NEA Task 12 : Research Into Film Magazine Contents Pages

 

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 pages (Sight and Sound, Little White Lies & Film Stories):

In terms of the contents pages, majority of the magazines besides Film Stories have used a single page contents page within their edition. The Sight and Sound contents page follows a strict layout, generally the contents page in all of the magazines are identical. The layout and composition of all three contents are different but they still follow the same concept. For Sight and Sound the content is displayed in columns which outline a specific section. The overall design is very simplistic and easy for readers to find out what type of content is within the specific edition of magazine. The black and white colour pallet also adds to the minimal theme. In relation to the actual content displayed on the page it is based around different elements of film such as opening scenes, endings, wider screen and DVD & BLU-RAY. The Sight and Sound contents pages use a sans-serif font in a black, while the headings are capitalised to ensure prominence. The page also has a variety of horizontal and vertical font and images which are all close up shots of contributors to the magazine. Page numbers are clearly displayed in a bold black font which helps readers see what pages they need to turn to in order to see the content. 

For Little White Lies all of the editions follow a similar layout and all contain the same elements. The issue number is in the top left and in the centre it displays the page numbers and topics that this edition has. Surrounding the copy there is empty mass which allows space for illustrations which link to the front cover. The different sections are also displayed in columns followed by the heading 'FEATURE CONTENTS'. Inside the Little White Lies magazine in terms of the actual content readers can expect to find pages on the 'Lead Review' film and other current popular films. The Film Stories contents page is on a double page spread. The page numbers on the page are in a bold white font, located in a coloured box which matches the colour pallet of the magazine and its front cover page. When it comes to the use of images, each double page traditionally has four images which predominantly takes up the page by being located in the middle. Like other contents page there is a wide range of topics such as News Reports, Fashion, Interviews and Reviews. 

NEA Task 11 : Research Textual Analysis of Film Stories Front covers

 

NEA Task 10 : Research Textual Analysis of Little White Lies Front covers

 

NEA Task 9 : Research Textual Analysis of Sight and Sound Front covers

 

NEA Task 8 : Research Into Existing Film Magazines For A Media Literate Audience

 Film Stories research:

Film Stories is a UK film magazine, which showcases many primary British films and talks about a variety of films ranging from large successful ones, to small independent films which don't receive the same recognition. It is an independent publication and isn't owned by a large publishing company. Film Stories life began in June 2018 as a website and podcast which was founded by Simon Brew but launched the magazine in November 2018. The magazine is published monthly and costs £5.99 for an individual copy, but costs £4.99 for the monthly subscription. Typically, the front cover of Film Stories follows the conventions expected of a magazine. They have a mix of films you've heard of and films you haven't displayed as feature articles on the magazine. It has a website like and other media platforms to promote their magazine.

Sight and Sound research:

Sight And Sound is a UK is a film magazine that is published by the British Film Institute. It was founded in 1932 but was handed to the BFI in 1934. The magazine is published monthly and conducts the well known Sight and Sound Poll of the Greatest Films of All Time, once a decade. In the UK the print subscription for Sight and Sound costs £50 annually, but the digital subscription costs £35. A typical cover also follows the conventional layout of a magazine. They mainly use an actor as the main focus of the cover by using them as the main image. The magazine is also filled with feature articles and cover lines all over the front page. Sight and Sound do not have their own website but audiences can discover their content on the British Film Institute website as they have their own section.

Little White Lies research:

Little White Lies is a British film magazine which is distributed internationally. It is published by a London-based media institution TCOLondon. It is published bimonthly with a one year subscription beginning at £28, whereas a two year subscription begins at £50. Once again Little White Lies front cover follows the typical conventions of a magazine expected of that genre. However the main image is an illustration of an actor instead of a photograph. All covers follow a strict colour pallet with cover lines and typography all following the same colour theme which is linked to the film the magazine is showcasing. Little White Lies has a website where audiences members can find film reviews, featuring films, the magazine copies and join a Little White Lies membership. 

NEA Task 7 : My Target Audience

 1. Why is target audience important to Bauer?

Target audience is important to Bauer because it helps them understand the demographics of the audience, and helps them prioritize the specific needs of their audience by creating content that is tailored to them. On their website Bauer states that: "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" 

2. What is a media literate audience?

This refers to an audience that understands the concept of media literacy. Audience members will show intelligent engagement whilst being a user of media products and a creator. Typically, a media literate person will be able to decode, analyse, evaluate and produce both print media and electronic media. Additionally, audiences will think critically, become smarter consumers of products and information. They will also understand different perspectives, identify the role that the media plays in our culture and understand the intentions of the content created by producers. 

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 refers to a large scale audience where individual members share similar needs. It is also known as undifferentiated market where goods are produced on large scale for a significant number of end consumers.

2. What is an independent cinema? 

Independent cinemas are locations which show independent films produced by smaller production companies and a mixture of big-budget films. 

3. What is Onscreen magazine?

Onscreen magazine is a mass market film magazine. It was launched in July 2013 and extended distribution to cover some of the country's much loved independent cinemas. There magazines include content like latest film industry news, film reviews and upcoming films with their release dates.

4. What different sections are there on the Onscreen website and how do these sections appeal to a mass market audiences?

The Onscreen website has a range of hyperlinks which the audience can click on to easily access different sections. For example the mass market, film passionate audience can find out the latest news within the film industry by visiting the ‘News’ hyperlink. The website also has a hyperlink which takes the audience to latest film trailers, this appeals to a mass market audience as there is a wide range of trailers for upcoming films. There is also a 'Win' page where audience members can enter competitions for a chance to win film themed merchandise. This appeals to a mass market as there is a chance that customers can win free prizes. On the website there is also a 'Cinema pass' where audiences can activate their cinema pass card to receive 20% off when booking an adult ticket at any cinema to watch any film they desire. 

5. How does the latest edition of OnScreen magazine (May/June 2023) appeal to a mass market audience?

The latest edition of  the Onscreen magazine appeals to a mass market audience because it is promoted on their website and is easily accessible for anyone to read online. The magazine is also free of charge to read online, this is very appealing to a mass market audience because it involves affordable options for a broad customer base. 

6. What is meant by the term cross-media convergence?

Cross media convergence is the merging of different types of mass media. For example traditional media, print media, broadcast media and internet are all merged together through digital media platforms. Technology allows media texts to be produced and distributed across a variety of these platforms. 

7. Is there any cross-media convergence between the magazine and its website?

Within the magazine there are several indicators to the Onscreen website, there is clear cross-media convergence here as the magazine prompts the audience to go and visit their website page. Additionally there is a QR code which readers of the magazine can scan to take them directly to the Onscreen website. This is another example of how technology has been used to further share media texts across a number of platforms. Similarly to the website the magazine has a feature page like the website showcasing all the latest films set to be released in the upcoming months. 

NEA Task 5 : How Does Empire Appeal To Its Target Audience

 

NEA Task 4 : Research Into An Existing Bauer Film Magazine (Empire)

The film magazine 'Empire' produced by Bauer Media Group is the UK's most popular magazine. They describe themselves as the 'worlds most influential film and entertainment brand'. The brand owns a variety of sectors including a print magazine, podcast, digital edition, website and live event strand. Empire collaborates with the largest film studios, distributors and global filmmakers and create content which is incomparable to other film magazine brands. They interview world famous celebrities like Tom Cruise and shoot clips with renowned actors such as Ryan Reynolds to gain access to the media industry. Empire also works with incredible writers, valuable critics, photographers and talented illustrators to publish premium content and connect with the audience.

Statistics reveal that the Empire's readership is predominantly male with them taking up three quarters of overall readers. The demographic of their audience ranges from 18-40 year olds, who are currently in employment and have received a high level of education and acquired a university degree. Empire's readers are time poor but like to use cinema as a sense of escapism. Audiences now have access to cinematic content 24/7 whether that be accessing it through a mobile device or through their laptop. 

Empire's award winning digital edition enables the print magazine to come to life, it is enhanced with video content and pages with animations created by their design team. Their podcast is a hit too, they have an average of 51,000 downloads every week, featuring news content, answering readers queries and interviewing weekly guests. Additionally the brand hosts live events throughout the entirety of the year. Their most famous event being the Empire Awards show in 2018 which made front page news. 

Empire's target audience differs to the one of my set brief. Empire's audience has a broader age demographic, their readers age from 18-40 years old. Whereas the one in the set brief is primarily 16-25 year old. This is significant as the set brief readership is more likely to not be in full time employment and instead part time or none at all, which is different to Empire's readership as majority of the audience are employed. The set brief target audience is a middle and upmarket media literate audience whereas Empire's is only upmarket. 

NEA Task 3 : Research Into The UK Magazine Industry

 Overview of the UK magazine industry:

The magazine industry is mainly dominated by the major publishers Bauer Media, Immediate Media Company and Future PLC, it is estimated that these top three control 80% of the national print circulation. According to circulation figures the most popular magazines are The National Trust Magazine taking the number one spot, then followed by Tesco Magazine then by Asda Good Living and finally The Economist. Different magazine media reaches 76% of adults in the United Kingdom every month. However it is evident that the UK consumer magazine industry has been detrimentally impacted. From moving to online, the Coronavirus pandemic and a sharp decline in sales, the industry has been upended in recent years. Like many print publications, magazines also have declining circulation figures, this is due to more people turning to digital media for their news and entertainment. However, these digital editions and subscriptions are not making up for the drop in sales. Historically in the UK, in the year 2000 1.6 million magazines were circulated but last year that number fell down to 565 million. Some magazine sectors have been more affected than others, for example men's magazines circulation figures specifically, fell by 89% from 32.2 million to 3.6 million between 2017 to 2021. Whereas women's magazines are still popular in terms of the number of copies circulated with 192 million in 2021.

Another financial challenge the UK magazine industry is facing is the decline in advertising revenue. Magazines are struggling because digital advertising spend has been monopolised by tech companies such as Facebook, Instagram and Google. This is argued to be the result of the pandemic as the revenue figure fell by 33% from 2019 to 2020 and has not managed to recover. However promising figures have projected magazines to account for almost £560.4 million of advertisement spend in 2022. The brands that advertise the most in magazines include Apple, Chanel, Sainsburys and Victoria Plum, which shows that despite the fall in readers, well established brands still want to advertise to magazine readers. Figures show that magazine media reaches 76% of adults across the nation, which is still a promising statistic.

In terms of consumer expenditure, figures show that it has accordingly grown smaller over recent years. In 2020 consumers spent £669 million which is significantly smaller than the £1.4 billion spent in the year 2000. This could be a result of the fall in number of titles available, for example in 2000 there was more than 700 titles on offer which has fallen to 241 in 2021. Therefore consumers may not have access to their favourite magazine and not be able to purchase it as it is discontinued. Another reason why sales may have fallen is because consumers can substitute the content found in a magazine on online media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. However it is important to remain optimistic about magazines as according to PAMCo's findings 72% of readers still think that purchasing and reading a magazine is time well spent and 91% trust the validity of the content within it.

 

NEA Task 2 : Research into Bauer

 

According to Wikipedia Bauer Media Group is a ‘German multimedia conglomerate’ located in Hamburg. The group owns more than 600 magazines, 400 digital products and 50 radio and TV stations. The group also owns a share of the production process, they own printshops, postal, distribution and marketing services. Historically, from being founded in 1875 Bauer has been ‘managed by five generations of the Bauer family’ and Wikipedia states in November 2010 Heinrich’s daughter Yvonne Bauer became the CEO, whilst owning 85% of the group. In 2015 the Bauer media group has an estimated revenue of €2.316 Billion.

The Bauer Media Group website states that ‘Bauer Media UK is the No.1 UK Publisher and No.1 Digital Commercial Audio broadcaster’. The group has a network on ‘iconic and innovative multi platforms brands’ which reach 25 million consumers. Currently Bauer Publishing UK is the UK’s biggest magazine publisher with the brands magazine heritage going back to 1953.

The Bauer Media Group’s official website further states how worldwide and global the brand is. They are one of Europe’s market leaders with the group reaching 200 million consumers globally whilst operating in 14 different countries. These countries are Czech Republic, Finland, Denmark, Germany, France, Israel, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden. UK, Ireland and the United States of America and has 15,000 individuals employed worldwide.

The Bauer Media Group also owns a Bauer Media Audio company which is Europe's leading digital radio broadcaster and audio operator. They reach 57 million listeners per week covering 8 countries and specifically 20 million listeners in the UK. They operate stations such as Magic Radio, KISS and Absolute radio.

Bauer Media Group - Wikipedia

Our Company - Bauer Media

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.