Create production materials (U3: P4, M3)

 Learning outcome 3 (U3): Be able to create production materials for an original media product to a client brief

Body copy 

1) Article (interview)

We had the chance to speak to the new pop sensation that is destined for stardom, Lara Perry. Growing up in North London, Lara has always been singing. She has recently released her debut album, 'under the stars', featuring singles, 'my way' and 'pink champagne'. In this exclusive article, Lara Perry spoke to us about her music, her upcoming live performance and even drama within the music industry!

Tell us about your new album 'under the stars'.

I started writing it a couple of years ago. It's basically about me and my life experiences. I would describe it as upbeat and innovative; you can interpret the songs in multiple different ways. Listening to it in order is essentially one long story being sung which I think is something so unique and special about this album.

What can we expect from your upcoming shows?

I don't want to give away too much information. This concert won't just be me singing, it is a full show with some very exciting surprise acts who everyone will love! Keep your eyes peeled! 

You've been very open about mental health issues, why is this?

I think it's extremely important to break the stigma around mental health. Nowadays, there are so many resources and options to get help so it is a necessity to make sure all my fans and followers know about these and they can get the help they may need. Talking about it is the first step to recovery and if I can help in any way, then I will. Theres so many hobbies that can help distract from your problems - music saved my life!

Have you always been into singing?

I've been singing for as long as I can remember. Me and my bestie Emily noble have always sung together! If you go on the voice memos app on my phone, you will find hundreds of snippets from all the songs I have made. Hopefully you guys can hear them soon. 

How do you deal with drama in the music industry?

Of course there are quite a lot of negative people who want something from you. However, I try to keep my circle tight and surround myself with people who want the best for me.

What would you like to say to your supporters?

I would like to thank them for the continuous support and love they show me daily. Without them, I wouldn't have all the amazing opportunities I have today. Always believe in yourself and follow your dreams. 

2) Article (live show information)

See Lara Perry performing her debut album, 'under the stars' LIVE!

July 10, 2021, Lara Perry will perform at KOKO 1A Camden High Street London NW1 7JE

Buy your tickets now at iconmag.co.uk. Subscribers to ICON get 24 hours priority time to purchase tickets. 

3) Article (Twitter fan questions)

We asked on our Twitter for you guys to tweet us questions you would like us to ask Lara Perry! This is what she said...

@sam.w0206: What's your favourite song on the album?

I would have to either say 'my way' as it is empowering and sassy, or 'mid july' because it's very personal to me and reminds me of my childhood.

@elyse.fxoxo: Who would you say is your biggest inspiration?

Definitely Nicki Minaj as she has been performing for years and is still killing it! She's so bold and truly herself and I would love to work with her some day. 

4) Article (Lara's Top 10 Favourite Songs)

1) better off - Ariana Grande

2) Lonely - Justin Bieber

3) Nonstop - Drake

4) Good In Goodbye - Madison Beer

5) goodnight n go - Ariana Grande

6) Feeling Myself - Nicki Minaj ft Beyonce

7) Josslyn - Olivia O'Brien 

8) Like that - Jack & Jack

9) Enchanted - Taylor Swift

10) Honey - Kehlani

Asset list

Photos

1) front cover

I won't use this image for the front cover as her eyes are shut which makes the magazine look unprofessional.

I won't use this image for the front cover as the pose she is doing looks unnatural and the image is too zoomed out.

I won't use this image for the front cover as her hair is covering her face which makes her look unsophisticated. 

I will use this photo for the front cover of the magazine as she looks powerful and dominant, which fits the title 'icon'. The trendy clothes reflects the pop genre.

2) double page spread poster

I will not use this photo for the poster in the double page spread as it is too zoomed in therefore the composition will look weird on a full page.

I won't use this photo for the poster in the double page spread as the pose looks forced as her facial expression is quite bland.

I will not use this photo for the poster in the double page spread as it is too zoomed out and although it can be cropped, the resolution won't be as high.

I will use this photo for the poster in the double page spread as it has an interesting background that doesn't take away from the artist. The outfit is colourful, connoting the pop genre.

3) double page spread image in article

I won't use this image in my double page spread because I want her full body to be in it and her arm looks odd going across.

I won't use this photo in the double page spread as I want her full body to be in it as I don't like the high angle it was taken at.

I won't use this photo as although it is a full body shot, I think it would look better if it was taken more straight on.

I will use this photo in the double page spread because of her trendy and aesthetically pleasing outfit, the full body shot which will fit in with the body copy, and the pink colour, which compliments the other image in the double page spread where she is wearing blue.

4) double page small headshot

I will not be using this photo for the small headshot in my double page spread because although the position she is sitting is cool and reflects the pop genre, I will be cropping it to above her shoulders, therefore it won't be suitable.

I will not be using this photo for the small headshot in my double page spread as although it was one of my favourite shots as the hair flip reflects the pop genre and appeals to the target audience as she looks confident and fun, it can look distorted and weird when cropped to  a headshot.

I will not be using this photo for the small headshot in my double page spread as she is looking sideways and therefore it's not suitable.

I will be using this photo for the small headshot in my double page spread as her facial expression is clear and the lighting gives it a 'golden hour' look, making the photo look slurring and perfect for a headshot.

All photos

Above are all the photos I took. Although only needing 4, I took over 250 so I had plenty of room to experiment with different locations, outfits, backgrounds, facial expressions and angles.

Proof

Above are photographs taken of me whilst I was taking pictures of the model, and looking through the images I took. This proves that the content is all primary and original, taken by myself.

Documenting and software set up

1) Double page spread

First I opened photoshop and selected 'Create new'. 

I selected on the 'print' presets, and selected A3. I changed the orientation to landscape. It then opened the blank a3 photoshop document. 

The blank document, titled double page spread.

2) front cover

I selected on the 'print' presets, and selected A4. I left the orientation on portrait. It then opened the blank a4 photoshop document. 

The blank photoshop document, titled front cover.

Codes and Conventions

I shot in various locations around Central London, with the most recognisable on the front cover, Westminster bridge. I thought it was important to have a recognisable place in London on the front cover as it is a North London based magazine. Therefore, readers can relate and identify with the artist on the front cover, making them feel like they too can become an 'icon' if you work hard. I also took pictures with a sculpture as a background for the main picture in the double page spread which adds an interesting texture to the photo. The slate colour contrasts the the brightness of the artists outfit, making her seem confident, reflecting the pop genre. 

There were three costumes the artist wore during the photoshoot: a black and white checkered outfit, a blue matching juicy couture set and a pink top and skirt. I decided to choose these colours as they all compliment each other well meaning no colours in the magazine will be clashing. They also allow to have three main colours to focus on in the magazine. These trendy outfits reflect the contemporary aspect of the pop genre. The bright colours connote confidence and fun, which also reflects the pop genre and appeals to the target audience. Furthermore, all the outfits are for sale in north London shops, meaning the readers can purchase everything featured if wanted. The links to the artist's outfits will be available on the magazines website.

In all the photos, the camera is below the eye line of the artist. She is looking down on the reader. This makes her look confident and bold as well as dominating. This reflects the pop genre and presents the artist as a singer that is independent. In the photo for the front cover, her facial expression is quite neutral, however, the fact she is leaning against the bridge suggests she needs some support, for example from the readers, making the reader feel included and like they can do their part in supporting her. In the third image, she is smiling, making her look happy to be featured in the magazine. Unlike the other images where she is more posey, this picture makes her look more friendly and approachable. This image will be next to the article, so readers feel welcome to learn about her life. The smiling facial expression relate to the pop genre as its connotes happiness and fun. 

The body copy font, arial, conforms to magazine industry conventions. The body copy article has the question, then the answer. This makes it easy to read and clear what the artist will be speaking about. The article is quite light-hearted as she speaks about her music as well as mental health issues. I have decided to include some questions on mental health in the interview with the artist is because I have found magazines for the target audience of teenagers have found the most success when they tap into the belief system of the audience. I found that 1 in 8 teenagers in the UK suffer at least one mental health disorder. This relates to the genre as young people are the main listeners of pop music meaning they will be able to learn and relate to the article. There will be information underneath the article, there will be information on the live show that readers can attend. They can read the article and scan the QR code to listen to the singer's music to decide whether they would like to attend. There will be a twitter q&a where readers tweet questions to ask the artist. This means the audience is engaged. Finally, the section on the singers top 10 favourite songs relate to the pop genre as the songs are in that genre, meaning readers can discover new music in that genre they are interested in and learn more about the artist and their inspirations.