Media Studies

Advanced GCE in Media Studies H409/03/04 Making media

Statement of Intent

Centre number Centre name

18125 City College Norwich Commented [CS1]:

Candidate number Candidate name

3999 Callum Southgate

Brief chosen:

Component 3: Non-exam Assessment

How do you intend to use the four areas of the media theoretical framework to communicate meaning
and meet the requirements of your chosen brief? (approx. 400 words)

Product 1

In my magazine I intend to research, plan, design and create an entertainment magazine that appeals
to the brief demographic of a fun loving 16-25-year-old. I have decided to focus the genre of my
entertainment magazine on video gaming and technology. This industry has a diverse audience but is
typically associated with teens. I will therefore incorporate features that target consumers from both
genders, different social and cultural groups, whilst maintaining the focus on the briefed
demographic.

I will include representations from predominantly male stereotypes, given the fact the typical
audience profile for video games magazines are mostly young teenage men and adults. For example,
the colour scheme will focus on dark masculine colours, such as red, green and black, to connote
action and escapism. However, I aim to subvert representations of my main audience by representing
anti stereotypes such as female video game characters and content that appeals to females, to fit the
brief. My images will represent my generic reader and content I believe they would read. This will
allow them to relate and immerse themselves in the magazine. I also aim to construct representations
of typical scenes from video games including action, fight and dramatic sequences. This type of
image conforms with industry expectations as it is very common in video game magazines.

The younger audience will reflect a lower price, as to be affordable and appeal to their limited disposable
income. I will construct representations through Mise en scene: props such as games consoles, costumes
and merchandise. Locations and actors, that reflects the content, context and style of video games.

CCS438 – Statement of Intent CCS/H409

Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations
 The magazines for gaming follow conventional style in content, narrative and organisation, but
differentiate from brand to brand. Different genres of magazines have a house style that promotes
and identifies a USP, this distinguishes my magazine, and establishes a loyal customer base.

The language I aim to use will be largely informal and of a conversational tone to attract a younger
audience who may use magazines as form of recreation or to escape reality through the fiction of
video games. The lexis will reflect the content to grab the reader’s attention, for example if the main
cover line was of a action video game the lexis would be synonymous of the genre. Young readers
need to be desensitized to traditional magazine formats in order to engage and my design aims to
achieve this. The masthead title “Rebel gamer” aims to communicate meaning that this magazine is
aimed at not your typical gamer/reader and will represent meaning that subvert stereotypes, therefore
it should have a wide appeal with several demographics, including the brief of a 16-25 year old.

My front cover will represent different social groups, one edition focusing on a male stereotypical
gamer and the other representing a female video game character. The front covers will follow a
similar template and design but differ to show they are separate editions through use of arrangement,
cover lines and colours. My contents pages will follow a similar arrangement to represent a brand
identity between my magazine editions but cover different articles and images. On my contents page I
will include social media references to demonstrate the convergence from my physical to digital
platforms.

My Website intends to construct representations using colours and design features that are aimed at
fun loving young people. My website will use interactive features, such as videos of the design
process of my magazine and social media assets, that make using my website unique and engaging.
Also establish a strong relationship between both platforms I will make intertextual references that
compliment my physical magazines. My websites web address will feature in my magazine to
increase exposure and communicate that the magazine is for a technologically advanced
demographic of young people. The content in my website will communicate exclusive content that
cannot be found in the physical copy, this will drive readership online. The industry is favouring the
use of online platforms to sell their magazines and my website will therefore promote the physical
and online versions to create synergy and demonstrate the convergent nature of video game
magazines. Social media is an important element in reaching the chosen demographic of the brief, so
my website will feature cross social media convergence with various platforms. To bring more
interaction with audience my linked page on my website will use feedback and reviews to engage
readers and build a relationship with the reader.

How do you intend to link your media products to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of
the digitally convergent nature of your media production? (approx. 100 words)

I intend to link my physical and online platforms for my magazine through creating synergy and
intertextual references between them. To drive more traffic to my website, I will provide exclusive
content that I will mention in my magazine. To demonstrate the convergence between my products I
will include content on my online platform that explains in further detail sections from magazines, as
well as features such as behind the scenes and the opportunity for reader feedback. I will use a
consistent house style and masthead to show compatibility between my products and build a strong
identity. My website will include a linked page showing all editions of the magazine, and help
audiences understand the focus of my magazine and review older editions, this should increase
readership by making it accessible online. Social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube
will be referenced across platforms to show how digital convergence is used, this will make it more
engaging and Interactive, this is effective as the target consumer are young and aware of digital
products more so. The images on my magazine will relate those on my website to show clear identity
and convergence.

CCS438 – Statement of Intent CCS/H409

Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations
CCS438 – Statement of Intent CCS/H409
Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations