Unit 1 FACT SHEET QUINN CAIE
Production Process
The production process refers to the process of making a media product. For example: a film
or radio show.
There are 3 stages to a media production. These are:
● Pre-production: the pre-production phrase is the planning stage of the production\
product.
● Production: the production phase is when the product is actually being made. An
example would be filming a scene or recording a show.
● Post-production: the post-production phase is the final phase and traditionally
consists of editing and construction.
Magazine production equipment and software
There are a few pieces of equipment and some software you need to make a magazine.
These are:
DSLR camera.
A DSLR camera is a type of digital camera with more options than
traditional cameras. DSLR stands for: digital single-lens reflex. A
DSLR camera is used for taking high quality photographs. The
reason that DSLR cameras are used in the production of
magazines is because they offer superior quality, more precision
and more editing options like shutter speed and aperture settings.
They can also upload their photographs onto computers easily
with USB cords which makes magazine development easier.
The following link is a camera that can be bought from Argos for £249.99p. DSLR cameras
can be up to the thousands in price.
[Link]
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Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is a design software used for editing
images and photographs. This can include adding and
removing, background and foreground editing, lighting,
shadows and more. It is needed for magazine production
because magazines use photographs or images for articles.
For example: a motor magazine would have a picture of a vehicle in a warehouse. The
images and photographs used in magazines need to be visually interesting and appealing to
the audience and this can sometimes not be accomplished by the photographer, therefore
the picture will be edited using adobe photoshop in the post-production phase of the
production process.
Photoshop can cost up to £21.98p, to £9.98p. It has two different types: Adobe photoshop
and Adobe express. Adobe express is the free model and therefore not used because it has
less features.
This link goes to the front page of Adobe photoshop where you can buy a subscription.
[Link]
Desktop publishing software For example: Quark and InDesign.
Quarkxpress is a type of publishing programme that
is used for creating and editing prints or digital
designs. The software has colour choices, image
formatting and a quick access toolbar. It can be
used for making magazines and websites. It is
needed for magazine production because editors
and writers need an easy to use software to
organise their magazine layouts and to ensure that
their magazine has a sensible layout and is easy to
read.
The annual subscription to Quark is £279. However, you can buy a permanent
licence/purchase the product permanently for £594. The original price was £699, but £594 is
the sale price as of writing this segment.
The following link directs you to the website where you can buy one of the two subscriptions:
[Link]
Magazine Production Process
Pre production - content
In the content section of pre-production the editorial team meets, in person or virtually, to
make and share ideas and to make decisions about the content of the articles.
The head editor of the issue assigns the writers to their respective article where they will
conduct research on the topic and article to make it the best that it can be.
This is an essential stage because targets and goals are established, and roles are
assigned.
⬇
Pre production - flat planning
At this stage of pre-production the team goes through flat planning. Flat planning is a page
by page plan of what an entire article will look like and how it will be laid out. It lets the
editing team adjust the order, size and content of articles. It identifies what images are
needed and where they will go. This is important because it ensures that the article is
readable and organised. It also gives writers an expectation of quality and what the
finished product should or will look like.
⬇
Production
In the early production stage the teams work together and conduct research. Articles are
written and any necessary photoshoots are conducted. Any need for archived images
(images that have already been taken and were not made for the issue) will be identified.
⬇
Production - writing and sub-editing
In this stage of production the sub editor checks through the written articles for spelling
and grammar errors. If articles are too long then the editor will ask the respective writer to
shorten it. If the article is too long then the sub editor then they will shorten it themselves
or ask for it to be shortened by the writer. At this stage the desktop publishing software is
used to lay the article out. Templates conforming to the house style can also be used. This
stage is essential because it is when the article pages are constructed.
⬇
Post production - checking printers proof
In this stage of production the final completed pages are sent to publishers. The publishers
make a mock-up and send it back to the editors for final approval before publication.
⬇
Post production - completion and distribution
In this stage of post production the editors give their full approval for the publication of the
magazine. All final copies are printed and sent to distributors to be sold on the public
market.
Magazine production roles
Here is the production role panel for Empire magazine.
Magazine job roles
Sub-editor
The sub editor of a magazine reviews and edits articles. They make sure they are accurate
and follow the goals of the magazine.
Staff writer
Staff writers for magazines do research for articles to make sure the writers are following
trends and anything popular. They work with multiple departments and will sometimes
conduct interviews.
Graphic designer
A graphic designer working for a magazine company will use digital software to create
different designs for the cover and the layout inside of the magazine. They work to make
sure everything looks appealing for readers and that the magazine has a sensible layout.