PRODUCTION: first draft of contents 

This is my first draft of my contents page. At first, I decided to go with an A4 contents page but, realised that I would be able to fit more content into an A3 contents page in order to meet the codes and conventions of a magazine. I have used the same colour palette as my Elton John cover to create a house style and brand identity. Additionally, I have tried to use images that have a similar colour palette as my contents page to look more professional and adhere to the colour palette. 

PRODUCTION: Update Elton cover
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3.4.

From the last from cover, my focus group gave me some feedback. They said that I would need to ad more cover-lines in order to meet the conventions of an entertainment magazine.  I have decided to move the original top-line/strap-line to the bottom and add a new strap-line/top-line. I have added in a barcode and another cover-line near the models face to replace the larger puff. I have decided to make the puff smaller so, I could add more cover-lines. I have asked my focus group the about the placement of the puff would be most suitable and 4/5 people preferred cover number 1 as this would draw more attention to the models face which would help create a stronger intertextual reference.

PRODUCTION: first draft of Princess Jasmine cover
1.2.

From the comments from my focus group, I have decided to dismiss cover number 1 as cover number 2 connected with the audience more. This could be due to the fact that cover number 2 has a stronger direct mode of address which would attract the 16-25 year old fun-loving audience more. Also, a comment from my focus group mentioned that the lighting was better in the second cover as brighter natural lighting has connotations of youthfulness and joy which would fit the needs and wants of a fun-loving audience.

PRODUCTION: Elton cover update 




From the comments from the focus group, I have decided to change the strap-line/top-line to different colours in order to make the names of the different 'films' more distinguishable. I have decided to change the typography of the name of the 'actors' to create a house style and make the typography bolder which would fit the brief of an entertainment magazine. Also, to fit in with the conventions of an entertainment magazine, I have added a 'sub-coverline' on top of the main cover-line to advertise the film and attract the 16-25 year old fun-loving audience of an exclusivity aspect as consumers are always looking for the latest trends and gossip. 

PRODUCTION: update to front covers 
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The responses from my focus group, I decided to dismiss the first cover since the colour scheme doesn't fit my fun-loving 16-25 year old as the picture is slightly dark and more mysterious. But, the second cover image reflects Elton John's stage persona more with the bright, fun coloured typography which could conform to stereotypes of gay men being flamboyant. But, also challenge stereotypes by  champion the under-representation of gay men and the LGBTQ+ community. 

GENERIC RESEARCH: case study 3 - entertainment weekly 

PRODUCTION: updated changes to first rough edit
1.2.

Update: 
I kept covers 1 and 2 due to my audience feedback. I have started to build on the these two covers. I have added cover lines to both covers, underneath the cover lines are pull quotes. I decided that I would made "50 GREATEST MUSICALS OF ALL TIME' on cover 2 into a cover line instead of a puff on cover 1 as there is less space on the left third on cover 2 than cover 1. 

PRODUCTION: first rough edit of Elton front cover

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3. 4.
Audience Feedback from the first rough edit: 



Conclusion: 
The comments and opinions from my focus group has helped me decide which covers would be most suitable for my 'fun-loving 16-25 year old mass market demographic'. I have decided to dismiss covers 3 and 4 because my focus group did not connect or think that the main image looked confident enough. This is very important that my model looks confident in order to create strong iconography and intertextuality of Elton John's bold and flamboyant stage persona. I would keep covers 1 and 2 due to face that cover 1 captures the theatrical and goofy side of Elton John and cover 2 looks more professional and bold. 
I also asked my focus group which colour scheme suited the front cover, either red or blue. The majority of my focus group said that they preferred the blue over the red. So, I decided to dismiss the red colour scheme and go with the blue instead as the blue emphasises the blue undertones in the rhinestones creating a in synced and clear house-style. 

PLANNING: Princess Jasmine contact sheet

This is my Princess Jasmine contact sheet. Again I will have to dismiss the ones that do not look professional such as unflattering lighting, hair in the eyes, eye closed and narrow down my options to find the perfect front cover. 

PLANNING: Elton John contact sheet

Here is some of the hundreds of pictures from the Elton John photoshoot. I will need to dismiss the ones that would not be suitable for my front cover such as harsh lighting, if the model doesn't look confident, feathers out of place etc. and narrow down my options. I made sure that I took lots of pictures just n case I changed my mind later on about the different locations around the Natural History Museum or facial experience or shot types.