Magazine Brief 2020 Reminder

Brief 3 Magazines and online

Requirements of the brief

You work for an independent media production company. You have been given the task of producing one front cover and the contents page(s) of the first two editions of a new entertainment magazine that is being launched by Hearst Magazines UK and the working website for magazine.

Contents pages can be either single or double page spread. The web pages must promote the new magazine to its target audience and enable fans to interact with the content.

Summary of brief requirements:
• Statement of Intent (approx. 500 words)1
• Entertainment magazine covers and contents pages: two or three pages for each of the first two editions (based on choice of single or double page spread).
• Magazine distribution method:
Content must be suitable for retail distribution.
• Number of web pages: One homepage and one linked page.
• Cross-media production target audience: a funloving 16–25 year old mass market demographic.

There must be a clear sense of branding across the two elements of the cross-media production.

Production detail
The production of the magazine covers and contents pages must include (as a minimum):

At least four different main images using original photography across the covers and contents pages. Editing of magazine covers and contents pages (including photos, text, graphics, typography and layout).

Written text including masthead, main coverline, selling lines, headlines, captions, subtitles and copy. A different setting for each cover (this may be the same location with a significantly different use of staging, mise-en-scene and / or lighting).

Different material for each magazine’s contents page(s). At least two models representing at least two different social groups across the magazine covers and contents pages. A call to action pointing readers to the online website.

The production of the web pages must include (as a minimum):

Original audio or audio-visual content appropriate to the online website. A minimum of two original images, (with at least one different original image on each of the two pages) that promotes and reinforces the brand identity of the magazine.

Appropriate conventions of website design, including an original title and logo for the magazine and a menu bar. Text introducing the main features of the magazine. Working links from the home page to the other page. A range of appropriate media language techniques (typography, images, fonts, backgrounds, logos etc.) as appropriate to the purpose of the website.