Unit 1 Fact Sheet Natalia
Cipkowska
Production process
The production process is the making and the different stages involved in the
making of producing a media product. There are three key stages in the
Production Process. They are Pre-Production, Production, Post-Production.
● Pre-Production - the pre-production stage is where all preparation,
planning and research is done.
● Production - The Production Process involves the actual producing
and making of the material.
● Post-Production - The post-production stage is where all the editing
and construction is done.
Magazine Production Equipment and Softwear
DSLR Camera
A DSLR Camera is a digital camera that you can transfer photos from onto a
computer. You can change the way a photo looks/Camera works by changing
the settings on the camera. It has a mirror inside that lets you see exactly
what the lens sees through a little window called the viewfinder. DSLR stands
for: Digital Single-Lens Reflex. A DSLR camera is needed for magazine
production because of its abilities to take high quality photos. It can be
bought in PC Currys for £699.99.
DSLR Cameras - Digital SLR Cameras | Currys
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is a software where you can manipulate and edit images.
You can also change the brightness and contrast or add filters and effects.
You can also add text to photos and crop/resize images to how you want
them. Photoshop is needed for magazine production as it allows the
magazine to edit photographs used in their articles to how they want them to
look. For example; they could add a certain filter to suit their house style
better. You can now buy Adobe photoshop on the Adobe website on a
membership for £9.98 for the first 3 months, then full price for 9 months
which is £21.90.
Creative Cloud pricing and membership plans | Adobe Creative Cloud
Desktop Publishing Softwear
A desktop publishing software, more specifically Quark Xpress, is a software
that is used to help layout text in magazine articles and pages based on
products. It can help edit and add text and insert and layout images. You can
buy it on an annual subscription for £259 on the QuarkXpress website.
QuarkXPress | Desktop Publishing Software & Page Layout Software
The three main specialised equipment and software needed to make a
magazine are: DSLR camera, Photoshop and desktop and Publishing
software
Magazine Production Process
Pre Production - Content
In this stage it is where the editorial teams meet so they can share ideas
and make decisions about content. The editor will assign different articles
to writers. Writers will start to plan and research for their designated
articles and this stage is important because all content decisions are made
and roles and responsibilities are established.
Pre Production - Flat Planning
A flat plan is a visual blueprint or grid showing the complete layout and
mapping of where the images, articles, photos and advertisement will be it also
shows page by page the breakdown issue of the magazine and how it will be laid
out. It also allows the editing team to easily rearrange the layout and order of
the magazine. It also allows the editing team to adjust the length and layout and
it gives them a better understanding of the text and the images.
Production
In the production stage the research will be completed about the articles and the
magazine. Writers will write and produce the articles and photoshoots will be
taken for the article. They will also need to check if they need archive images
meaning they would have to search and find them.
Production - Writing and Sub-Editing
In this stage the sub editor checks all the articles for grammar. If the articles are
too long the sub editor will cut them down or ask the writer to, if the article is too
short the sub editor will ask them to make it longer. In this stage desktop
publishing software such as quark is used. The sub editor might also use pre-set
templates. This stage is important because the pages are constructed and created.
Post Production - Checking Printers Proof
In this stage the final pages are sent to publishers. They then a mock up and send
it back to the editors so it can be approved.
Post Production - Completion and Distribution
The editors will give approval, they will all be printed and produced and then sent
off to the distributors.
Magazine production Roles
Magazine Job Roles
Sub-editor
A magazine sub-editor has the responsibility of overseeing the contents,
layout and design of articles. They make sure that stories are accurate,do not
compromise legality and comply with the house style. They also may rewrite
articles,check if facts are correct and design pages.
Magazine Photographer
A magazine photographer is responsible for planning, capturing, and editing
visually compelling images that align with a publication’s creative direction,
working closely with editors, stylists, and art directors to produce
high‑quality photographs that enhance stories, portray subjects
authentically, and uphold the magazine’s aesthetic and brand standards.
Magazine Graphic designer
A magazine graphic designer creates visually engaging layouts by combining
typography, images, colour, and design elements to communicate the publication’s
tone and storytelling, collaborating with editors, photographers, and art directors
to ensure each issue is cohesive, on‑brand, and appealing to readers.