The Final Post...

Evaluation Part 4

Looking back at my preliminary task, what do I feel I have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

Looking again at my preliminary task I feel I have learnt so much. My actual magazine is more appealing and the house style is more attractive and appealing. I have had more time on the full product than I did on my preliminary and this is evident in all aspects.

Having this time done a questionnaire I have learnt how to appeal to my audience more as well as, having previously said, making it more attractive.

I learnt more about existing products, iconic people of musical theatre and representation through all my research.

As I have said in the previous blog I used a lot of programs that I had not used before and so I learnt how to use them.

Evaluation Part 3

What have I learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

In this coursework module I have learnt a lot about the magazine industry and other media text institutes as well as a range of technologies and ways of editing.

I used my own camera for all pictures which is just a simple fuji-film digital camera with 10.2 megapixels. Although this is not the best quality it has sufficed for this purpose. In editing the pictures I used a range of programs. In order to remove any background I used paint and serif photoplus. For editing the pirate onto the barrel I used serif again. The black and white pictures with one thing in colour were edited using picnik as was any computerised text. Any edits to make the lighting better or image clearer I used either picnik or picassa.

With the exception of picassa and paint I had not used any of the programs before. Majority were simple enough to pick up but I needed some help with serif on my first use. By using a range of programs I was able to experience and learn a lot about a range of technologies. I have also learnt to be more patient as I found the photo and text editing meant a lot of trial and error to get it exact.

Also, in the evaluation video I am currently creating I have used imovie which although I have used before in groups I have never used individually and so it is proving a challenge. I have however mastered the basics and hope to upload the video tomorrow.

I used the schools imacs and my own netbook to complete all my blogs. I used the internet for research via google. I then used survey monkey and facebook to gain feedback and a better idea of how to produce my magazine to appeal to my target audience. This was an easy way of gaining feedback and even though I had never before used surey monkey, I found it relatively straight-forward to use.

Evaluation Part 2

What kind of media institution might distribute my media product and why?

As musical theatre magazines seem to be independent I am unable to find a media institute that would distribute my magazine. However I have research IPC media and this would be a possibility as they are the leading consumer magazine publisher. They publish a wide range of magazine genres and are very successful.

As it is a musical theatre magazine I would have my magazine sold in places where people with this interest are likely to be. Because of this I would approach theatres all around the country to sell my magazine. As people don't really go to the theatre just to buy a magazine I would make it more accessible by having it available in certain supermarkets i.e Tescos as this is a popular supermarket. I would also create an exciting website that allows subscription and I would post leaflets advertising the magazine to drama, dance and music groups and clubs across the country.

I think a majority of theatres would accept this as it will give them an opportunity to advertise productions and create more of a name within the theatre as they could have advertising space. I would gain a lot of subscriptions and sales as there are limited magazines of this genre and only one of this style.

Evaluation Part 1

In what ways does my media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

In order to answer and reflect in on this I'm going to put my front cover alongside the front

cover of a printed magazine.

As you can see there are many differences between my front cover and Musical Stages front cover. Musical Stages front cover is more conventional and simple whereas mine challenges the typical conventions and is more complex as it has more on it. A similarity is that both front covers include the issue number and price which is vital information. Musical Stages also includes the season release 'Winter 2010/11' which provides more information for the consumer and is helpful for keeping record as well as informing the reader as to how recent it is. If I were to construct my front cover again I would include this information as it is generally easier and helpful for everyone.

Both covers have a subject to the image - close-up of the male in my cover and long-shot of the actors in Musical Stages with focus on the standing male. There are different in that mine includes other pictures whereas Musical Stages has just the one picture. I personally prefer mine as there is more to grab the consumers attention and will attract more customers as the range of images appeals to a greater range of audience. Also, for my scrap-book house-style it is necessary to have several images.

The text on Musical Stages cover is very simple, plain and clear. Mine is also clear but links to musical theatre as it appears to have lights like a theatre dressing table mirror. I also feel that the colours I have used grab the readers attention more as they stand out against the background. As far as my house-style go I am not sure as to whether the text on the front cover is 'scrap-book' enough as to me it looks clearly edited. If I had more time and was doing this again I would probably look at hand-painting or drawing this but still taking inspiration from this particular font found on picnik.

To conclude my media product takes forms and conventions e.g the main picture, title positioning and barcode then develops and challenges these around them. For example the other pictures are placed in positions so that the fill the space and I have added other features like the buttons, ribbons and cardboard musical note. I think that I have developed and challenged conventions enough to make my magazine stand-out yet still be aesthetically pleasing for consumers.

My Magazine

Front Cover = Done!

As you can see I opted for the second mock-up idea. I chose to use this image rather than the ships wheel as this cover seems to have more of a subject and meaning. The three other pictures where also taken by me and show different aspects of musical theatre.

I have priced it at £2.99 as this was the most popular feedback from my survey.

I feel it has the right quantity of pictures, text and buttons etc to make it appear exciting, grab the readers attention without looking too busy.

Again the font is edited on using Picknik. I chose the particular font for the magazine title as it looks like lights on the background...which is very musical theatre! I chose the white and red colours for the text so that they stand out not just against the background but they grab the consumers attention.

Contents Page = Done!

I edited the text on using Picnik in a dark blue font that makes it look a bit like it has been written in a biro pen.

All that's left to do is the front cover...

Another Idea for Front Cover

Looking through my pirate pictures I've found another one which I think will work...

Same applies for text and other pictures on this one. Comments on which is better would be appreciated please.

Front Cover

I have previously created a blog with the layout of how I want the front cover. I have just looked again and well, it's going to be totally different.

Here is closer to how I know want it...

There will be other pictures on top of the background and possibly other smaller captions for with the other pictures. The text I have put on here is the main text which will be bright. I will do this hand-made and then stick it onto the background.

The Text from the Right Page

The main body of the text (the two large sections):

So what’s it about?

The story begins to unfold on the deck of Captain Blackbeard ship the Tansora for which the set, I must say, is absolutely breath-taking. The action during the opening number ‘A’Hoy’ is so complex and so perfected you are left wanting more, already pulled into the world of the pirates. Some of the ships and shipmates backstory is cleverly narrated to us through the words of ‘A’Hoy’ and we learn that they are the most feared, fiercest pirates in the seven seas. The opening number and celebrations of the sailors is ended when Captain Blackbeard, played excellently by Adrian Baker, enters having power over them all.

The tone of the musical is bought down with a ballad. The captains son John, played to precision by Ian Stark, had by now entered and is carrying out work on the ship with a few of the other sailors…he is clearly not as experienced and there is comedy built up through his lack of knowledge on-board the ship. John begins the ballad singing mournfully about his past, wishing for more in his life; a pirates life is not for him. This song is delivered absolutely beautifully. Ian Stark’s notes are always pitch-perfected and his voice and eyes are so captivating.

The musical then follows the boys story as he dashes away in the night to escape, to find his purpose in life. Of course nothing is simple and he is caught up in a dramatic thunderstorm for which I must praise the stage crew. Everything was believable and genuinely had you fearing for John, the sound, lighting and effects were flawless.

This is when we are introduced to the stunning Serena, a tranquil mermaid played by the Spanish beauty Adalina Lira as the sirens begin and John simply cannot resist. I must admit, the siren music is so hauntingly beautiful…I don’t see how anyone could resist! The siren music continues as the Tansora reappears and we learn more about the Captains life, his tragic story of lost love and how is son running away is silently killing him. He vows not to rest until he is found safe and alive.

Name is not killed or harmed by the mermaids. Instead we see love and care blossom between Serena and John. Of course, Captain Blackbeard keeps to his word and it is not long before John is faced with against a life or death battle as well as a life changing decision.

I do not wish to tell you all much more as it is so beautifully performed writing will not do it any justice. I can only recommend that you make this show your priority to watch.

The text in the top right corner:

Directed by Henry Dyson

Choreographed by Julia Cassidy

Music by Salomon Martin

Lyrics by Philipa Mort

Musical Direction by George Cesarino

Stage Management by John Finley

Sound Direction by Erik Marine

Lighting Design by Ricky Peyton

Costume by Kristia Kay

The text in the bottom left corner:

So what d’ya think me hearties? I suggest you take some of your treasure and trade it for tickets…it’s time to decide…is the pirates life for you?

Right-hand Side page

I have now completed the right-hand side of my double page spread apart from one picture I need to add on the right side of it. I will do this soon. But here it is...

As you can see it follows the same style as the other page with the blue and red ribbon and buttons and the pirate paper. The font and font colour is also the same. This page seems busier to me than the left side but I think that's just because there's more text. I now need to edit them together to create the double page, watch this space.

Text on the Left Page

I know that as it is scanned in and not a large image the text is not visible on the image I just uploaded. So here is the main body of the text...

Ahoy there me hearties! I be here to tell you all ‘bout the latest booty in the land of the west end…

Yes, I’m talking about the brand new musical ‘Raise Your Flag’. This unique and innovative musical brings together the sea, sword fights and of course love to create an exciting piece of musical theatre. We’ve all seen pirates try to claim their way onto the west end before and let’s be honest, it’s never really stuck…flash-backs to ‘Treasure Chest’ spring to mind…that been said, ‘Raise Your Flag’ seems to have got this genre down to a tee! There is just the right balance between the rum, swords, love, comedy and drama. This musical really does have it all! ‘Raise Your Flag’ marks the start of what I’m sure will be some fantastic west end careers as well as introducing us to new motivating music. Believe me, you won’t be forgetting the music for the final battle anytime soon…’Crossed Swords’ tugs at every emotion as well as keeping you on the edge of your seat, never knowing what to expect. You really feel like you’re part of the action!

As you can see, I have introduced it with pirate language to immediately set my desired tone. This section of the text is more of a general overview the text that will follow on the left-hand-side is more about the content and story of the show.

The text on the bottom of the left page is as follows...

If you think this sounds just your bottle of rum then get yourself down to the Theatre Royale in London’s West End. When is the ship in? Mon -Sat 7:30 as well as Wed and Sat at 2pm. It’ll cost you from £27.50 with concessions available. Contact the theatre on 0207 7254911 or surf your way to www.visttheroyale.co.uk

I have again used pirate language phrases to stick to the genre of the musical. As it is printed on the page certain phrases are in bold to highlight key information.

Double Page Spread

I have completed the left-hand-side of my double page spread!

I am actually quite pleased with this. It still fits with the scrap-book house style yet it isn't too busy either.The colour scheme for this page works with the content of the page. The paper in which all the writing is on I have made to look old by tea staining it and then burning the edges. Obviously this involved quite a big safety risk so I took care in this process. The title is hand painted but the rest is computer printed. There are only three images on this side - the main image and two female pirates in the bottom left corner. The lines of colour are created with ribbon and there are two buttons used in the bottom right-hand corner. All of these features mix together to build a successful, eye-catching page and conforms to both the pirate feature and house-style.

Before I Forget

I have realised that I also need to lsit the obvious information...theatre, price etc.

Theatre - The Royale

Theatre Location - London (West end)

Performance days and times - Mon-Sat 7:30pm as well as Wed and Sat at 2pm

Ticket Prices - Starting from £27.50, concessions available

Box Office Phone Number - 0207 7254911

Box Office Website - www.visittheroyale.co.uk

Further Text for the Review

As I have previously mentioned I want my magazine to cover all aspects of musical theatre and so in the review I think I am going to also list the production team so I've looked at a west end programme and here are a list of all the production team members that have their name printed in it...

Company manager Resident Director

Stage Manager Deputy Stage Managers(2)

Assistant Stage Managers(4) Wardrobe Mistress

Deputy Wardrobe Wardrobe Assistants(2)

Automation No 1, 2 and 3 Sound No 1, 2 and 3

Head of Wigs and Make-up Deputy head of Wigs and Make-up

Wigs Assistants (2) Dance Captain

Acro Captains(2)

And then for the orchestra...

Musical Director Assistant MD 1 and 2

Plus all the instruments

Obviously this is different for every musical. For the purpose of the magazine I do not need to list all these. I will definitely not be listing any assistants and only certain other roles, enough to cover different aspects. So here they are and the names I am going to give them:

Directed by Henry Dyson

Choreographed by Julia Cassidy

Music by Salomon Martin

Lyrics by Philipa Mort

Musical Direction by George Cesarino

Stage Management by John Finley

Sound Direction by Erik Marine

Lighting Design by Ricky Peyton

Costume by Kristia Kay

Text for Double-Page Spread - Draft 1

I have written a review for 'Raise Your Flag'. Comments would be appreciated as always :) I've opened and closed it with a few bits of pirate lingo. I realise it is probably too long but until I have the background for this sorted I cannot know how much I need to cut out or whether it may just fit.

So here it is, Draft 1

Ahoy there me hearties! I be here to tell you all ‘bout the latest booty in the land of the west end…

Yes, I’m talking about the brand new musical ‘Raise Your Flag’. This unique and innovative musical brings together the sea, sword fights and of course love to create an exciting piece of musical theatre.

We’ve all seen pirates try to claim their way onto the west end before and let’s be honest, it’s never really stuck…flash-backs to ‘Treasure Chest’ spring to mind…that been said, ‘Raise Your Flag’ seems to have got this genre down to a tee! There is just the right balance between the rum, swords, love, comedy and drama. This musical really does have it all!

‘Raise Your Flag’ marks the start of what I’m sure will be some fantastic west end careers as well as introducing us to new motivating music. Believe me, you won’t be forgetting the music for the final battle anytime soon…’Crossed Swords’ tugs at every emotion as well as keeping you on the edge of your seat, never knowing what to expect. You really feel like you’re part of the action!

So what’s it about?

The story begins to unfold on the deck of Captain Blackbeard ship the Tansora for which the set, I must say, is absolutely breath-taking. The action during the opening number ‘A’Hoy’ is so complex and so perfected you are left wanting more, already pulled into the world of the pirates. Some of the ships and shipmates backstory is cleverly narrated to us through the words of ‘A’Hoy’ and we learn that they are the most feared, fiercest pirates in the seven seas. The opening number and celebrations of the sailors is ended when Captain Blackbeard, played excellently by Adrian Baker, enters having power over them all.

The tone of the musical is bought down with a ballad. The captains son John, played to precision by Ian Stark, had by now entered and is carrying out work on the ship with a few of the other sailors…he is clearly not as experienced and there is comedy built up through his lack of knowledge on-board the ship. John begins the ballad singing mournfully about his past, wishing for more in his life; a pirates life is not for him. This song is delivered absolutely beautifully. Ian Stark’s notes are always pitch-perfected and his voice and eyes are so captivating.

The musical then follows the boys story as he dashes away in the night to escape, to find his purpose in life. Of course nothing is simple and he is caught up in a dramatic thunderstorm for which I must praise the stage crew. Everything was believable and genuinely had you fearing for John, the sound, lighting and effects were flawless.

This is when we are introduced to the stunning Serena, a tranquil mermaid played by the Spanish beauty Adalina Lira as the sirens begin and John simply cannot resist. I must admit, the siren music is so hauntingly beautiful…I don’t see how anyone could resist! The siren music continues as the Tansora reappears and we learn more about the Captains life, his tragic story of lost love and how is son running away is silently killing him. He vows not to rest until he is found safe and alive.

Name is not killed or harmed by the mermaids. Instead we see love and care blossom between Serena and John. Of course, Captain Blackbeard keeps to his word and it is not long before John is faced with a life or death battle as well as a life changing decision.

I do not wish to tell you all much more as it is so beautifully performed writing will not do it any justice. I can only recommend that you make this show your priority to watch.

So what d’ya think me hearties? I suggest you take some of your treasure and trade it for tickets…it’s time to decide…is the pirates life for you?

Pirate Language

I want the tone of my double-page spread to be quite casual to appeal to my audience and so it's not going to be very formal. So I have decided to make the pirate article stand-out, emphasize the theme and possible add a bit of humour I want to use 'pirate language' in the review. So I have used the internet to collect some research and came across a website called how to talk like a pirate...its brilliant! Here are a few that I may use.

Ahoy - hello
Arrr - which could cover a few things depending on the tone e.g in agreement or anger

Beauty - how a pirate might address a woman

Booty - treasure

Hornpipe - both a single-reeded instrument that pirates played and a spirited dance that sailors do

Scallywag - bad person

Smartly - Do something quickly

I have also noted that its not all grammatically correct and that they drop letters and/or words. For example, instead of and it would be an'. Another characteristic of the stereotyped language for pirates is that instead of saying 'I am' say 'I be' and instead of 'you are' - 'you be'. Also 'me' instead of 'my'.

And now a few phrases that would be expected, some of these are on the pirate mood board I made and posted a few months ago.

• Shiver me timbers!
• Arr me hearty
• Yo ho me hearties!
• A pirates life for me

Obviously too much of this pirate lingo and it will stop making sense to people as most won't know what some words mean. Even if I don't use them in the review they could possibly be inspiration for some song titles. But I think the odd phrase or word would be appropriate!

Double-Page Spread

I have decided for my double-page feature on Raise Your Flag I will have the following picture as the background for one of the pages, I think the left-hand side.

I have chosen this picture because it epitomizes the title of the musical as he is holding a flag up. The picture also includes typical pirate tropes and memes due to the skull and cross bones, outfit and sword. The position in which he is standing also creates good positioning for the text, title and other images.

Here is how I plan on using the picture as a background. The title will be painted in either black or brown, in a style that looks slightly like calligraphy.

Around the outside there will be some smaller images of the female pirates or the ship. Around the edge there will also be some ribbon, probably red and blue as they link to pirates. As with the contents page I will probably also include something like a button or piece of material. I may also chose to include captions or single words for some of the other pictures.

I have had a brilliant idea for the main body of the text, or at least I think it's brilliant. I want to tea-stain and burn the edges of some paper and stick it down. This will make it look old and 'pirate-y'. I will still place the text onto it using ICT. But I think creating that background for it will be very effective.

General Update

Contents Order

The following list is the order I am going to use for the actual contents page. In brackets are the page numbers.

• What's Hot What's Not (3-4)
• Pirate Musical: Raise Your Flag (5-6)
• An area of musical theatre: Opera (7-8)
• Information on how to get experience in musical theatre (9-10)
• Review from in Europe (11-12)
• Backstage (13-14)
• Interview (15-16)
• Revive the classics (17)
• A performers body (18)
• Latest news: showbiz people (19)
• Review outside of Europe (20-21)
• Audition techniques (22-23)
• Competition(s) (24)
• Latest news: Regional (25-26)
• C.D Review (27)
• Q+A (28)

There will be adverts merged throughout related to musical theatre.

Content

All those months ago I posted a blog with a list of ideas or my contents page. Here they are again but structured into similar articles...

Reviews

• In depth review of new pirate musical
• Review/article from somewhere else in Europe
• Review/article from somewhere outside of Europe
• Review of at least one new C.D released by those in musical theatre
• 'Revive the classics' looking at older musicals, films made of musicals

Things in every issue

• All the above reviews
• Q+A
• Competition
• Latest news on upcoming events surrounding the genre
• Audition Techniques
• 'Backstage'
• What's hot, what's not type thing
• Interview
• One or more sections on a genre related to musical theatre

Other in this issue

• 'A Performers body' an article on how to stay healthy, avoid injury
• Information on how to get experience ( this would be more every other issue)

Similar article (e.g the reviews) will be spread out throughout the magazine so that is is more interesting. I will now focus on the order and how many pages each would take up.

Scrap Book Contents Page so far

I have completed the basic structure and the border for my contents page. All that's left to do is paint and mount the title and put in the actual text. I will probably need a better scanner than my one at home so I'll find one round school. But here it is...

Contents Page

I have begun to put together a scrap-book style contents page. I have only fixed the triangle of blue and the ribbon to the peach background and have not stuck down any pictures or buttons yet. This is just a tester to see which arrangement works best. I am conscious that it is maybe becoming a bit too girly? So I will overcome this tomorrow. I will try and overcome this by including pictures of males. I have arranged to take pictures of a male 'pirate' tomorrow lunch so I will include at least one of these on the contents page. I am also aware that there are getting to be quite a few pirate pictures and majority are of dancing. I aim to take more pictures tomorrow in different outfits that I can then include in place of some of the pirate costumes as well as taking pictures of things like stage lights and microphones. Obviously the pirate musical is the main feature of the magazine but I think it will be worth while saving a majority of the pictures for the actual double page spread.

So how will the text required for the contents fit into this? In the top right corner I may have the magazine logo (which I'm currently trying to design), but I will definitely have the title 'Contents'. The rest of the peach area will have the main contents listing. I have two ideas for the blue section...1 - the articles that are 'in every issue' or 2 - further information about either competitions or a feature, this will grab the readers attention and attract them to a certain section of the magazine.

The actual typography I want to fit into the scrap-book image and so I will create/use a font that appears hand-written. I am choosing to type it rather than actually hand-write it as if this was a real magazine in production, it would be highly impractical and time-consuming hence why only the borders and pictures are put together like an actual scrap book. I will probably actually paint the title 'contents' on to the top of the page, or rather onto a different piece of card and mount it onto this. So I don't forget, I also intend to do this for the double page spread title 'Raise Your Flag'. However with 'Raise Your Flag' I will use plenty of paint and then either blow or strike the paint to that it creates a spike-y, eroded, rough style to tie in with the pirate theme.

Overall I am so far pleased with this idea for house style as it is looking promising and is very creative; like musical theatre.

Contents Page

Following my idea for my contents page I am going to experiment with a 'scrap-book' style. I will try and achieve this look by printing all my pictures I have edited and putting them together with good old fashioned glue. I will also include other typical scrap-book/mood-board style things like bits of material and other shapes. I will initially just do this for the pictures but then I will try constructing the entire page in this way. If this works then I will continue this style throughout. I think it could work as scrap-books are very creative as is musical theatre. This will also make my magazine stand out and be original, yet it will all still form to conventional ideas with the pictures and layout.

Synopsis

So, as previously mentioned, the most popular synopsis has been synopsis 3 with the 2nd ending which is as follows...

Boys father owns the biggest, meanest pirate ship in the entire ocean. The mother died at birth. The father really loved her and was devastated, he locked up his feelings though and carried on the only way he knew how. But the boy, as he grows up doesn't want to be a pirate...it's not the life for him...In the middle of the night he makes a break for it and runs away, taking the rowing boat. There is a big storm that night/ the mermaids sirens begin and he cannot resist. His pirates ship can resist though as the father has shut himself out from the world of love and women. Somehow blocks his ears and steers the ship away. The son becomes stranded on a deserted islands where the only other life form is mermaids. He falls in love with one of the mermaids but there are obvious complications in their relationship...he lives on land and can't breath underwater. They have the option of overcoming this though as true loves first kiss can turn her from a mermaid to a beautiful woman. They are about to share their first kiss when... His fathers ship tracks him down but he refuses to go with them. So they capture the mermaids. There's a big sword fight, the father loses his balance and falls back, in to sea. The boy reaches out to save him but can't reach and the father dies. But I'm not sure I want the father to die because of the son. It's mean. However, if the father were to die, the ship would become the sons responsibilities. Then he has the choice of whether to honour his fathers dying wish which is to give everything up for the mermaid he loves, for love is hard to find and he loved the mother.

For the actual double page spread this will be written out properly. Possibly not as much detail of the story though. For example, I might not put the ending in, leave it on a cliffhanger to make the reader want to see the musical and find out. Also some songs and actors/actresses will be reviewed, with a full list of cast and information on the production side and cost.

First Pirate Picture

Below you can see three pictures. The first two are my originals...the third is my edited, super-imposed one. Due to difference in pixel sizes the pirate in the final picture is slightly blurry. Luckily I wasn't planning on having this particular picture very big anyway. So for now, I shall leave it. However, if it becomes a problem during the actual construction of the magazine then I will try again.

Pictures and Edits

Following the black and white contents page montage idea I have used picnik to edit the following pictures. Obviously they are not yet a montage and as you will see, I have left a detail from every picture in colour, just testing things :) If these are used in the actual magazine then I will crop directly around the people.

I've put the originals followed by my edits.

Review of a Review

I've had a look at the following review which is of the musical Les Miserables. http://www.londontheatre.co.uk/londontheatre/reviews/lesmis04.htm

It is a very positive review and so there is a lot of positive language. For example : masterpiece, powerful, solid and moving performances, intense, superb, seamlessly.

There was also a strong lexical field of words and phrases related to musical theatre like: full house, matinee, seats in the stalls, cast, part, scene, set design, production.

This works well and the review serves it purpose as it makes me want to go and see the musical...again. The review explains the synopsis but the audience is expected to have some prior knowledge as it mentions the French Revolution. Also, the audience is aimed at musical theatre people due to the specific lexical field language relating to musical theatre. The review mentions most details of the production as it also talks about the set design but a majority is about the actors.

I will consider the use of language and lexical field in this review when I write my own. But I will also have more detail, more like the layout of the reviews in Musical Stages magazine. I will list all the cast and have several pictures as well as having a section covering more details of the production.

So I don't Forget...

I've had an idea for my contents page...

I want the contents page to be bordered with a faded montage of loads of pictures. Possibly black and white, to make the actual contents stand out. The pictures will be faded and merged into each other and will show all areas of musical theatre. The pictures include ones that would then be used for articles in the magazine.

The Sirens

The sirens were originally portrayed as three dangerous bird-like womenand from Greek mythology. The picture above is an image of a statue of what a siren was thought to be, made in the 1st century.

The siren song is said to begin in midday, with calm weather...which ruins my plan! I shall overcome it though. Another idea which I could use is the belief that the sirens only lived for as long as sailors were enticed to them. Once they could pass without being drawn to them, the sirens would die. I could use this with the father, as he is not effected.

The sirens are not strictly mermaids. But they have similar beliefs and myths surrounding them.

I'm sure you probably know this but, mermaids have a human torso and the tail of a fish for legs. They live in the sea, sit on rocks, brushing their hair.

So, like sirens they sing to people to enchant them, causing people to walk off ship decks and have shipwrecks. There is also the nasty idea that mermaids drown humans either out of spite or because they forget that humans can't breathe underwater.

I shall consider these tropes and memes when writing the review to ensure my facts are right.

Raise Your Flag

I have asked several people to read my synopsis and the most popular synopsis is synopsis 3. Although it was commented that the 2nd ending - sacrificing happiness for duty can be quite fashionable, the most popular ending was the romantic ending. I could maybe allow love and being the captain to work together. Although this might make the whole thing seem unsatisfactory.

So now I shall carry out further research to make sure I'm not getting things wrong within the synopsis. I will also analyse people's reviews of other shows - the language and layout used etc.

Synopsis of 'Raise Your Flag'

Just throwing a few ideas about with what the actual story behind my pirate musical could be...

But each has to have the following typical tropes:

• Pirate Ship
• Sword Fight
• Some sort of gold/treasure
• Rum

1. A pirate who faces the gallows for treason but falls in love with the governors daughter. There would be a prologue showing part of the end scene where he is about to be hung, standing on the gallows, big drum beat, big crowds. Then flash back and the story unfolds. Starts on a ship with a big number, celebrating having stolen cargo from the East India Trading Company. They go to a tavern on land to celebrate. Bad move. Before he is caught and taken to jail he meets the governors daughter for the first time in a tavern. You see, the governors daughter is rebellious and wants individuality so 'escapes' regularly, wearing a disguise. Bit of the whole 'I don't want to marry for money or status, I want to marry for love' that you see a lot in films and stories. It's love at first site, but that night he is captured, the tavern is raided, big sword fight. The governors daughter doesn't get seen though. He helps her get away before he is captured. Then the struggle as they declare their love for each other in a beautiful duet through jail bars and the governor discovers what she has been up to. He brings forward the gallows date to the next day. Reprise of the beautiful duet. The gallows day - scene starts the same as the prologue. She jumps up onto the gallows and a bit of the 'if you want to kill him, you'll have to kill me first' type thing. Big song that is a round with the lovers, governor, guards and public watching the hanging. Being pirates, their mischievous and clever...one escapes. And a big sword fight begins. The lovers and about half the original crew get away and the musical ends back on the ship with a reprise of the first number as they sail off into the sunset.
2. Two rival ships battle/race for a hidden treasure. But although this could be good, staging it would be near impossible. So I may try and incorporate the idea of chasing treasure into one of the other ideas.
3. Boys father owns the biggest, meanest pirate ship in the entire ocean. The mother died at birth. The father really loved her and was devastated, he locked up his feelings though and carried on the only way he knew how. But the boy, as he grows up doesn't want to be a pirate...it's not the life for him...In the middle of the night he makes a break for it and runs away, taking the rowing boat. There is a big storm that night/ the mermaids sirens begin and he cannot resist. His pirates ship can resist though as the father has shut himself out from the world of love and women. Somehow blocks his ears and steers the ship away. The son becomes stranded on a deserted islands where the only other life form is mermaids. He falls in love with one of the mermaids but there are obvious complications in their relationship...he lives on land and can't breath underwater. They have the option of overcoming this though as true loves first kiss can turn her from a mermaid to a beautiful woman. They are about to share their first kiss when... His fathers ship tracks him down but he refuses to go with them. So they capture the mermaids. There's a big sword fight, the father loses his balance and falls back, in to sea. The boy reaches out to save him but can't reach and the father dies. But I'm not sure I want the father to die because of the son. It's mean. However, if the father were to die, the ship would become the sons responsibilities. Then he has the choice of whether to honour his fathers dying wish which will be one of two... 1 - to keep the ship in the families name. 2 - to give everything up for the mermaid he loves, for love is hard to find and he loved the mother. I will ask peoples opinions on which ending they prefer.
4. Or, something based around a love story with a pirate and gypsy girl. But this may not give as much freedom.

Feel free to comment on your favourite synopsis...

Evaluation and Summary of all my Research and Planning

Doing the Preliminary task will help me a lot when constructing my actual magazine as I used several programmes like serif for the first time. Although I will probably need help and a few mini tutorials on the seoftware throughout, the preliminary task taught me a lot. I was also able to test out different styles, fonts, colours and ask opinions of the target audience, helping me to create a fairly decent cover and contents for the purpose.

I have already created a post on which conventions I am going to use from the magazines that I have analysed. Analysing the magazines helped me to look at typical conventions, what works, what doesn't. For my genre, I definitely need to stick to conventional methods and layouts. All the magazines analysed have given me ideas for how to layout and present my magazine.

A big part of my research has been my survey. I will continually refer to it as it is very important to what I put in the magazine and how I should present it. It was asked directly to my target audience and a range of people within this target audience so the results will help me to appeal to all interests within musical theatre which is what I intentionally set out to do. Throughout the process I will ask the opinion of a random selection of people within my target audience as I test out different layouts and colours as I constuct my magazine.

I definitely think musical theatre was the right choice of genres as there is definitely a market for it, a bit of a gap to be honest.

Survey Results

I have had 37 responses now! I would like to leave it longer, however I need to get on with the rest of the process. So I shall now analyse the results but still keep on checking the results regularly to see if anything interesting occurs.

My first question was to find out which age group they fell into within my target audience. Just over half of those who answered were 15-24 and all the others were evenly spread over the other sections of my age group.

My second question was to help me find out the most popular and least popular area of musical theatre, obviously I know this will be different within every group of people. The results were as follows with Lighting, Sound, Advertisement/Distribution and Production/Direction receiving no votes.

In order to find out more about what people interested in musical theatre do with their interest I asked whether they were actively involved in musical theatre. 26 people said they were and 11 said they just had a keen interest in musical theatre. This means that I will suit both of these groups needs as I will review shows as well as giving information on auditions etc.

For the 26 who claimed to actively take part I asked them to specify which area the take part in, using the same options as the pie chart above. As you can see, all possible areas were given at least one vote meaning that there is indeed an audience for all aspects.

In order to find out about whether making a magazine of this genre would be popular and marketable, I asked whether or not they buy a musical theatre magazine and whether or not they would be interested in buying one. Only 5 people said they regular buy a musical theatre magazine and 31 said they didn't. Of the 37, 28 people would be interested in buying and reading one. I asked for their reasons for answering yes or no to gain an idea of what they want or don't want within this kind of magazine. I have selected some responses to blog...

Some yes answers...

• thinking maybe a monthly publication -to keep up to date with current shows, cast members, their backgrounds etc / reviews and general gossip! Behind the scene articals etc



• Possibly to show reviews of shows, job interviews and a planned of up and coming shows, both amateur and professional.



• There doesn't seem to be one available and I can only glean information from newspapers which don't go into much detail and I don't always agree with critics


• Because it would be good to learn about old musicals and also brand new ones. Also it would advertise who was playing who on the west end/broadway at the time


• If it contained information on things like whats' on locally and nationally. Audition listings, insight on further training etc.


• Because this is what Stuart (my son) wants to do as a career

And some reasons against...

• Just because I'm interested in musical theatre but wouldn't be that interested in knowing everything about it!


• I don't like reading.


• Basically no time to read it.

I will take these responses on board when creating articles/contents.

I asked what sort of price range people would be prepared to spend so I can get an idea of how much money could be put in but still gain a profit.

As you can see, a majority would be happy to pay up to £2.99 with some in excess to this, which I think is reasonable!

My final two questions where asking for votes on the best name for the magazine and the best name for a pirate magazine. By asking my audience to help decide, it helps me see what is most appealing and marketable.

As you can see, the most popular magazine name is 'Behind the Magic' - which I think is rather suiting. The other four most popular, I will look into naming sections or articles or even taking inspiration for a tagline.The most popular name for a pirate magazine is 'Raise Your Flag', which again is rather suiting...and probably my favourite! I will use 'Crossed Swords', 'A'hoy' and 'The Gallows' as song names or even captions for pictures.

This survey was definitely worthwhile and I will keep on referring to it as I construct my magazine.

Further Photo Ideas

As I want to cover all aspects of musical theatre I will also need pictures of things like instruments, lighting equipment etc. To add to my collection, I have taken some pictures which I might use or at least use the idea in the final magazine.

The pictures are taken in a dance studio and if they are used, it will be for a section purely on dance.

Here are some examples of how I might edit one of the pictures:

Draft of the Layout for my Front Cover

As you can see, I have chosen to stick to conventional methods for my front cover as it will work better for my music genre.

Media Theories

Media has always had an effect on how people think or what people do and there are many theories to the way that media does have an impact...

The hypodermic needle model is the theory that the media 'injects' messages to their audience which they are passive to and unable to resist. This theory is now discredited as it is simplistic and out dated. People are not as passive as this. Although to some extent, peoples opinions are influenced by what they see or hear through media.

Cultivation effect (Drip, drip, drip effect) is when the repetition of a message or opinion has an effect on an audience. I think this is sometimes true. But not necessarily always to music magazines. Music magazines can often reinforce opinions that people already have rather than purely creating an opinion.

Two-step flow. Step 1 - media introduces an idea. Step 2 - these ideas are discussed with friends and we reach an opinion. I think this definitely applies to music magazines. Music magazines introduce people to new bands, styles and opinions.

Limited effect - the idea that we are not at all affected by the media as we are 'media literate'. I don't agree with this as all media tends to effect someone, somehow. Music magazines often tend to be informal and leisurely to read.

Media Dependency is the belief that media becomes a need. And addiction or a choice? This will be true to more or less everyone with some form of media in the modern world. For music magazines this will still be true to some who like to be 'in the know'. Music magazine context and reviews will influence what people buy and sometimes their opinions.

Uses and Gratifications is more about "what people do with media" rather than "what media does to people". I think that people do chose the media they want. And there are different reading (e.g. preferred) and interpretations of media.

Diversion is the theory that people use media as an escape from reality or problems, to distract themselves. I think this is applicable to all media, even music magazines.

Personal relationships is using media as topic conversations with friends and using media as a substitute for real contact. This theory applies as magazines offer opinions and often new music which you will then discuss with your friends.

Personal identity is the idea that people use media to define themselves. I think this is true to all media especially things like music magazines. Who people are friends with, how they dress, how they act is all influenced by their interests which are made evident through the media they use.

Surveillance - finding out about the world. This is not always true to all media or music magazines. However I want to include this theory within the content of my magazine as I want to do reviews and news from different countries.

I have also looked at McQuail theories. The ones that I think are applicable to the music magazine I intend to create are as follows. They all come under the headings of 'Information' 'Personal Identity' 'Integration and Social Interaction' and 'Entertainment'.

• finding out about relevant events (I)
• satisfying curiosity and general interest (I)
• learning: self-education (I)
• identifying with valued others (P.I)
• gaining insights into the circumstances of others (I.S.I)
• finding a basis for conversation and social interaction (I.S.I)
• helping carry out social roles (I.S.I)
• enabling to connect with family, friends and society (I.S.I)
• relaxing (E)
• getting intrinsic cultural or aesthetic enjoyment (E)
• filling time(E)

Survey

I've set up a survey on surveymonkey which can be accessed with this...
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/359C9D9
I have emailed all the musical theatre people I know, from all areas of musical theatre and asked for them to pass it on to any friends. Luckily, I know really quite a few musical theatre people and so the responses are stacking up nicely already!

Potential Names

For the magazine

• Masque
• Starlight
• Masquerade
• Luvvies
• Behind the Magic
• The Prologue
• Show Business
• Musical Theatre (M.T)
• So You Think You're A Star?
• What Next?
• The Bizz

For the pirate musical

• Anchor
• Crossed Swords
• A'hoy
• A Pirates Life for Me
• The Gallows
• Raise Your Flag
• Treasure Chest
• Captain [name]
• Yo Ho Me Hearties

I will try to be even more creative and add to these but I'm going to include this within my questionnaire to find out which appeal to my target audience the most. But all the names do link with musical theatre or pirates, which is going to be essential for the marketing of the magazine.

Ideas for Content

• In depth review of new pirate musical (this will be the double page spread that I create and it will feature on the front cover)
• Backstage - this will be a regular feature, each week focusing on a different area and a different show
• A what's hot, what's not type thing. Maybe covering new dance wear that has been released. Don't know if this would work.
• Section on audition techniques again a regular thing. Varying between university courses (dance, drama, music, music production, musical theatre, performing arts), auditions for film and TV and even techniques for festivals
• Latest news on upcoming events surrounding the genre
• Review/article from somewhere else in Europe
• Review/article from somewhere outside of Europe
• Interview with one musical theatre performer about their lifestyle
• A few sections on different types of musical theatre e.g. opera, ballet, tap
• Advertisements throughout of related businesses, shows and schools/colleges/universities
• 'A performers body' an article on how to stay healthy, avoid injury
• Information on how to get experience - volunteering, internships
• Review of at least one new C.D released by those in musical theatre
• 'Revive the classics' looking at older musicals, films made of musicals
• Competition e.g. tour around a theatre before seeing current show
• Q+A

My Target Audience

Age - 15-50. A large age range as there are a variety of themes and I want to aim it at those looking to get into the business which is really any age at all.
Gender - Mixed
Ethnicity - All. Aspects from around the World
Lifestyle - Variety. I want to cover those who have the money for all the top performing arts school but a majority for those who don't as this is actually quite a large market.
Socio-economic group - Variety. Anyone from any class could have an interest in musical theatre. For example, Alfie Boe was classed as a C2/D but he had a passion for musical theatre.

And of course, a keen interest in musical theatre, but any aspect...

• lighting
• sound
• overall performance
• production
• film
• marketing
• directing
• choreographing
• singing
• composing
• acting
• dancing
• lifestyle

This range of area I would like to cover within my magazine issues means that it will appeal to a mass market within musical theatre. From research I have found very limited magazines covering musical theatre and absolutely none with key information on 'how to make it' which for a majority of those interested in musical theatre, is a tricky and key question.

Conventions I am Going to Use

Here are some of the ideas from all the magazines I've analysed that I would like to try and use in my own magazine



From Musical Stages:

• Articles and reviews from all around the World


• A really in-depth analysis of at least one Musical


• Adevertising relevant shops, universities, events

From Dancing Times:

• The page numbering system which gives magaznine title and issue as well as the number


• Idea of splitting up the contents page with features and regulars but I will do this in a different way - Maybe colour code it?


• Articles from all around the World


• Advertising relevant events and competitions

From NME:

• Picture on cover being main feature and use of overlapping
• Arranging contents page so that main features stand out
  

From Kerrang:

• Picture on cover being main feature and use of overlapping
• Several pictures on all pages

KERRANG!

My final analysis is of KERRANG! Which claims to be the World's biggest selling weekly rock magazine. the magazine was first published in 1981. It is published in the United Kingdom but also other countries - including Spain! In the UK is is priced at £2.20.

According to the National Readership Survey it is 0.2% more popular than NME but is also read by more males than females. 1.1% of all males and just 0.5% of all females. It's largely more popular amongst those in the age range 15-44 than 44+. And from the front cover of the February 19th issue, you can probably tell why...

It is similar to the front cover of NME in that it is all capitalised, very busy, 'loud' and the image takes up the entire cover with text written over it. A difference between the two covers is that this one includes other, smaller close-up pictures around the sides. For example in the top right hand corner and down the left hand side. All of which are actually to illustrate free posters or competition prizes. By doing this it draws the reader's attention to the freebies and prizes, possibly persuading them to buy the magazine. The cover uses several different colours. The red and orange could be linked to fire; passion. All of the colours are bold and stand out. The cover also includes a rhetorical question to draw the reader in.

As you can see from this double page spread (6-7) the content isn't very professional, more informal. This feature article on Panic at the Disco is predomionantly made up of pictures rather than text and information. The information that is in the far right column is in small text especially when compared to the quote pasted across the pictures. This shows that the typical reader is maybe not interested in every fact or detail but more in seeing the action and the overall gist of the articles. Maybe aimed at people who do not set aside much time to read? The captions for the pictures are comical, adding to the informal tone.

All structures, layouts, colours and text in this magazine appeal to its target audience and is perfect for its genre...maybe not so much for musical theatre though.

NME

To look in more detail at magazine styles and typical readers I am also going to analyse two magazines of other styles starting here with NME.

NME stands for New Music Express and it has been published weekly since March 1952. It was always printed on newsprint until 1998 when the cover became a glossy mag, full with colour. It covers all new music. So since 1952 it has covered up-coming styles like punk rock and hip-hop whereas now it is majority about indie bands and indie music.

According to the National Readership Survey, it is considerably more popular in men than women, which judging from the style, it is evident why. It is thought that 0.9% of men read NME every issue whereas only 0.3% of females do. It is priced at £2.30 per issue and is available from several countries as well as on subscription.

The language used is very informal with the odd rude word meaning that this magazine is aimed at mid-teenage+. Being extremely stereotypical I would imagine the readers of NME to like to be up-to-date, always in the know, maybe to impress but they maybe don't know all the bands included in the magazine. I would think them to be individual and a bit 'out-there' as NME seems to conform to this image.

To the right is the front cover of the 19th February issue and to the left is the contents page. As you can see, neither are very simple, both busy and 'loud'.

Everything on the front cover is printed in capital letters and the pink is so bright it's hard to miss the cover! Even though it is all in capitals there are still things which stand out more than others due to side and position. For example, 'The Strokes' immediately grabs your attention as it is positioned across the centre in very large font. This particular band name is placed there as they are the main feature of this issue. I do like the layout as it is very modern however I would have to experiment this sort of style with musical theatre. Not sure it would work?! I think that it is clever that the background is made up of a picture of the band and that the text is printed over this. However the picture is layered on top of the logo, concealing some of it. This is because the magazine is so established people will know what it is from the layout.

The contents page, at first glance, doesn't appear to be very organised at all. And at a closer look...well, it isn't really. The page numbers are spread out and the main numbers are actually in descending order. In some ways the layout of the contents page works as it makes all the main features stand out. For this particular magazine it works, but I can't see it conforming to the expectations of a Musical Theatre magazine.

Pictures for my Magazine

So, following my pirate musical idea, when I was in London a few days ago, I visited the 'living museum' the 'GOLDEN HINDE'. Which is a reconstruction of a pirate ship. It's along the Thames, near London Bridge and was actually quite good! I took loads of pictures as I guided myself around with the view of super-imposing people onto the pictures at a later date. (These people dressed as pirates of course.) So here are a selection of a few of the pictures I've taken , obviously not all will be used, some are just more throwing about ideas and getting into the theme and frame of mind for writing the synopsis.

As you can see, there were a lot of ropes, barrels, cannons, lanterns and touch wood, everything was wood...I thought it was a good reconstruction as it had lots of detail and I know I'm no expert, but it seemed quite accurate.






Here is and image of the postcard I brought of a painting of the boat at sea! (I did also buy a pirate flag which I will use in my pictures).




So a few pictures in detail of how I intend to use them...
















In this one I want to have a pirates(s) on or leaning onto the barrel, it will be a long shot and I will experiment with angles i.e whether they will be looking up (maybe with a telescope) or looking straight at the camera.

I took this panorama with the view of having it as a 'cast' photo. Captain sitting in the chair, others dotted around. This will be a bit of a challenge, but I shall experiment. I'm going to have to edit the lighting in this particular picture though because it's too bright.

Providing cutting out the offices in the background doesn't drive me to insanity, I want to impose the captain/lead part into this picture, if I am clever enough, with one hand on the wheel.

One final idea, not to be including any of the pictures gained from yesterday, I will take/use a few picture showing the actual musical and action. So either on a stage, or in a dance studio to show rehearsals. I also want to include pictures showing other aspects of the theatre production i.e lighting, sound, composition and advertisement.

Obviously there were numerous risks in taking these pictures on this location, as there is everywhere. So I had to be sensible and cautious of my surroundings and others that were on the boat at the same time.