indie/punk. I analysed these types to create a mashup of the two. My magazine is predominantly pop/feminine with a hint of indie (especially on the double page) and rock. This helped me develop my creativity skills more as I didn't follow all the conventions of the genres but instead I created my own twist on them. Examples of real media texts I used to research into genres similar to my own was magazines such as etc and northnews.
Creativity
AS- In my first year I did a music magazine which was in the genre of punk/rock as shown by the front cover layout. I followed similar conventions of a real magazine with a punk/rock genre because this would grab their attention, ultimately, as this genre is very specific and typically you wouldn't see much of any other kinds of colours, layouts, overall presentation, and word choices etc. With research into other magazines I carefully chose the conventions of this type of magazine by choosing a girl with the same fashion genre of that of the magazine and, overall, this creates an impression that the images and magazine topic link up thus making it attractive in the eyes of someone interested in punk rock genre.
A2- This is also a magazine but for regional fashion. It is a very uncommon type so I picked two genres of fashion and region and combined the two categories together so that it created a unique magazine. It would only be as popular as the regional magazines as this magazine would not be published anywhere else except the North East of England. It would also have a similar demographic to the magazines which would attract fashion interested people. I carefully thought this out as this is a hard genre to comply with in terms of picking specific features and layouts to suit the target audience. I got my inspiration from real media texts mentioned above.
Post production
AS- I edited the whole page once it was done to alter the colours that I thought was more suitable for the genre of magazine. I made the red darker and the black more intense to get the 'rock/punk' look across that would attract my audience. The images were still a little bit rough around the edges so I took the photos and spent some time getting rid of any white parts that were not needed. After a few comments on my final product (magazine) I got some suggestions that there was too much writing on the front cover so I thought of a few ideas that would make the page not so crowded. I took the ones that had the least writing but had the biggest effect on the audience, ie something that would grab their attention like 'exclusive...!'
A2- The same goes for my A2 magazine. After some feedback I got some interesting ideas that would help my magazine look more professional. I edited the photos to look better (lighting and contrast) so that they would stand out. The colour scheme for my front page was altered slightly as I used to have more purple/blues but changed it to a little bit of pink. In the end I added or took away minor detail that made the magazine seem more professional with more effort put into them. I took away one of the page numbers (5) because there was no room and the other words were off centered compared to the other page because of it. This didn't look right so I changed it along with the position of the black bar on my double page spread. I lifted it up and shrunk the headline above so I could move it further. This was because the images and text were being too compacted together and I had a lot of empty space at the top. It is important for these minor details to be corrected as it can affect the whole magazine and make it more of a success in terms of professionalism and attractiveness.
Friday, 4 April 2014
men's health work/hw 3
Editorial and advertising + common themes found in MH
This is an advert on the men's health magazine found at the side bar. As shown they have an attractive young female advertising a weight loss programme. She is being portrayed in a sexual way but she is also not very practical as she has her long hair down, this shows that this advert is to primarily provoke men to try astronutrition because of the woman on the front. Years ago women would not be expected to be muscular and probably be shamed as she is 'suppose' to be small and submissive and leave the power to men, however times have changed and woman are being accepted over what they choose to do with their body. This is a modern advert aimed towards the modern man as some men may think that this image is 'weird' or not acceptable.
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This could be considered as an article on male superiority as it shows an image of an over muscular man who looks down onto the camera which makes him look more powerful and he's presented in a dominant position. Women are represented in a more softer way with their heads tilted down and an open mouth. This man shows how strong he is as he stands with legs apart and his fists are tightened as if to fight someone. This is conveying to the audience that he is superior because he is physically stronger and more masculine. They talk about a wrestlers development which shows that he is very tough like a stereotypical man. With his shirt off the audience can see his muscles more and his tattoos which carry the connotation of someone who is manly or a bit rebellious.
MH ideal man...
'In a world created by Men's Health, the ideal man is...' very strong and muscular as well as physically fit which makes him attractive. He must attract women and be a success in terms of wealth. He mustn't worry about anything else except weight and building strength. He would also have much more authority over women and possibly be a misogynist. Every man would feel like a hegemonic male as they strive to be better all the time. They must be considered an 'expert' at sex and have women lust after them. He also needs to be well dressed and have no stress, if so he must take as many pills as he can to resolve it. No problems can arise from a MH man as they have quick fixes for everything.
This is an advert on the men's health magazine found at the side bar. As shown they have an attractive young female advertising a weight loss programme. She is being portrayed in a sexual way but she is also not very practical as she has her long hair down, this shows that this advert is to primarily provoke men to try astronutrition because of the woman on the front. Years ago women would not be expected to be muscular and probably be shamed as she is 'suppose' to be small and submissive and leave the power to men, however times have changed and woman are being accepted over what they choose to do with their body. This is a modern advert aimed towards the modern man as some men may think that this image is 'weird' or not acceptable.
This is another advert on the mens health magazine which again is for dieting. However this is done in a more modern way to appeal to men and women without the use of objectifying people. The one above uses an old fashioned way to attract men through male gaze, a theory by Laura Mulvey. This one uses simplistic colours and text to immediately get their point across. Both adverts are to lose weight which is commonly found in male magazines as most men strive to be fitter, this can be a hegemonic male but it is mostly to increase the confidence of men if they buy their products. The first advert (Astronutrition) is focusing on using sex to sell which would most likely be aimed towards heterosexual males as they use a very little clothed woman to grab attention. However this one could be aimed towards males and females as there is no image that either gender would prefer or want to look at, but this is in MH which stresses the importance of losing weight to look more 'attractive'. There are more adverts for losing weight or building strength or tone in MH and I think this is because, nowadays, men are expected to be physically fit to 'win' over the attention of women.
Common themes
This is an article in MH which shows their fashion column, this is not commonly found in this magazine. The reason for this is because MH usually talks about handling problems with health, sex, and weight- all the things men are 'suppose' to worry about. The images could represent the new sensitive man as women would usually be the ones to care about fashion, however, in the 21st century men are becoming more aware of the importance of a well groomed man who also looks masculine. They have portrayed this in the photos as the men are wearing typical smart male clothes. A suit and tie is considered to make someone look groomed, intelligent, and well presented. Although the clothes they wear are very masculine, men generally didn't care about what they wore but now it's become popular to care about how smart you look. The 'smart is the new sexy' is telling men to look impressive and well dressed to be attractive.
The latest issue front cover includes quick fix problems that are seen everywhere in MH, whether they are for weight, stress, or sex orientated. The red writing on the left side says 'build bigger arms and a Y-shape back by summer'. This is a quick fix to fitness problems that some men struggle to do. It is telling them that they can get a body like the man on the front cover in a few months. This magazine thrives on telling men that in a short period of time they can have a perfect body and a healthy food scheme. MH prominently think that all men care about is weight and how to look like a 'real man' for women. They have another quick fix solution in the red writing to the right side '14 ways'. This gives men the impression that it is easy or that you should do it because it is so obtainable and you would want to do it because it's what men want. Even though some men don't want to be muscular or 100% healthy, MH persuades the target audience that they will want to follow their instructions because it can fix all of their individual issues even if they can't. This is just to get men to buy the magazine.
This could be considered as an article on male superiority as it shows an image of an over muscular man who looks down onto the camera which makes him look more powerful and he's presented in a dominant position. Women are represented in a more softer way with their heads tilted down and an open mouth. This man shows how strong he is as he stands with legs apart and his fists are tightened as if to fight someone. This is conveying to the audience that he is superior because he is physically stronger and more masculine. They talk about a wrestlers development which shows that he is very tough like a stereotypical man. With his shirt off the audience can see his muscles more and his tattoos which carry the connotation of someone who is manly or a bit rebellious.
MH ideal man...
'In a world created by Men's Health, the ideal man is...' very strong and muscular as well as physically fit which makes him attractive. He must attract women and be a success in terms of wealth. He mustn't worry about anything else except weight and building strength. He would also have much more authority over women and possibly be a misogynist. Every man would feel like a hegemonic male as they strive to be better all the time. They must be considered an 'expert' at sex and have women lust after them. He also needs to be well dressed and have no stress, if so he must take as many pills as he can to resolve it. No problems can arise from a MH man as they have quick fixes for everything.
Men's health work/hw 2
Men's health heroes
How is David Beckham inspiring to male readers of MH?
David is seen as inspirational as he is physically fit and they show his muscles by using a sleeveless top. He is a good example of how men are 'suppose' to be according to MH. He also has a typical boy hair cut which is short and neat. He shows facial hair which makes him more masculine as well as having half his face in the dark, this gives him mystery compared to a woman's magazine who would be fully lit. He stands in a way that you would normally see in a wrestling pose and this is reinforced as he wears bandages around his hands which signifies that he has/is going to fight. The audience can see his abs through his shirt so that the target audience can see this and aspire to look like this. He has a knitted brow which doesn't look as inviting as it would if he had a smile or less harsh eyes. I think they did this because men are suppose to look tough and serious as opposed to women who often have their mouth open as an invitational smile.
What is seen as admirable about them? And representation?
David Beckham is a well known celebrity who married a well known singer, Victoria, and together they have a very big reputation. He used to be a famous footballer which is a typical sport for a man like David to play. He made a respectable career and has not been badly portrayed in the media which shows the men how to behave when being observed by the public. He is also the typical representation of a man who has muscles, short hair and maybe a tattoo. The connotation of the tattoo is that people who have them are considered to be 'rebellious' or 'tough', however this has been outdated as many women have tattoos like David in this image. Tattoos are becoming more accepted so I think that his tattoo could prove he has something valuable that he wanted to remember which could persuade more people to appreciate his way of living and make him more respectable. He is also considered quite handsome by a lot of women because of his conventional male looks and his masculine persona. Beckham has the physical structure that a hegemonic male would want and the considered good looks that make him likeable by both genders, males out of envy and females possible out of lust. This image shows that by 'being a man' you have to be tough, serious and ready to fight. They have got to have some level of tone and muscle as well as a physically fit body. A masculine man will most likely have short cut hair and some facial hair.
How is David Beckham inspiring to male readers of MH?
David is seen as inspirational as he is physically fit and they show his muscles by using a sleeveless top. He is a good example of how men are 'suppose' to be according to MH. He also has a typical boy hair cut which is short and neat. He shows facial hair which makes him more masculine as well as having half his face in the dark, this gives him mystery compared to a woman's magazine who would be fully lit. He stands in a way that you would normally see in a wrestling pose and this is reinforced as he wears bandages around his hands which signifies that he has/is going to fight. The audience can see his abs through his shirt so that the target audience can see this and aspire to look like this. He has a knitted brow which doesn't look as inviting as it would if he had a smile or less harsh eyes. I think they did this because men are suppose to look tough and serious as opposed to women who often have their mouth open as an invitational smile.
What is seen as admirable about them? And representation?
David Beckham is a well known celebrity who married a well known singer, Victoria, and together they have a very big reputation. He used to be a famous footballer which is a typical sport for a man like David to play. He made a respectable career and has not been badly portrayed in the media which shows the men how to behave when being observed by the public. He is also the typical representation of a man who has muscles, short hair and maybe a tattoo. The connotation of the tattoo is that people who have them are considered to be 'rebellious' or 'tough', however this has been outdated as many women have tattoos like David in this image. Tattoos are becoming more accepted so I think that his tattoo could prove he has something valuable that he wanted to remember which could persuade more people to appreciate his way of living and make him more respectable. He is also considered quite handsome by a lot of women because of his conventional male looks and his masculine persona. Beckham has the physical structure that a hegemonic male would want and the considered good looks that make him likeable by both genders, males out of envy and females possible out of lust. This image shows that by 'being a man' you have to be tough, serious and ready to fight. They have got to have some level of tone and muscle as well as a physically fit body. A masculine man will most likely have short cut hair and some facial hair.
Men's Health work/homework
Interpellation definition- Misrecognising oneself. Buying into an idea of how you are suppose to look like. Accepting an ideal 'look' enforced by someone or something through a media product.
'The complete man' this refers to a man who has all the conventions of a typical masculine man who has usually followed the 'guide' in magazines on how to become this perfect man.
- The yellow and orange capsules at the side reads the drugs issue which refers to a mental state, this backs up the point that MH magazine is not just for body fitness.
- The red writing on the left side 'earn £1,300 by burning fat' is telling men to loose weight as well as a way to build wealth/ save money.
- Most of the article is about male grooming as this can refer to physical fitness, dealing with health problems or mental issues as well as building strength.
- This magazine issue shows the power and strength men are expected to have and it shouts the words Fight and Win which portrays a masculine man. The word indestructible is associated with a strong man because this is what they 'aspire' to be as shown by men's magazines.
INSIDE THE MAGAZINES
Many guys want to grow their hair long to make up for its lack of fullness. This ends up temporarily hiding something that’s eventually going to show itself, with increased thinning—or with a strong...
- This is from the Men's health grooming section. This can mean two different things, the first being the connotation that men are suppose to have perfect grooming anyway and that women are suppose to worry about looking well groomed and fuss over hair. However, the second meaning of this could be that men, now, are becoming more aware of what makes them 'perfect' so they try to groom themselves, this can be considered a hegemonic male who always tries to better themselves.
Quiet Anxiety, Depression without Drugs
All it takes is a little time and focus
- This is a section under health in MH magazine which talks about mental issues. This one particularly talks about anxiety and depression. They use an unrealistic or 'too perfect' male on the front cover expecting men to conform to these guides, but this can give them depression or anxiety as they don't look like them. Then MH add a section in to MH about mental health issues that they could have created in men in the first place.
- Women's magazines have the same advice columns as this but they will be for different things such as handling stress about work/house work. This is very stereotypical but it does happen.
Write Your Success Story
MATT MULLENWEG, 29
FOUNDER OF AUTOMATTIC AND WORDPRESS
BUILD WEALTH BY SHARING THE LOAD
In the early days of WordPress, I didn't delegate. I worked all day and night. But then I met guys like Om Malik (an early WordPress user) and Toni Schneider (a software engineer) and realized that I wanted to grow the company together with them. You create a bottleneck if you don't share the reins.
This is part of an article in MH that shares tips on how to become wealthy like this guy. I assume the image isn't a photo to keep it anonymous but they have given their story into how they gained money which would usually not be found in a woman's magazine. Instead in a women's magazine you might find a joke on how to 'marry a rich man'. For a 'perfect man' or aiming towards hegemonic males MH is trying to say that real men have a lot of money and will attract more women if they have money. Power can be related to wealth so in order for a man to become powerful and dominant he must have money which MH know all about and trap them into thinking this way so they buy the magazine and get addicted to becoming the 'ideal man'.
Wednesday, 2 April 2014
section 1a summary
30 MINUTES TO WRITE
what is this question about?
my work (an evaluation)
1st person
AS and A2
What topics can be discussed?
real media texts
digital technology
Creativity
not necessary to include theorists
talk about As/A2
this one is about your work and skills learned
refers to hardware and software and digital technology
Adobe? Photoshop? (main A2 and AS product)
how these programmes helped me create my main product
editing? manipulation? changing the images?
looked at real media products. Inspirational existing media products
how did I get to this point? (coursework)
creativity-
how did I come to my ideas? research and planning? what conventions did I follow? link into production and post production? how other companies follow conventions and I followed their codes and conventions? or challenge those conventions?
Structure- brief into-explain products (As and A2)
1 'firstly I will look at...'
2 explain what skills I already have then put in what skills I learned (what skills would be beneficial?)
3 talk about skills at AS
4 developing into A2 and skills developed from AS
5 short conclusion 'overall...' but answer the question (Refer to question)
what is this question about?
my work (an evaluation)
1st person
AS and A2
What topics can be discussed?
real media texts
digital technology
Creativity
not necessary to include theorists
talk about As/A2
this one is about your work and skills learned
refers to hardware and software and digital technology
Adobe? Photoshop? (main A2 and AS product)
how these programmes helped me create my main product
editing? manipulation? changing the images?
looked at real media products. Inspirational existing media products
how did I get to this point? (coursework)
creativity-
how did I come to my ideas? research and planning? what conventions did I follow? link into production and post production? how other companies follow conventions and I followed their codes and conventions? or challenge those conventions?
Structure- brief into-explain products (As and A2)
1 'firstly I will look at...'
2 explain what skills I already have then put in what skills I learned (what skills would be beneficial?)
3 talk about skills at AS
4 developing into A2 and skills developed from AS
5 short conclusion 'overall...' but answer the question (Refer to question)
Monday, 31 March 2014
Audience Homework essay
analyse one of your coursework productions in relation to audience
This is an analysis of a main product which is a regional fashion magazine that was created in A2. Starting with the front cover, I think that the chosen representation and target audience match well. The target audience is females aged 16-25. The front cover uses plain but effective colours such as pink, white, and black. This is to give a stereotypical fashion magazine look to attract females. These colours were used to make the whole presentation appear neater as too many colours tend to look messy and unprofessional. Typically speaking, girls appreciate pink and boys appreciate darker colours such as blue or green, but this magazine has used a mixture to even it out. It has black and white as well to match the model's skirt. She wears a pencil skirt as this is to make her look smart and well dressed, this can give a good impression on younger girls as she appears respectable and powerful. The target for age range (16-25) is being met through this front cover because it includes features for all these ages such as; a 20 year old model the older ones can relate to, a fashion story section for everyone, and the younger themes presented (colours and layout) that would typically be found in a teen fashion magazine.
The contents page doesn't include an image which makes it harder to judge whether it is age suitable or not, however it does have a layout that would be found in a young girls magazine based on the stories it includes. The colour scheme (pink, black, white, and purple) is commonly found in fashion for women and girls. This page could be thought to attract the younger audience such as the 16-20 year olds. The magazine throughout tries to include features that each sub age range would prefer (16-18, 19-21, 22-25) these are the separated categories that make identifying the precise age range that something is targeted for. The majority of the magazine includes all age ranges together, however some parts such as the connotations of the colour scheme can be seen as a little bit young for the older audience.
The double page spread has two images. Starting with the one on the left I can see that the immediate connotations, regarding audience, is that she is a 20 year old woman who is being inspiring to those of the same age or younger as she has accomplished a task that people her age would not necessarily have the chance to do. Becoming a popular fashion designer at 20 is an astonishing thing to do which may persuade girls her age to try the same thing who are interested in fashion. This can grab the specified audiences attention as it is an interesting story to those who enjoy this genre of magazine. The magazine focuses on what girls that age want to read and manages to add factors in that would achieve this, on the other hand, some parts may not be suitable for all the ages trying to be attained as they are specific to one not the other and this can draw interest away from those who the magazine doesn't cater for all the way through. The right hand image is also aimed towards the older target audience who are 20-25 as she is quite casual but stands with her head looking at the shirt to show the red off as it is a significant feature. This is a stance you would typically find in an older fashion magazine as the younger ones tend to be imitating the older magazines and look a little less professional, however I think this image suits the page. The colours are a bit more dull but in a good way as it's purpose isn't to keep people interested using colours but rather with the text instead.
Overall this fashion magazine meets the target audience and their expectations but it has separated some features in terms of age and how they attract each range in a different way. I think it could have been more specified to a specific age range such as 16-20 but the extra older audience gives more of a variety into what can be shown and creates a larger demographic. Most of the featured used are appropriate to the age group and I think this magazine includes a good presentation and layout for the genre it is, regional fashion.
Theorists to apply to my work
To use in my work:
Narrative- Barthes and Strauss
Audience- Hall and k/lazarfield
Genre- Neale and Altman
Media language- Barthes and pierce
*Further research into Barthes and Strauss (Narrative)
Barthes- is my work open or closed? open-unravelled in many ways closed- only one obvious answer
enigma codes- refers to an element that is not explained and raises questions
semantic- additional meaning by way of connotation
symbolic- new meanings from conflicting ideas
Strauss-Binary opposites, showed that two opposites can conflict
applying to my work- The two genres are binary opposites - feminine and indie/rock
they conflict because the two genres have completely different connotations and they usually aren't seen together
*Further research into Hall and, Katz and Lazarfield
Hall- reception is changing due to genres and attitudes changing with time
The role of social positioning in the interpretation of mass media texts by different social groups
preferred reading- shares the same idea for a text/media product
Negotiated- partly understands the original message but not always agrees
oppositional- complete opposite of original texts and may go against the ideas
Katz and Lazerfield- two step model
Narrative- Barthes and Strauss
Audience- Hall and k/lazarfield
Genre- Neale and Altman
Media language- Barthes and pierce
*Further research into Barthes and Strauss (Narrative)
Barthes- is my work open or closed? open-unravelled in many ways closed- only one obvious answer
enigma codes- refers to an element that is not explained and raises questions
semantic- additional meaning by way of connotation
symbolic- new meanings from conflicting ideas
Strauss-Binary opposites, showed that two opposites can conflict
applying to my work- The two genres are binary opposites - feminine and indie/rock
they conflict because the two genres have completely different connotations and they usually aren't seen together
*Further research into Hall and, Katz and Lazarfield
Hall- reception is changing due to genres and attitudes changing with time
The role of social positioning in the interpretation of mass media texts by different social groups
preferred reading- shares the same idea for a text/media product
Negotiated- partly understands the original message but not always agrees
oppositional- complete opposite of original texts and may go against the ideas
Katz and Lazerfield- two step model
- The mass media
- passes onto opinion leaders who state an opinion
- then the individuals decide to agree with one opinion creating separate groups with different ideas
*Further research into Neale
Neale- genre theory "genres are instances of of repetition and difference"
"there would be no pleasure without difference"
He thought that repeating conventions in genres provide pleasure but if they differ slightly this can be unexpected and provide more pleasure from the unknown.
representation
THEORISTS-
Schollhammer- 2001 little miss busy/mr
Lippmann- Stereotypes
Gauntlett- self identity
Hall- encoding and decoding
Mulvey- male gaze
Butler- gender is constructed
Barthes- mythologies and semiotics
Dyer- stereotypes
Connell- 4 types
Bly- deep masculine
Narrative
Todorov- narrative structure
Barthes- enigma code
Propp- character types
Strauss- binary opposites
open/closed linear/circular
Audience
Hall- readings
Morley- readings
Ang- dallas
Katz and Bulmer- uses and gratification
hall- perception theory
Katz and Lazarfield- two step flow
Dyer- Utopian solution
Genre
Goodwin- music videos
Fiske- categories
Neale- genre changes
Altman- no pure genre
Chandler- themes/structure/setting
Buckingham- genre changes constantly
Metz- model of genre development
Media language
Pierce- semiotics/ symbols/polysemic
Barthes- semiotics adapted saussures work
Chomsky- Langue and parole
post modernism - intertexuality
To use in my work:
Narrative- Barthes and Propp
Audience- Hall and k/lasserfield
Genre- Neale and Altman
Media language- Barthes and pierce
Schollhammer- 2001 little miss busy/mr
Lippmann- Stereotypes
Gauntlett- self identity
Hall- encoding and decoding
Mulvey- male gaze
Butler- gender is constructed
Barthes- mythologies and semiotics
Dyer- stereotypes
Connell- 4 types
Bly- deep masculine
Narrative
Todorov- narrative structure
Barthes- enigma code
Propp- character types
Strauss- binary opposites
open/closed linear/circular
Audience
Hall- readings
Morley- readings
Ang- dallas
Katz and Bulmer- uses and gratification
hall- perception theory
Katz and Lazarfield- two step flow
Dyer- Utopian solution
Genre
Goodwin- music videos
Fiske- categories
Neale- genre changes
Altman- no pure genre
Chandler- themes/structure/setting
Buckingham- genre changes constantly
Metz- model of genre development
Media language
Pierce- semiotics/ symbols/polysemic
Barthes- semiotics adapted saussures work
Chomsky- Langue and parole
post modernism - intertexuality
To use in my work:
Narrative- Barthes and Propp
Audience- Hall and k/lasserfield
Genre- Neale and Altman
Media language- Barthes and pierce
Monday, 24 March 2014
*Analysing my product by GENRE (homework)
My magazine falls under the genre of a classic woman's fashion magazine. However it also contains some elements of rock (in the text) and indie (from the double page image). This is known as a hybrid and the reason I did this is to include both of my other products together. My website is typically feminine and my billboard comes across as subtly indie-rock. By combining the two genres I have created a magazine that would typically attract men through indie and rock conventions but I have added feminine features such as the model and colours, which attract females more. The front of the magazine, at first glance, looks to be a typical woman's fashion magazine as it includes conventions like the colours pink, black, and white that are commonly found in a fashion magazine for people aged 16-25. However, the double page is portrayed as more indie than anything else. This is because it uses the same black and white but replaced the pink with red. Red is mostly associated with the punk/rock genre. By incorporating these colours in the double page spread I have displayed a second genre in my magazine. This could be seen as a hybrid that combines two opposing and unexpected genres together. Altman explained how genre never stays the same and it always changes through time. I think this theory applies to my work because there never would have been a feminine indie/rock fashion magazine in the 20th century. As times have changed it is more common to find the rock/indie genre in a range of magazines that you wouldn't necessarily find in certain magazines.
Buckinghams theory is similar to Altman's in which he thinks genres adapt to certain situations and time periods. The genre of indie and rock is becoming more popular especially with females so I decided to make a hybrid of classic feminine indie rock. I think my magazine belongs partly in the classic and partly in the experimental phase as suggested by Metz. It is classic because the front cover contains all the conventions of a stereotypical woman's fashion magazine as my model is in feminine clothes looking powerful and bursts of pink surround her. On the other hand there are different conventions in my double page spread which is the part that contains the genre of indie/rock. My model wears a red plaid shirt with jeans which is becoming more popular in the genre of indie. The other side of the page shows my model wearing a black and white stripy dress which is quite feminine and therefore fits in with the experimental theory. I have tried to create an unusual genre which could prove to become quite popular within time. My magazine contains these unusually put together genres because I think that it creates an original and interesting new genre that is becoming more popular in the 21st century.
The double page as a whole is coming away from the typical feminine look but I have still included a male gaze element (Laura Mulvey) by putting my model in a revealing dress which shows some flesh more than the other images. From this I can say that my double page contains features of a classic womens magazine but twists the connotations into being indie/rock. The 'rock' genre comes from the use of my chosen colours (red, black, and white) and the text. In the text I have mentioned Oliver Sykes who is part of the band Bring Me The Horizon, a punk-rock band. I incorporated the fact that Rebecca, the model, has worked with him on some level. I then explained some clothing lines she created which contained hints of punk. The right hand side image on the double page shows how she has not got as much femininity as she wears jeans and a red plaid shirt, stereotypically worn by men. My contents page is quite simple and doesn't have an image, however the connotation of this page would be that it follows the pattern of a females fashion magazine due to the colours pink, purple, white, and black. This is an example of a classic genre.
Gunther Kress' theory comes into my product as well as he states that society is ever changing and so genre changes to suit. My magazine has combined two opposing genres that have unexpectedly joined together and created a new 'look'. The reason why these oppose is because the classic version would be very girly and have the colours pink and purple all over, but the punk side is mostly black and white and when combining the two it creates a whole new look for a fashion magazine. I would class my product as an experimental genre as well because I'm trying to create a very unusual and rare type of magazine that would hopefully be more popular in the future as genres change. The magazine's contents page is typically a classic in terms of layout and colours. I purposefully used the feminine colours to suit the front cover of the magazine and to carry the theme throughout that eventually alternates into the indie/rock genre. Metz also introduced the deconstructive genre which can include lots of different genres together in small parts. I have considered that my product is this genre as well, but I think, with having two genres, my magazine fits into the classic and experimental genre the best.
Overall this combination of differentiating genres creates an original magazine that has used conventions of a fashion magazine to attract multiple audiences. It can be argued that the feminine and indie/rock genre do not suit each other well, however I would disagree as both genres are becoming increasingly popular in the 21st century. More magazines are combining two genres together that wouldn't have necessarily been seen before. An example genre is soft grunge. This is the combination of a feminine look with a pop/punk look added. This is also similar to indie/rock with a few fashion differences.
Gunther Kress' theory comes into my product as well as he states that society is ever changing and so genre changes to suit. My magazine has combined two opposing genres that have unexpectedly joined together and created a new 'look'. The reason why these oppose is because the classic version would be very girly and have the colours pink and purple all over, but the punk side is mostly black and white and when combining the two it creates a whole new look for a fashion magazine. I would class my product as an experimental genre as well because I'm trying to create a very unusual and rare type of magazine that would hopefully be more popular in the future as genres change. The magazine's contents page is typically a classic in terms of layout and colours. I purposefully used the feminine colours to suit the front cover of the magazine and to carry the theme throughout that eventually alternates into the indie/rock genre. Metz also introduced the deconstructive genre which can include lots of different genres together in small parts. I have considered that my product is this genre as well, but I think, with having two genres, my magazine fits into the classic and experimental genre the best.
Overall this combination of differentiating genres creates an original magazine that has used conventions of a fashion magazine to attract multiple audiences. It can be argued that the feminine and indie/rock genre do not suit each other well, however I would disagree as both genres are becoming increasingly popular in the 21st century. More magazines are combining two genres together that wouldn't have necessarily been seen before. An example genre is soft grunge. This is the combination of a feminine look with a pop/punk look added. This is also similar to indie/rock with a few fashion differences.
Genre theory
Genre theories-
classification of media texts into groups of similar characteristics e.g comedy, war, action, rock, R&B...
iconography- sign that would indicate the genre (horror: screaming, blood, killer)
hybrid-joining some together-romcom
in the interest of the producer
Altman- genre no longer exists- always changes
Shaun of the Dead genres:
comedy
zombie
action
romance
horror
disaster
other theorists-
Gunther Kress
Lacan
Freud
Chandler- themes or settings - sci-fi, star wars- includes: characters, setting, iconography, themes, narratives and actors. examples for actors typically used in certain genres. Will Ferrel- comedy
Neale- genres are instances of repetition and difference, differences are essential to the economy of genre.
Buckingham- not simply given by culture, genre has to keep changing and adapt
Metz- 4 phases of existence for genre- language and genres 1974 book-
experimental
classic
parody
deconstruction
Goodwin- 8 principles
links between lyrics and visuals
links between music and visuals
genre characteristics
intertextual reference
notions of looking
performance based
demands of the record label
Audience and genre
enjoy watching something of a similar genre but because we know what will happens but still gets enjoyment.
Debra knight
Fiske- classified genre types (1939 born)
defines genres as attempts to structure some order into the wide range of texts that circulate in our culture
classification of media texts into groups of similar characteristics e.g comedy, war, action, rock, R&B...
iconography- sign that would indicate the genre (horror: screaming, blood, killer)
hybrid-joining some together-romcom
in the interest of the producer
Altman- genre no longer exists- always changes
Shaun of the Dead genres:
comedy
zombie
action
romance
horror
disaster
other theorists-
Gunther Kress
Lacan
Freud
Chandler- themes or settings - sci-fi, star wars- includes: characters, setting, iconography, themes, narratives and actors. examples for actors typically used in certain genres. Will Ferrel- comedy
Neale- genres are instances of repetition and difference, differences are essential to the economy of genre.
Buckingham- not simply given by culture, genre has to keep changing and adapt
Metz- 4 phases of existence for genre- language and genres 1974 book-
experimental
classic
parody
deconstruction
Goodwin- 8 principles
links between lyrics and visuals
links between music and visuals
genre characteristics
intertextual reference
notions of looking
performance based
demands of the record label
Audience and genre
enjoy watching something of a similar genre but because we know what will happens but still gets enjoyment.
Debra knight
Fiske- classified genre types (1939 born)
defines genres as attempts to structure some order into the wide range of texts that circulate in our culture
Saturday, 22 March 2014
Narcissistic identification
Narcissistic identification is the form of identification following abandonment or loss of an object.
In media, narcissistic identification refers to the experience of being able to put yourself deeply into character so that you can feel the emotions of the character you're suppose to be playing.
-Freud 1910
In media, narcissistic identification refers to the experience of being able to put yourself deeply into character so that you can feel the emotions of the character you're suppose to be playing.
-Freud 1910
Friday, 21 March 2014
Connell's types
gender and power -1987
masculinities -2005
Hegemonic-
examples: superman
wolverine
batman
subordinate- opposite of really manly in a man (Associated with gay types)
example: David Walliams
Rylan
masculinities -2005
Hegemonic-
examples: superman
wolverine
batman
subordinate- opposite of really manly in a man (Associated with gay types)
example: David Walliams
Rylan
Monday, 17 March 2014
Audience theory
emleslieboddy.blogspot.co.uk- help
Outdated?
these models were introduced 30 yrs. ago (uses and gratification, hypodermic needle etc)
moving on from media texts - what is your media choice and what uses have they got
Morley's nationwide study-
how different audiences respond nationwide
audience brought complex knowledge to texts they were consuming
year of Morley's theory 1978
Ang's Dallas study (1985)
she found 3 categories
- ideology of mass culture
- the ironic or detached position
- ideology of popularism
Utopian solution 1977
-entertain, amusement to escape from real world, escapism. To show an alternative lifestyle.
Cohen
'Effects' debates and moral panics
panics about the effects traced from 18th century
panic that children would become something horrific they had witnessed.
Audience position-
Media addressed the audience- mode of address
Position-privillaged
research
Gray 1986
Geraghty 1991
Christine Geraghty- The first major study of the roles of women in soap operas. She examines the relationship between the narratives on the screen and the women viewers who make up the traditional soap audiences.
Ann Gray- use of TV, how women took pleasure in texts that focused on personal relationships and men were perceived as disliking texts which were openly displayed.
Bandura- 1977 He believed that humans were active information processors, he studied that children observed other behaviour and they reacted to it by copying. (aggression in violence) It was illustrated through the Bobo doll experiment.
Outdated?
these models were introduced 30 yrs. ago (uses and gratification, hypodermic needle etc)
moving on from media texts - what is your media choice and what uses have they got
Morley's nationwide study-
how different audiences respond nationwide
audience brought complex knowledge to texts they were consuming
year of Morley's theory 1978
Ang's Dallas study (1985)
she found 3 categories
- ideology of mass culture
- the ironic or detached position
- ideology of popularism
Utopian solution 1977
-entertain, amusement to escape from real world, escapism. To show an alternative lifestyle.
Cohen
'Effects' debates and moral panics
panics about the effects traced from 18th century
panic that children would become something horrific they had witnessed.
Audience position-
Media addressed the audience- mode of address
Position-privillaged
research
Gray 1986
Geraghty 1991
Christine Geraghty- The first major study of the roles of women in soap operas. She examines the relationship between the narratives on the screen and the women viewers who make up the traditional soap audiences.
Ann Gray- use of TV, how women took pleasure in texts that focused on personal relationships and men were perceived as disliking texts which were openly displayed.
Bandura- 1977 He believed that humans were active information processors, he studied that children observed other behaviour and they reacted to it by copying. (aggression in violence) It was illustrated through the Bobo doll experiment.
Friday, 14 March 2014
Male representation (fight club notes)
Section B: The exam
Conell's types:
-hegemonic: Possibly sexist, agression, supreme, heterosexuality
-subordinate
-marginalised
-complicit- admires hegemonic but doesn't have the hegemonic type
Repressed male rage- angry about women becoming stronger
Fight club example clip:
Key things to look for: Narrator and Tyler and Bob
-their costumes and working environment and personality
-and the narrators power animal and what it suggests
Conell's types:
-hegemonic: Possibly sexist, agression, supreme, heterosexuality
-subordinate
-marginalised
-complicit- admires hegemonic but doesn't have the hegemonic type
Repressed male rage- angry about women becoming stronger
Fight club example clip:
Key things to look for: Narrator and Tyler and Bob
-their costumes and working environment and personality
-and the narrators power animal and what it suggests
- Bob has a feminine personality (cries, is made fun of for having feelings) subordinate
- Narrator is very stubborn and manly but then opens up through therapy
- Power animal is a penguin
- Tyler is the most masculine, bossy, mysterious, less considerate, aggressive manner, lives in a run down place
- Doesn't allow shirts
Monday, 10 March 2014
Audience theory (uses and gratification)
section A: 1b
Key theorists:
-Hall- audience theory/preferred, negotiated and oppositional reading
-Katz & Bulmer
-Morley
-Ang
-Katz and lazarsfield
Haloran quote "we must get away from the habit of thinking in terms of what the media do to people and substitute for it what people do in the media."
audience affect
magazine sales- manipulative content (women's magazines show women's bodies that are unrealistic for other women to follow because this is conceived as beautiful)
the effect on audience from the media: negative
-unrealistic images/representations
-negative portrayal of low working class- Jeremy Kyle show (quick to judge)
-Gate keeping (allow story to got through even though it might not be true)
-Dangerous/censorship
-video games- violence/addictive
-Horor films- people killing/ warping minds
effect on audience- positive:
-informed
-educates you
-entertainment (escapism)
-creative and inspiring
Passive audience-
Don't question what you are watching/ reading/ listening to
The hypodermic syringe model:
example 1930's war of the worlds/ nazis (info 'syringed' into them)
Active audience- choses media (which film, game, show) and questions it
Cultivation analysis: video games and horror- not shocked anymore/ desensitised/ become more violent
Two step flow model:
1st step- opinion leaders (gives info/ story)
2nd step- audience (we just accept it)
Situated culture: terminology:
- Friends (influence an opinion) could persuade you to think in a certain negative way
- Family (influence behaviour) politics, religion
- Routines (reflects lifestyle)
cultural apparatus- dominant institution such as government uses culture to impose vales, definitions and opinions.
Primary media - we pay close attention to the media involved
(cinema) you can only watch the film
(book or magazine) can only read the pages
Secondary- Media is in the background
(TV) when not watching
(Music) in the background
Tertiary- something we are not aware of
(Billboard, subliminal messages)
(ads on buses or buildings)
Uses and gratification theory- 4 needs and motivation to fulfil
*diversion- this is entertainment, relaxation and something to do
*personal relationships and social interactions- audience involved in social lives, observe a range of relationships, audiences learn responsibility
*personal identity- people can identify with characters, audiences can make comparisons between themselves and characters to see similarities
*surveillance- media provides education and information to help the audience know whats happening in the world.
*OWN RESEARCH*
*Reception theory- Stuart Hall (theorist)
This theory is about how media texts are encoded with meanings and decoded by audiences.
Sometimes the meaning is decoded correctly or incorrectly. If they are not correctly decoded (the way the media wants them to think) it could be because the text was not understood, misinterpreted or can have more than one meaning.
Copycat theory- individuals may act out what they see 'modelled' on screen.
Ang- media isn't about audiences
*Internet society-p112 quote
recap through theories-
Audience theory
Butler Theorist and Barthes (representation)
Copycat theory (audience theory)
Decode (audience theory, language)
Equilibrium (structuralism)
Feminist
Gauntlett (representation)
Homophobia (representation)
Interpretation
Jeremy Kyle (representation of working class)
Katz
Lippman and Laura Mulvey
Masculinity (Representation)
New equilibrium (structure)
Opposites theory
Propp (8 character type)
Queer theory (representation)
Reception theory (Hall)
Scopophilia (wider audience gaze)
Todorov (Narrative structure)
Utopian solution (audience)
Villains
Walter Lippman (stereotypes, shortcut)
Xenophobia (fear of foreigners, representation)
Youtube (social media)
Zebras (binary opposition, black and white)
Key theorists:
-Hall- audience theory/preferred, negotiated and oppositional reading
-Katz & Bulmer
-Morley
-Ang
-Katz and lazarsfield
Haloran quote "we must get away from the habit of thinking in terms of what the media do to people and substitute for it what people do in the media."
audience affect
magazine sales- manipulative content (women's magazines show women's bodies that are unrealistic for other women to follow because this is conceived as beautiful)
the effect on audience from the media: negative
-unrealistic images/representations
-negative portrayal of low working class- Jeremy Kyle show (quick to judge)
-Gate keeping (allow story to got through even though it might not be true)
-Dangerous/censorship
-video games- violence/addictive
-Horor films- people killing/ warping minds
effect on audience- positive:
-informed
-educates you
-entertainment (escapism)
-creative and inspiring
Passive audience-
Don't question what you are watching/ reading/ listening to
The hypodermic syringe model:
example 1930's war of the worlds/ nazis (info 'syringed' into them)
Active audience- choses media (which film, game, show) and questions it
Cultivation analysis: video games and horror- not shocked anymore/ desensitised/ become more violent
Two step flow model:
1st step- opinion leaders (gives info/ story)
2nd step- audience (we just accept it)
Situated culture: terminology:
- Friends (influence an opinion) could persuade you to think in a certain negative way
- Family (influence behaviour) politics, religion
- Routines (reflects lifestyle)
cultural apparatus- dominant institution such as government uses culture to impose vales, definitions and opinions.
Primary media - we pay close attention to the media involved
(cinema) you can only watch the film
(book or magazine) can only read the pages
Secondary- Media is in the background
(TV) when not watching
(Music) in the background
Tertiary- something we are not aware of
(Billboard, subliminal messages)
(ads on buses or buildings)
Uses and gratification theory- 4 needs and motivation to fulfil
*diversion- this is entertainment, relaxation and something to do
*personal relationships and social interactions- audience involved in social lives, observe a range of relationships, audiences learn responsibility
*personal identity- people can identify with characters, audiences can make comparisons between themselves and characters to see similarities
*surveillance- media provides education and information to help the audience know whats happening in the world.
*OWN RESEARCH*
*Reception theory- Stuart Hall (theorist)
This theory is about how media texts are encoded with meanings and decoded by audiences.
Sometimes the meaning is decoded correctly or incorrectly. If they are not correctly decoded (the way the media wants them to think) it could be because the text was not understood, misinterpreted or can have more than one meaning.
Copycat theory- individuals may act out what they see 'modelled' on screen.
Ang- media isn't about audiences
*Internet society-p112 quote
recap through theories-
Audience theory
Butler Theorist and Barthes (representation)
Copycat theory (audience theory)
Decode (audience theory, language)
Equilibrium (structuralism)
Feminist
Gauntlett (representation)
Homophobia (representation)
Interpretation
Jeremy Kyle (representation of working class)
Katz
Lippman and Laura Mulvey
Masculinity (Representation)
New equilibrium (structure)
Opposites theory
Propp (8 character type)
Queer theory (representation)
Reception theory (Hall)
Scopophilia (wider audience gaze)
Todorov (Narrative structure)
Utopian solution (audience)
Villains
Walter Lippman (stereotypes, shortcut)
Xenophobia (fear of foreigners, representation)
Youtube (social media)
Zebras (binary opposition, black and white)
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