Unit 1 FACT SHEET Octavian Ulinici

Production Process
Production process refers to the process and stages in which a media product is made.
There a three stages for a production process:
● Pre-production which is the planning stage for the media product.
● Production which is where the material for the media product is made.
● Post-production this is the time for editing and constructing the final product and
also is the right time to make any last adjustments before the product is published.

Magazine Production Equipment and Software

There are a few things you need to make a magazine which is:

● DSLR Camera [Link]

A DSLR, or Digital Single-Lens Reflex camera, is a type of
camera that uses a mirror and prism system to allow the
photographer to see the exact scene they are about to
capture through the viewfinder. It can digitally store images
by transferring them to a device through cable connection. It
has different modes for the user to adjust to in order to
make photograph taking easier and more comfortable.
DSLR cameras are good for magazine production because
they provide a direct, accurate preview of the scene,
making it easier to capture moments in high quality. This
certain DSLR camera is £249 which is a reasonable price
for a high quality and capable camera.

● Adobe Photoshop
[Link]
Adobe Photoshop is a famous image editing software that is
commonly used in media development that requires either
monthly or annual payment, £21.98 per month and £262.51
per year. It offers a variety of tools for manipulating images,
from basic adjustments like brightness and contrast to
advanced techniques such as retouching, compositing, and 3D
modeling. Designers use it to create stunning visuals for
websites and advertisements. Photographers rely on it for
enhancing images, removing blemishes, and creating artistic
effects. Video editors use it for making special effects, creating
motion graphics, and enhancing visual elements within video
projects.
 ● Desktop Publishing Software - Quark [Link]

Quark, specifically QuarkXPress, is a popular desktop

publishing software that is very popular in media development.
It's a very useful tool for creating high-quality layouts for
magazines, newspapers and other print and digital publications.
QuarkXPress offers advanced features like advanced text
control and advanced color management making it a preferred
choice for professionals in the magazine industry. With its wide
range of uses and being popular among famous publishers in
the media industry makes Quark an important tool for the
growing media industry. The annual subscription to use
QuarkXPress is £279. However a permanent licence is available at the reasonable price of
£594.

Magazine Production Process

Pre-Production - Content
In the content stage of the pre-production, the editorial team share the ideas they come up
with, make plans on the content they are going to make and eventually make important
decisions. Necessary research is made whilst essential decisions are made like the roles,
articles are allocated and established.

⇣
Pre Production - Flat Planning
The flat plan is a page by page plan for a magazine to help construct order and clearly
show how the articles and adverts are laid out. It helps to make sure everyone is
organised and knows what to do. The editorial team creates the flat plan in order to easily
adjust and to create structure for the context. The flat plan also helps to identify what
images are needed and where they need to go.

⇣
Production
During the production stage the editorial team and the writers will plan out the articles and
also conduct the research needed. After the necessary research is finished the articles will
be written and completed. Additionally the team will organise photoshoots and conduct
them. Lastly they will identify if archived images are needed and if that's the case they will
arrange access to them.

⇣
Production - Writing and Sub-editing
In this stage the sub-editor checks through all of the articles that have been written and
looks for any spelling errors, grammar errors and checks the length of the articles. If the
 article is too short the sub-editor will ask the person who wrote the article to make it
longer. If the article is too long the sub-editor will ask the person who wrote the article to
make it shorter or sometimes they will cut the article down themselves. This is also the
stage where the Desktop Publishing Software is used in order to make the layout of the
articles and contents, including the images. The sub-editor may use pre-made templates
that match with the house style. This stage is essential because it is when the magazine
pages are constructed.

⇣
Post Production - Checking Printers Proof
In this stage the final product is sent to the publishers. The publishers then provide a
mock-up to give to the editors for final approval.

⇣
Post Production - Completion and Distribution
This stage starts once the editors give approval for the magazine to be published. Then all
copies are printed and assembled. Lastly all the prints are sent to distributor companies,
retailers and customers.

Magazine Production Roles

This is the production role panel from FourFourTwo magazine.

Magazine Job Roles

Sub-editor:
A sub-editors role in magazine production is to check and edit written content
for accuracy, grammar and spelling. They also make sure that the content is
suitable for the target audience of the magazine and also check if any laws
are not being followed. The sub-editor also makes sure that the content is
factually correct and also makes sure that the magazine articles are not too
long or too short. They will also edit headlines and stories to what they see fit
if necessary.

Graphic designer:
A graphic designer in magazine production creates a layout and the design of
the magazine. Most of the time they use certain software that specializes in
text management and editing. Graphic designers also select certain images
and edit them to put on magazines. They also create concept visuals for the
readers to visualize. They may also work with certain people if need be in
order to meet deadlines and certain quality standards.

Photographer:
A photographer in magazine production takes photographs for editorial
content, advertising and marketing. They also edit their photographs in order
to match the magazine's style and theme. Photographers also tend to meet
with the editors to discuss the magazine’s photography needs.
Photographers tend to care very much for their equipment and maintain it as best as they
can.