Draft Article

The break-up of the world famous band, Snakebite, has been the biggest news in rock so far this year. The band that brought us hits such as ‘No Way Back’ and ‘Panic’ is no more, and fans around the world have been in mourning. But the biggest question everyone wants an answer to is, why? The band is infamous for the members regular dramatic fall outs, but what was so different this time that caused the band to actually split? Well, we’re about to find out. Reckless has an exclusive, one off, no holds barred interview with the former voice of Snakebite, Nigel Hart.

So, Nigel, how are you feeling?

I’m feeling great! (laughs) Those guys were bringing me down. 20 years of being stuck with a bunch of boring, averagely talented guys was such a burden. Now I feel as though a weight has been lifted and I’m just ready to get back out there on my own, when I can really do myself justice.

What brought about the split? The band is well known for the fall outs, but how come this time you decided to leave?

We argued all the time, yeah, but usually I’d decide to stay because it was the easiest thing to do. Back then I couldn’t be bothered to go it alone and all that stuff. But this time it just got too much, I couldn’t have stayed even if I’d wanted to.  The band knows they need me, but they were just too stubborn to get me to stay. They’ll come crawling back when they realise they’re a bunch of losers without me, but I’m over it now.

What had you all been arguing about exactly?

I don’t want to say, privacy and all that. But what I will say is that you can’t believe a word any of them say. Particularly Peter. They’ll lie about anything.

Paul (the drummer) recently did an interview saying that you had a massive ego and that effectively brought about the split. What do you have to say to that?

(laughs loudly and shouts over to his new manager) Hey, Richard, you heard this? Paul doesn’t know what he’s talking about. I don’t have a big ego. I know I’m good at what I do, but some people just can’t face the truth. He was jealous. We all know the drummers get the least attention in any band.

Would you ever consider a reunion? We know the fans would love to see that!

(shakes head) No way. I don’t even want to be in the same room as the rest of them guys. They’re a bunch of talentless nobody’s. The fans don’t need to worry, I’m currently in talks with my record label and I’m going to make my own massive comeback! It’ll be bigger and better than Snakebite ever was.

So what have you got planned for your career next?

Well, this solo comeback is gunna be huge! I’m currently producing a new album, and we’re in the middle of claiming the copyright to a load of the old Snakebite stuff. It was all down to me, those records. I did all the writing, the rest couldn’t be bothered. So yeah, the fans can look forward to hearing some of their old favourites! I’m doing a world tour, and the tickets go on sale next Monday on my website. I’m also planning on doing a few UK festivals this summer, but it’s all on the down low.

Will you keep in touch with any of the band?

Nope. Although when they’re all unemployed and skint, I might consider making them my roadies. I can always do with a few more people to carry my bags! (laughs)

Thanks for talking to Reckless, Nigel! Best of luck!

(laughs) Luck? I don’t need luck! Thanks, anytime!

So, there are your answers. The band may be over, but apparently Nigel isn’t. But will he be as successful without the rest of the band? Only time will tell. For more information about Nigel’s tour and upcoming album, visit www.nigelhart.com.

Double Page Spread Layout Choices

This is two different layout of my double page spread. I know the basic layout I am aiming for, in that the image is on the left hand side, with a quote across it. However, I was unsure as to where to position the title. On my flat plan I originally had the title positioned at the top of the left page, with one part of the text on an angle. I liked this idea as the tilted font looked effective and almost as if it was broken, suiting the nature of the article about a broken up band.However, when  I actually positioned the title like this, I felt as though the right hand side would look a bite bare, even once the article was in place. I also felt that the title didnt make as much of an impact being positioned on the left. After trying it out in either position and comparing them, I much prefer the title on the right hand side. It looks alot more eye catching and effective.

Front Covers

This was my first possible magazine cover, in which I used the image I had originally planned in my flat plan. I was very happy with the image, however when it was used on the cover I wasn't as happy with it. I think the main problem was that the brick wall in the background detracted away from the sell lines and masthead, and generally made the the cover look too cluttered and unprofessional. After looking at Kerrang magazine, I noticed that the majority of their cover shoots were in a studio with a solid coloured background. In order to make my magazine look as professional as possible I wanted to experiment with some of the images from my other photoshoots. 

I went on to try out the cover with the image that was originally going to be used on my double page spread. I think the cover looks better with an image with a white background as the masthead and sell lines look much more effective, however I think this image just left too much blank space in order to be suitable for a front cover image.

I then used one of my other images which used to originally planned front cover models. I think this looks much more effective as the actual image takes up more of the page, and also I really like the image. I think it looks much more professional, and after some rearranging of the sell lines and banners, it looked much more effective. 

Front Cover Photoshoot

I was very happy with my cover shoot images, and I got a variety of shots in different locations so that I could find the best possible image. I think the models look very edgy and effective, particularly due to the costume and make up choices. The aim was to make Danielle the obvious focal point of the image, being the only female in the band, and I think due to her bright hair colour combined with the positioning of the models really reinforces that idea.

Contents page photoshoot

This is a contact sheet of all my images for one of the thumbnails on the contents page. Many of the images aren't suitable, but this gives me a wide range of choice of which image I will use.
The model is wearing relevant, edgy and alternative clothes, and the hair and make up choices add to the models attitude.

DPS photoshoot images

I didn't plan this pose before the photo shoot, but i think it looks very effective. The model looks full of attitude and confidence, reinforcing the idea that he is a world famous rock star. He is looking directly at the camera, and because he is on the same level it connotes that he is down to earth. I may use this image on the contents page, or perhaps in the bottom right corner of the double page spread.

These images are all very similar, and are fitting with my initial planned pose on my flat plans. The models body language and facial expression all give off attitude, and add a serious element to the article. His relaxed body language gives off a cocky impression, and signify his high status in that he is a rock star. The sunglasses also add to this as they add an element of mystery, which prevents the audience from being able to fully connect with the image. The differences between these images are the amount of blank space around the model, so depending on the layout of my double page spread, this will effect which of these images I use. This image will be the main feature of the DPS, and will take up a whole page. 

These images are again very similar, but with different facial expressions. I personally prefer the second image, with the serious, stern facial expression, as I think it is more fitting with the rock star character I have created. Also it is more fitting with the tone of the related article, as the article is going to be a tell all interview slagging off his former band mates. I will use this image on the contents page, as a small thumbnail attached to a caption. 

Working on set

These are images from when I was doing the make up before one of my shoots. I was following one of the make up tutorials I inserted in another post in order to achieve the smokey eye effect. I also decided to add false eye lashes to make the look more effective.

Progress of my Front Cover

This is two images of my cover layout in the beginning stages. I am happy with the masthead as I think it looks very effective, and I also very much like the font of the main sell line. I still need to add more smaller sell lines around the sides of the page. In my flat plan I decided I wanted to have a banner across the bottom for one sell line, and at the moment I am trying to decide what colour to make the banner. I want to stick with the black and red theme, and I can't decide between a black or red banner. I will probably decide properly once I have inserted the image and once I get some feedback from my teachers and peers.

Lighting Plans

The light set-up i will use when taking the images I will use on my magazine cover and contents page is the two light set up. The advantages of the two light set up is that it adds more light to the image, and prevents the models face from becoming shadowed on one side of their face. When the light reflects off the the umbrella and down onto the subject, the main light provides some light but the opposite side of the model can become shadowed, so by using another light and umbrella on the opposite side, not only does it brighten the image but it also prevents it becoming shadowed. 


I will be using the photo studio for two of my images, one with just 1 model, another with 4. It is important that the lighting looks professional as otherwise the images just won't look suitable. I want my images to resemble that of Kerrang magazine, and this will mean that I must ensure that the lighting is just right. 

Article Planning

Your article
My article is an interview with the former lead singer of a recently broken up band, after a high profile split. The questions will be asking about the split, and will generally be a tell all interview slagging off the rest of the band. 
Style:
I will use fairly informal language, reflecting the chatty style of the interview. It will be a transcript of a conversation, therefore the language will include slang etc. The aim of the article is to make the reader feel as though they themselves are having a personal chat with the star, and finding out exclusive information about what has been happening. 
Due to the fact that this is an interview slagging off other people, the language used will reflect this. For example, words like "idiots" etc. 
The article will also feature words related to the music industry (gigs, touring, promotion etc) will be used, however nothing that will be unintelligible to a person with no understanding of the music industry. 

Before the start:
The headline of the article will be "Snakebite Bites Back"; this is a play on words as the band name is Snakebite, and the "biting back" is the singer getting revenge on the rest of the band. This would appeal to the reader as it is immediately obvious what the topic is, and the play on words is eye catching and humorous. 

Beginning:
The first paragraph will briefly explain the high profile split, and will encourage the readers to read on as it will include words like "exclusive", "personal", and "no holds barred".


Structure:
My article will be structured in a question then answer style, beginning with an introduction to the story and then a sentence to finish it off, giving information of the artists upcoming releases etc. 

Ending:
The ending of the article will sum up the interview, and will give information on what the star will be doing next (eg. new releases)
Extra text on the page:
I will include quotes in a larger font throughout the article, in order to break up the article and give the reader quick information as the the tone of the article at a first glance at the page. I may also include a small timeline of the band, giving background information. 

Production Schedule

Week beginning 7th February

This week I am beginning the production of my magazine. I have a rough cut deadline of Wednesday 2nd March, so I am going to organise my time, lesson by lesson.

Wednesday 9th Feb
Article planning
Lighting plans
Contents page shoot (model - Amy) - at home

Thursday 10th Feb
Double page spread photoshoot
Front cover layout (photoshop) - in lesson

Friday 11th Feb
Cover photoshoot
Contents page layout

Tuesday 15th Feb
Contents page layout

Wednesday 16th Feb
Draft article

Thursday 17th Feb
Draft article

Friday 18th Feb
Double page spread layout and inserting article (InDesign)

Tuesday1st March
Edit images and insert onto cover, contents and article

Release Forms and Call Sheets

Recce of Location

This is the images of the photo studio in college which I am going to use for two of my images; one being used on the contents page and the other for the double page spread. I will be using the lighting equipment as I will be shooting with a two point light set up, so on the day of the shoot the studio will look a lot like this.  In terms of access, I have booked the photo studio for one of my free periods so that I can ensure that I can get all of my images in one go. 

This is the location of what will be my front cover image; it is a small bridge outside of the Art's Centre, and in my test shoots the location suited very well. The brick wall and battered railing and door give a tough feel to the location, suiting the "rock band" which will be featured on the cover. Four models will be positioned on here, therefore I am aware that it will be fairly cramped and the models will have to be careful. I have access to this as it is immediately next to the classroom, the only issue is the small work space, however as long as my models are sensible, the shoot should run smoothly.

This is an area outside of my house, which I will be using as the location for one of my images which will be used on the contents page. The model will be positioned against the wall and it will be a medium close up, similar to one of my test shoots. The brick wall in the background again gives an edgy and rock-star-esque impression, therefore is suitable for the magazine and the audience. I have easy access to this area, therefore there is no time restraints on my shoot.