Introduction to media A2 Coursework.

For our A2 Media Studies coursework we where presented with a staple sheet listing 13 possible briefs we could chose from to complete which contributes to 50% of our grade.
I was initially interested in two briefs:
1) A promotional package for the release of an album to include a music promo video, together with
- A cover for the artists new album with a case
- A magazine advertisement for the CD.

I was also interested in the brief:
5) A promotion package for a new soap opera, to include a TV trailer, together with:
- A listings magazine front cover featuring the new soap
- A poster for the soap.

I was interested in brief number 1 for i have grown up being surrounded by the development of pop music within in 90s and it fascinates me to analyse how the artists within the music videos are being marketed and branded. It interesting how the marketing of bands have changed with new sub genres e.g. Indie Rock has influenced and created a different type of music videos in contrast with a teen pop music video e.g. Backstreet Boys. Its interesting to analyse how the band are targeting their target audience and analysing if different genres of music include different type of conventions than other genres.
I initially got excited with the idea of creating a CD case which has to include a cover and a track list at the back as once again it all has to be targeted at a certain audience and it has to reflect the genre the band want to portray they specialise in. Its interesting how a single picture and font can present the artist with a certain image which, if they are a new recent band / artist will establish them with that certain image.
I am also interested in creating the magazine advertisement for the album as i come across these all the time especially within Heat magazine and NME magazine. Again this advertisement will be cleverly produced to target a certain audience who may be interested within that album. These adverts are also placed in certain magazines which will attract the audience the music company wants the album to.

I was also interested with brief number five, to produce a trailer for a new soap opera. On television you don't really see advertisements for soap operas unless they are planning an explosive climax for an on going story, for example when Coronation street advertises itself on ITV, it's usually a big wedding with the voice over questioning 'will it be Becky's happiest day?' followed by the name of 'Coronation Street' changed into 'Devastation Street' which is heavily ambiguous and excites the audience. I have also seen adverts on the BBC for Eastenders Christmas specials where it suggests a climax on that episode from a long on going story. I'm interested in investigating why weddings and Christmas episodes are all about creating suspense and excitement for the audience.
TV magazines attract a big audience in society, stretching from my 16 year old cousin buying them to my 80 year old grandma. Its interesting to find out how they have such a wide a target audience, is it the 'big story line reveals' or perhaps the 'celebrity interviews' within the magazine. The font and main image would have to be presented a certain way to possibly attract this vast audience which would be interesting to try and replicate.
I've personally seen advertisements on bus shelters and around the city center advertising the soap, but once again it's usually new characters which are coming into the soap which is advertised or once again a major even within the soap for e.g. a climax at a wedding or at Christmas time. These have to excite and make the audience think as these posters are usually once again ambiguous as they don't reveal too much as it's a case of making the audience tune into that certain episode and all their questions will be answered and expectations will be met.

With giving these two breifs a serious thought, I've decided on doing brief 1. Creating a music video, a CD case and a magazine advertisement advertising the artist and their new record. I found this would be very challenging however I'm much more interested creating analysing music videos, all the shots you could use, creative editing and creating a storyline for my chosen song fascinates me. I'm interested with what i will come up with and for the planning to start!!