NEA Task 12 : Research into film magazine contents page
What comments can you make about these contents pages? Think about things such as:
- are they single or double pages?
- the layout of the different elements on the page
- the different sections of the magazine that are shown in the contents pages
- the actual content - what can be found inside the magazine?
- the use of typography - font, size, use capitalisation/lower case, text direction, etc
- the use of images
- the use of page numbers
Analysis of the contents page:
In terms of contents pages, little white lies and sight and sound use a single page whereas film stories have used a double page spread.
Sight and sound follows a simplistic layout with the information sparse but composed in clear sections with numbers and headings in a large and bold font, making it easier for it to be read and navigated by an audience. The black print on a white background mimics the layout of a conventional newspaper, giving it a traditional feel. There are a range of sections within the magazine (June 2022, 104 Howard hawks, reviews and contributors) which feature anything from opening scenes and endings too television, DVD and Blu-ray. Next to every section is the page number in which you will find this specific content. The majority of the text is written in sans-serif font with the use of italics for films such as 'filmfarsi' and 'duke Ellington in Isfahan' this has been used to draw attention and focus to the title of the films, standing out from the surrounding sentence. Each page features three black and white images of the contributors, drawing attention to their work and putting a 'face to the name' of these people. This is significant as Sight and Sound focus predominantly on the production and work of camera, which their audience also share an interest in.
The contents page of little white lies follows a layout conventional to the magazine as it has a simplistic and minimalistic composition with just the issue number in the top left hand side of the page and the page numbers with their following topics in the centre. There is lots of empty space around the text with no images or different sections, differing from that of Sight and Sound. This copy of little white lies focuses on all things 'pink flamingos' and its 50 year anniversary. Inside the magazine you can find the lead review and other articles based on the film including a behind the scenes from John Walters, the film director and producer of the film. The font size is small with the page numbers even smaller than the main text, written in a sans-serif font appearing neat and modern. The text is written in the colour yellow, which contrasts the dark grey background. this contents page is significantly different to that of sight and sound.
Film Stories contents page is spread over a double page with four coloured images and their captions located in the centre with the rest of the information about its content positioned in columns either side. Within the contents page Daniel Radcliffe is featured with references to his character as Weird AL in the film Weird; The AL Yankovic Story. it also references a range of topics typically discussed in films such as fashion, cinema prices, recommendations and reviews including humour when referencing 'the important people' and 'less important people'. the text is small and written in a black sans-serif font with headings that contrast with bright colours like blue and pink. the page numbers are in a bold white inside a brightly coloured box which further contrasts this and matches the colour palette of the page.
NEA Task 8 : Research Into Existing Film Magazines For A Media Literate Audience
Film Stories
Film stories is a UK film magazine, which began in June 2018 when it was founded by Simon brew as a website and podcast. It was then launched in November 2018 and since then they've published hundreds of pages talking about all sorts of films, big and small. Film stories is an independent publication, meaning they have no big publishing company behind it. It is published once a month at £5.99 a copy or you can sign up to a subscription at £29 saving 20% on cover price. A typical cover features generic conventions of a film magazine, with a mix of films you may or may not have heard of and a variety of film actors, directors and producers.
Sight and Sound
First published in 1932, Sight and sound is a monthly film magazine published by the British film institute. It conducts the well-known, once-a-decade poll of the greatest films of all time, ongoing from 1952. Sight and sound was published quarterly until the early 1990's, but in 1991 it merged with another BFI publication, the monthly film bulletin and started to appear monthly. Sight and sound is an internationally renowned film magazine championing the art of cinema and tv from around the world. An annual print subscription of the magazine is £50 in the UK and £75 worldwide, whereas the the annual digital subscription is cheaper at £35. The magazine cover follows generic conventions of a film magazine as it typically features bold typography and iconic cover stars. Sight and sound do not have their own website but instead, viewers can access any content or updates through the British film institute website.
Little White Lies
Little White Lies is a bi-monthly British, internationally distributed, film magazine and a routinely updated website. Launched in 2005, Little White Lies is published by a London-based media company TCOLondon who also publish the DIY culture magazine Huck. It's a Magazine with the leading independent voice in film combining design, illustrations and journalism to champion great films and the people who make them. Each issue contains interviews, editorials and in-depth reviews with a great ranking system. A one year subscription of the magazine (5 issues) costs around £28 with a two year subscription (10 issues) costing £50. Little white lies has a unique sense of style with the front cover usually containing either an illustration, painting or sometimes even computer graphic pieces.
NEA Task 7 : My Target Audience
1. Why is target audience important to Bauer?
A target audience is important to Bauer for many reasons. One of those being it improves their marketing by helping them understand the demographics of the audience that they should target. As well as this it helps them in prioritizing their resources as when you are clear about your target audience you can easily prioritize the resources used for marketing. The Bauer website states 'We are guided by regular research and analysis of our markets and target groups, which allows us to understand our readers, users, listeners, and advertisers and know exactly how to engage, inform and entertain' suggesting that by identifying their audience it allows them to focus their marketing efforts on the groups that are most likely to buy from them.
3. what is a media literate audience?
A media literate audience can think critically and recognize perspectives showing intellectual engagement with the media, as either a creator or consumer. As well as this they are able to identify the role of the media in our culture and society understanding its intent the producers have created. Rather than just accepting the messages created, a media literate audience respond and engage in an active way, thinking critically about the information they take in.
Target Audience Profile
Sam may be in the Sixth Form studying A Levels and preparations for university. If Sam is already at university they are likely to be studying at a Russell Group university and following a course that is recognised as being traditionally academic. If Sam is employed they may be at the start of their career and, therefore, not at the height of their earning potential yet.
Sam’s family background will have added significant cultural capital to their experiences. Sam will have been brought up in a household where there has been a clear focus on the importance of education and the opportunities that this can bring. Sam will have experienced holidays both in this country and abroad and their knowledge of other cultures will have been enhanced by this.
Sam is knowledgeable about current affairs but doesn’t access news via traditional channels such as newspapers or television. Sam would not dream of reading the red top or middle-market tabloids. If Sam had to, they may flick through The Guardian or i.
To keep updated on what is happening in the world Sam, like most others of their age, relies more heavily on their social media feeds. Social media is important to Sam but it doesn’t dominate their life. They are more likely to use Instagram and Tik Tok than Facebook and will be as interested in consuming as they are in producing content. Sam likes to be seen as slightly different to the average 16-25 year old and has an active interest in learning about the world around them. Sam is interested in reality television programmes such as Love Island but is likely to see it as escapist fun rather than a guide to how they should live their life.
Sam will make use of online sources such as Huffington Post, a site that features content from more than 100,000 bloggers (from politicians, students and celebrities to academics, parents and policy experts) who contribute in real-time on the subjects they are passionate about.
Sam is interested in all aspects of culture. They are interested in reading and are likely to always have at least one book by their bedside. Sam is more likely to read fiction than non-fiction and is able to hold a conversation regarding what they like and dislike in a narrative. Sam will enjoy music but doesn’t follow the crowd. Sam is interested in new music and takes pleasure in listening to artists that their friends may not have heard of yet. Sam is likely to be interested in attending festivals alongside friends.
Sam will take an active interest in film and is just as likely to stream content as visit the cinema. Sam enjoys watching Hollywood blockbusters but is just as likely to seek out the latest independent film. Sam is interested in all aspects of film-making and not just the end product and, because of this, is more likely to read film magazines such as Sight and Sound, Little White Lies and Film Stories than more mainstream magazines such as Empire and Total Film.
Sam has some disposable income but is still conscious of the need to save. Fashion is important but they are not a sheep who follows the same trends as everyone else. Sam will be seen by their friends as a trend setter and not a follower of fashion.
Sam is interested in issues that affect young people of the same age. These would include climate concerns and the impact of human beings on the environment.
NEA Task 6 : Understanding Audience ( Mass Market )
1. What is a mass market audience?
This term refers to a diverse audience on a large scale, it differs from the niche market as it focuses on consumers with a wide variety of backgrounds with no identifiable preferences and expectations. It is not defined by demographics but instead size and its wide appeal. Amazon is an example of a mass market retailer.
2. What is an independent cinema?
Independent cinemas are a small section of the film industry which show feature films or short films that are produced outside the major film studio system. These films eschew Hollywood style films varying in genre and style and usually innovative, daring and experimental.
4. What different sections are there on the OnScreen website and how do these sections appeal to a mass market audience? 
The OnScreen website features many hyperlinks including; features, news, reviews, trailers, movies, win and cinema pass. This appeals to a mass market audience by offering a wide range of products which are easy to find and all in one place. By clicking the 'news' hyperlink a film passionate audience can keep up to date on the latest award winning films and actors, as well as this there is a 'cinema pass' where film buffs can sign up for 20% off the standard adult ticket price. The 'movies' hyperlink reminds the audience of films which are still in cinemas and those out this week, this allows an interactive audience to inform their family members and friend group so no ones missing out. The 'win' hyperlink takes you too a page where you can enter competitions with different film related prizes to be won.
5. How does the latest edition of OnScreen magazine (May/June 2023) appeal to a mass market audience?
6. What is meant by the term cross-media convergence?
Cross-media convergence is the merging of different types of mass media, it occurs when multiple products come together to form one product with the advantages of all of them. Technology allows for the growth of media products by spreading them across a variety of platforms.
7. Is there any cross-media convergence* between the magazine and its website?
As well as this there is a QR code inside the magazine with a direct link that takes readers to the Onscreen website. This is one of the ways Onscreen uses technology to further share and promote their media products. On the website they also promote their social media pages on twitter, instagram and Facebook by urging their audience to follow and stay up to date on their latest posts. Additionally, the skyline along the top of the website features multiple copies of onscreen magazine as an attempt to create a synergy between the two media products.
NEA Task 4 : Research into an existing Bauer film magazine (Empire)
Empire describes itself as "the world's most influential film and entertainment brand" as they collaborate with multiple huge filmmakers, actors, film studios and distributors to provide a worldwide and successful film magazine. The brand itself owns a variety of sectors which range from a print magazine to a podcast with an average of 51,000 downloads a week. Empire's content is like no other, ensuring they connect with the audience who religiously rely on Empire due to their world class writers, photographers, critics and illustrators. The readership of empire is predominantly males aged between 18 to 40, with 77% said to be in employment, most in a relationship, university educated and time-poor. Empires audience includes people all things film as they are renown for interviewing a range of global and cultural film icons such as Tom Cruise and Ryan Reynolds. Family and friends are important to Empire as a brand as they are key influencers when it comes to recommending films for them to watch. With the forever expanding advances in technology, home cinema and streaming on your laptop or phone has allowed more people an insight to the escapism of cinema.
Empire has some of the biggest firsts in the film and entertainment industry, such as its Stephen Spielberg takeover. Not only this but it's 'award-winning' digital edition has enhanced the print magazine to another level. In the past 12 months empire have featured stars such as James Cameron, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Simon Pegg, Olivia Coleman and many more. Empire is the magazine the best and biggest names in Hollywood want to be in. With its Multiplatform offering empire now hosts many live events throughout the year, with the high point of the calendar being the empire awards. 2018's "star-studded" ceremony made front page news with the one and only Stephen Spielberg collecting a Legend Of our Lifetime award. Many other big names such as Hugh Jackman, Idris Elba and Daisy Ridley attended.
The target audience for my set brief differs slightly from that of Empires. Empires audience has a wider demographic of readers aged from 18 to 40 years old, most likely employed, in a relationship, university educated and time-poor. This contrasts the target audience for my set brief which is aimed at a middle and upmarket media literate audience aged between 16 and 25. There is a significant difference between the two as most of the audience for my set brief are still in education therefore aren't in full time employment, with some possibly working part time but many even unemployed.
NEA Task 3 : Research into The UK Magazine Industry
The UK magazine industry has altered a lot in recent years. The chief executive of Enders Analysis Douglas McCabe states "It's an industry that has literally changed its definition in the past 10 to 15 years". This is down to multiple factors which include; The recent Covid 19 pandemic, the introduction of online media and free titles. Due to these factors many larger and more successful members of the magazine industry no longer see themselves as that. Despite this, according to the biggest UK magazine publishers, magazines continue to remain more diverse than newspapers. Some of the leading publishers include; TI Media, Bauer and the BBC who in 2010 accounted for 42% of all copies circulated and are said to have control over around 80% of all print circulation.
Regardless of the huge impact digital editions and subscriptions have had, they aren't making up for the long-term decline and fall in sales of print. Instead, print revenues have rapidly decreased without online media compensating for the decline. In 2000, 1.6 billion magazines were circulated in the UK and in 2021 only 565 million, less than half, were in circulation. Not only this but magazines have also been hit hard by the drop in print advertising revenue, No1 advertisers in magazines include; Victoria plum, apple, Sainsubrys, Chanel and Johnson & Johnson. The pandemic played a factor in this, by sharply advancing the fall in revenue. An example of this is between 2019 and 2020 when the UK magazine industry experienced a drop in the revenue as it fell by 33% and is still yet to recover. Online platforms such as Google and Facebook are said to have now taken control of digital advertising spend. According to McCabe, these newer online resources such as Instagram, where consumers can replace the content that was once found in a magazine, are harder to tackle. Despite this, the magazine The Economist is a magazine valued the most by the public and with its traditional content is a magazine likely to remain.
Along with the fall in circulation of magazines a subsequent fall in the number of titles has led to many magazines closing down, with over 700 titles reported in 2000 to ABC, this then fell to 558 in 2010. Men's magazines and music magazines appear to have been affected the most, with Men's Magazines ABC falling by 89% from 32.3mil to 3.6mil between 2017 and 2021. Music Magazines fell by a detrimental 90% to 1.8mil. Nether the less women's magazines appear to still be relatively popular as in terms of circulation still have a large vertical.
NEA Task 2 : Research into Bauer
According
to Wikipedia, Bauer Media group is a German multimedia conglomerate in Hamburg.
It's a company that operates worldwide entertaining and informing. Bauer Media Group owns more than 600 magazines, over 400 digital
products and 50 radio and tv stations, as well as print shops, postal, distribution
and marketing services. Previously, Bauer Verlagsgruppe has been managed by
five generations of the Bauer family. In 2010, Heinz Heinrich’s daughter Yvonne
Bauer became CEO and 85% owner of the Bauer media group after joining the family
business in 2005. After joining in 2005, the Bauer Media Group had an estimated
revenue of €2.316 Billion. In the UK there are two divisions of the Bauer media
group, the original UK business trades as H Bauer publishing and its sister
company known as Bauer Media with CEO Paul Keenan.
According
to Bauer Media Group, founded in Hamburg in 1875 the Bauer Media now
reaches over 22 million UK adults, 200 million consumers worldwide and operates in 14 countries including
the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Norway, Poland,
Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, UK, Ireland and the USA and has 15,000 employees. Bauer
media group UK is part of the wider Bauer Media Group and is the no.1 UK
publisher and the no.1 digital commercial audio broadcaster.
The group claims
that with its ‘network of iconic and innovative multi-platform brands’ today they
are the UK’s biggest selling magazine publisher, creating iconic and influential
magazine media brands for diverse, passionate audiences. Bauer operates many iconic and and influential brands such as; Absolute Radio, Bella, Closer, Heat, Total TV guide and many more.
NEA Task 1 : Introduction to set brief
Set Brief : Magazines and Online
Requirements of the brief
You work for an independent media production company.
You have been given the task of producing the front cover and contents page(s) of the first two editions of a new film magazine that is being launched by Bauer and two pages for the working website for the magazine.
Contents pages can be either single or double page spread.
The web pages must promote the new magazine to its target audience and enable fans to interact with the content.
Summary of brief requirements:
• Statement of Intent (approx. 500 words) : to be completed after research phase of NEA.
• Magazine covers and contents pages: Two or three pages for each of the first two editions (based on choice of single or double page spread).
• Magazine distribution method: Content must be suitable for retail distribution.
• Number of web pages: One homepage and one linked page.
• Cross media production target audience: A primarily 16–25-year-old middle and upmarket media literate audience.
There must be a clear sense of branding across the two elements of the cross-media production.
NEA Rules
The following rules MUST be adhered to:
- Do not reproduce an existing media product.
- Group productions are not allowed. Others may act in or appear in the production and/or may operate lighting, sound, recording or other equipment under your direction.
- You MUST only use original footage, images and/or text within your production.
- You MUST NOT use any found images.
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