News Task

1. Explain your role/responsibility within the team and the task. What were you required to do?

We were split up into pairs or three's, in which we had the task to create either a front page for the Daily Telegraph newspaper, online or for the social media. Our group in particular, consisting of myself, Dara and Zain, had the task to create the front page for the website. In order to do this task, we had the template for the website given to us so that we could adjust our sizing, as well as the story headlines in which we had to alter it and make a standfirst from it. We had to also include things like appropriate adverts for the audience, images to suit our story and standfirsts to anchor the headline. We therefore chose and rewrite 5 headlines to be included in the front page of the Daily Telegraph website. During this process, we also had to communicate with other groups, so that we were able to coordinate well as we would have similar headlines to make it as realistic as possible.

2. For one media form, describe the codes and conventions you chose to follow and explain their intended impact.

For the website that we created, we had to include usual codes and conventions of telegraph.co.uk. For example, we included a large image to anchor the main headline as this is a convention for the website. Furthermore, the main headline that we used of "Brexit deal being agreed" is a headline that is commonly seen among the Daily Telegraph newspaper. Another convention that we used is by having advertisements situated around the page of the website. We had a total of 3 advertisements on our website as this was appropriate. This included a large banner advert along the top, a mid-page unit advert on the bottom right side of the page as well as having a small native advert along the bottom of the page, anchored with a headline for the advertisement as this is the usual convention. Moreover, we also included 2 premium stories, one with image and one without. Having a premium story is a common convention of the Daily Telegraph website, as usually on the website, one has to pay a fee in order to access more stories.

3. Explain how your choices reflect the real newspaper's values and target audience.

I think that the choices that we had reflect the real newspaper's values and target audience as we followed most, if not all the common conventions. For example, we chose Tiffany, a high class jewellery, to be our top banner advert as this suited the target audience of the middle aged. Additionally, for the mid-page unit advert, we chose expensive technology as it was suitable for the target audience of the Daily Telegraph. We also had a luxurious holiday advert which is also commonly seen in the Daily Telegraph website due to the fact that this suited the target audience of ABC1's. Our choice of having the Brexit deal headline to be our main story suited the value of Daily Telegraph as they have a more right wing view upon the situation.


4. Explain how your team adapted the news across the three different media forms and the reasons behind your decisions.

We adapted the news across the three different media forms through communicating to the other groups in as well as out of the lessons. We made sure that across the media forms, we had similar headlines, font and language so that we were able to keep it consistent. For example, we decided to have the Brexit deal as the main headline for all of the media forms. However we decided to change up the images we used to avoid repetitiveness and therefore will keep the readers interested.

5. In hindsight, is there anything about your team's outcomes that you would adapt or improve?

In hindsight, I think that we could've improved on the final piece by making some slight adjustments. For example, we could've made the sizing of the texts more consistent by keeping it the same size and I think that the language choices could've been better by adjusting it to suit the style of the Daily Telegraph. Moreover, maybe more communication between the groups would've been optimal but other than that, I think that the overall intention was successful.

Billboard Magazine Cover

1.   Summarise the music celebrity you have created.  Include name, music genre, personality and how they are being used to comment on contemporary celebrity.

      The Celebrity that I have created is called Josh Parka. He is a classical and hip- hop artist that likes to experiment with music. He would like to bring back classical music in a modern way, in which would grasp people's attention and interest. Recently, however he has been receiving a lot of media attention and he would like to use this opportunity to give the audiences a message that music is not all about money, it is talent and hard work. Also that everyone should enjoy classical music and not have a negative view upon it, such as classical music being for the older generation as it may be boring.

2.   Evaluate how you have constructed the representation of your celebrity through your cover image and cover headline/text (denotation/connotation of text and image).

      I have constructed the representation of my celebrity in a humble and basic manner through the choice of my cover image and headline. The celebrity is wearing a normal long sleeved black shirt and black jeans in a smart casual fashion. This, along with the background of the cover keeps with the idea of simplicity, as he does not have excessive accessories such as chains or rings. He has an engaging pose as he is directly looking at the audience therefore connoting that he wants to spread a message to the audience. This is also able to be achieved due to him being the main, focal image in which the audience are able to focus on him more despite the contrasting, bright red masthead. The text with the title "Future of Music?" is easy to read due to contrasting colours and the message summarises what he does. His name "Josh Parka" is bolded so that the audience can tell that the name belongs to the celebrity on the cover. 

3.   Analyse how far you have used and/or challenged stereotypes of gender/race/age/sexuality in your cover.
      I think that I have challenged the stereotype of the age in the cover, as it in quite uncommon that someone at the age of 18 likes classical music due to the idea that it is usually the older generation that enjoy classical. Additionally, someone within the ethnic minority is being represented to be a prodigy at this young age therefore going against the racial stereotype. However, I have also used the stereotype of a younger star to be someone that spreads positivity to the generation, as within today's society it is the young and famous that has the platform to influence the audience. 

4.   Reflect on the production/editing process.  Are you pleased with the end result?

Identify what is successful about your shot?  What would you have done differently in hindsight?
In hindsight, I think that the overall end result was not too bad however I think that it would've been better if the model in the cover was bigger therefore occupying more space. This can be fixed by having the shot taken in a MCU so that we are able to see the facial expression more. Additionally, I think that it would've been better to have a character with a less serious facial expression so that he looks a bit more friendly. What I liked about the cover is that the text is easy to read as it contrasts well with the background. I also like the overall simplicity feel towards the cover as it is not too glamorous or flashy therefore making the character relatable. 

Minecraft Pocket Edition Gameplay Video for YouTube

1. How you did it- What videos did you look at, what technology did you use and how?

To make my video as realistic as possible, I watch some example videos from other Minecraft Youtubers such as DanTDM and Ali-A. They all had the same informal style of speech and like to address the audience directly in order to keep them interested. I therefore tried to include some of these aspects into my videos as they were very effective.  

In order to complete the task, I used two iPads to do so; one to record my face with the camera and the other to watch the gameplay whilst narrating over it. After having recorded the footage, I used Filmmaker Pro to put the face recording within the gameplay. I also just lowered the volume of my voice-over as I thought it was  too loud. 

2. How your video might attract the attention of Mojang and/or Microsoft, and how it might influence them. 

If, like other Youtubers, my video were to receive positive ratings and have a high amount of viewing figures, it would then attract the attention of the game company as I could be of use to advertise other Mojang/ Microsoft products. Due to the high numbers of views, the game company is able to see that this game is still big,therefore will look to update and improve the game further for the players to keep playing. 

Video Games and Me

When I was younger, I loved to play video games as it was a good form of entertainment. Having owned consoles such as the Gameboy, DS, Playstation 1,2 and 3, Wii, etc. It made playing games a lot easier and more enjoyable due to differences in experience from the range of consoles. I would usually play games on my own as well with family and friends. Games like FIFA, GTA or Mario Kart would be games played with friends and family. On the other hand, games like Pokemon or Super Mario would be played on my own as they were usually single player games. I still play games now but rather than on consoles, I play on the PC as it is much easier nowadays to digitally download the game, then having to purchase it as a hard copy. Additionally, PC's are usually compatible with most titles, therefore specific consoles aren't necessary. 

Minecraft Task

I think that Minecraft: Pocket Edition is a good adaptation of the PC version, having played the PC version myself when I was younger. Personally I found it harder to play on the iPad due to limited controls but I was still able to make a dwelling to escape the monsters at night. Minecraft is a sandbox genre, in which allows users to make anything they want due to unlimited possibilities.
In the past, I usually played Minecraft on my own in my room, as it gave a sense of escapism. However, having played it in a group session on the iPads made me realise that the game was in fact designed for single player use, as there wasn't much communication during the play time.

My Breakfast Show Segment

1. Did you fulfill all the content requirements; both in terms of including all the correct features and as well as the actual choices made.

I think that we did manage to fulfill all the content requirements as we followed the brief and running order. The opening track outro we used was Forget You- Cee Lo Green and the winning track we used was Fountains of Wayne- Stacy's Mom. Despite that both of these tracks are not British, we compensated for this by including an outro song; She sells sanctuary- The Cult, as they are a British band. We were also able to include jingles for Radio Latymer, Celebrity Gamble and the news. They were achieved by Dara playing a short melody whilst saying things like "Welcome to Radio Latymer..." Within our show, we had Zain as the radio host, myself as a member of public and Dara as the news reporter. We played Celebrity Gamble, in which we used teachers as the celebrities and chose one of their songs to play, which therefore showcases audience interaction. After the choice of song was made, opinions were read out from Twitter with both positive and negative reactions, which is another form of audience interaction. We also tried to create humour between the interaction of the member of public and the host but failed to do so with the news reporter due to issues with time. Throughout the segment, we tried to constantly remind the audience about our celebrity guest, Ms Kelsall, therefore keeping the audience hooked as well as having the news about the Latymer community, such as issues with lanyards or uniform problems.

2.Have you nailed the conventions and style of Nick Grimshaw and the Radio 1 Breakfast Show?

On the whole, I think that we were able to nail the style and convention of Nick Grimshaw and the Radio 1 Breakfast show through the use of humour, direct address and informality. Therefore having the same style as the show. However we could've included more young British artists, as well as having humour between the host and news reporter to make it more like the Breakfast show.

3. How did you manage your running order/ timings? 

Despite having a script, we managed to go over the 3 minutes we were allocated. Nevertheless, in our final recording, we managed to record it in 3:08 compared to our first recording of around 6 mins. We did this by cutting down the script significantly and cutting down the length of the jingles. We also avoided any unnecessary pauses between the people to make it more natural.

Analysis of Music Video: Current

Noah Cyrus- Again

1. Cutting to the beat

Throughout the video, many examples of cutting to the beat can be seen. This is because it is a common convention to include such a technical feature. In this example, it shows a cut from the face of the singer to the setting, which is needed to move the story along as the shots need to progress. 

2. Uses of CU/ Beauty Shots

The use of beauty shots is also a common convention amongst music videos. In this specific example, we are able to see a CU of the singer's face. This is done to emphasise her emotions after hearing the lyrics therefore allowing the audience to feel the same way.

3 . Fast Paced Editing

This is also a common convention as fast paced editing is also used within this music video. This is done to have a "montage feel" which makes the video seem fragmented despite having a slow tempo to the song. 

4. Mise en Scene 

Throughout the music video, the same setting can be seen. The graveyard shown is a good example of Mise en Scene as it portrays the feeling of the singer- In this case, having a "dead" relationship. This is very effective and it also feature shots of the graveyard throughout the day and night which may represent the progress of the relationship. 

5. Extreme contrast in shots

The music video also features extreme contrast in shots as it is a common feature through other music videos. In this example, we can see a wide shot of her and the background but next shot cuts to an OTS shot of her walking which allows the audience to focus on her actions after being shown the setting. 

Film Trailer Analysis: Inception

Audience Appeal

• The trailer begins with the logos of big companies, such as Warner Brothers and Legendary Pictures  which is appealing to the audience as they may have seen famous films produced by them such as The Dark Knight. 
• The first character we see is played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who is a world renowned actor, appeals to the main target audience of action fans as well as secondary audiences, such as females. 
• Additionally in the next shot we are able to see him holding and cocking a gun which further appeals to the action fans as they will be expecting gunfights. We are able to see more action shots within the trailer which will add to the excitement. 
• The trailer also features Michael Caine, who is a British actor, therefore appealing to secondary audience who are fans of his films or even to the British public. 

Branding and Studio Identity 

• In the beginning of the trailer the logos of the big companies are featured which attracts the audience that are familiar with their production. 
• Also within the trailer, the director Christopher Nolan is mentioned, who is famous for directing films like The Dark Knight, therefore attracting fans of his work. 

Character and Representation

• The main character, Cobb, is presented to be smart and rich as he is seen wearing a suit. This then hints to his occupation, which is "a special type of security, further explained by the narration. 
• Another character, Professor Stephen Miles is introduced. He is British and follows the stereotype of being like a gentleman and speaks with complexity and composure. 
• We are also able to see a few female characters shown in the trailer, one being Mallorie, wife of the protagonist. She has very limited screen time, which may foreshadow her role in the film as being weak and vulnerable.  

Genre signifiers

• We are able to see many action shots, for example the scene where we can see a car being blown up whilst a character is riding on a snowmobile escaping suggesting that this is an action film.
• Another common convention of the action element is the music played in the trailer, as it is fast paced and empowering therefore further emphasising the action genre of the film. 
• However there is a unique twist to the film. The characters in the film, in particular Dominick, are building a dream world in which they are able to steal things such as information from, therefore creating a unique aspect to attract audiences. 

Continuity Task Evaluation

1.In the video, an accident occurred when two characters (played by Harvey and I) were playing football on the school field. The character (played by me) was trying to catch the high ball that Harvey's character kicked, as it went over his head hence having to run back. Which in turn lead to my character tripping over Zain's character, who was sitting down on the sideline  

2. We tried to create "narrative flow" through the use of match on action, which can be seen from shot 1 to 2 as the ball that was kicked was in roughly the same position therefore making it seem continuous. We also successfully used the eyeline match in shot 4 as we can see the character looking in the general direction of the ball, towards the sky, which made it more realistic and natural. 

3. Despite our efforts, we were unable to achieve full continuity due to the camera being late to cut off the clip. For example in shot 2 we see Harvey's character kicking the ball as well as the full follow through, however the clip was left on for too long as we carried on seeing him take an additional step which slowed down the pace of the video. If we had cut the shot half a second after he kicked the ball, then i think that would've been an improvement. Additionally, we tried match on action again from shot 4 to 5 but was unable to do so successfully as we had mistimed it, therefore making it seem as though we had moved back in time. If we had shot 5 starting  with the fall of my character instead of still seeing him running back, then we would've been able to achieve continuity with more success. 

4. In hindsight, in order to improve the narrative flow of the video, i think that it would've been better to have Zain's character to be introduced in the first establishing shot by having a wider shot, including him in the frame, as opposed to having him being introduced later in the story in shot 4.