Ill Manors Print Platform: Initial Task

GQ Magazine Article

1) Identify the target audience (demographics/psychographics) for this magazine. How is that particular audience attracted?

Target audience: male 16-30
Demographic: ABC1
Psychographic: succeeders

2) Does the article do more than just entertain? How? (Think of Uses and Gratifications theory)

Personal relationship
Personal Identity

3) Does this text allow the audience to participate/contribute? (E.g. leave comments) How is this different to the print version of the magazine?

Like the print version, there is no where for the audience to participate a leave a comment, maybe because they don't believe that their brand is something for people to publicly comment on.

4) What codes/conventions of print interviews can you find in the article? 

Similar to the print interviews, the article has the questions asked and the responses spaced out and in different font sizes and colours which allows the readers to differentiate the two.

5) How is narrative used to tell a story in each interview? Clue: what is it that keeps the reader interested in the article?

There is a lot of reference about Plan B's movies and role as a director and musician but their is also a lot of focus on Plan B's style and views on society which will attract many readers as they will be interested in the views of a celebrity (opinion leader).

6) What synergy can you find between this text and the broadcast examples we have studied?

The Ill Manors music video is clearly shown on the page and there is reference to another artist's (Kanye West and Jay Z) music video. There is also a specific book that Plan B particularly liked, mentioned in the article.

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Guardian Interview

1) Identify the target audience (demographics/psychographics) for this magazine. How is that particular audience attracted?

Target audience: 20-50
Demographic: ABC1
Psychographic: Succeeder/reformer

2) Does the article do more than just entertain? How? (Think of Uses and Gratifications theory)

Surveillance

3) Does this text allow the audience to participate/contribute? (E.g. leave comments) How is this different to the print version of the magazine?

The article allows the audience to share the stories with others on social networking sites but it does not allow a comment to be directly left.

4) What codes/conventions of print interviews can you find in the article?

Like most newspaper articles, there isn't any evident question and answer formats but it seems like one long piece of text with more sophisticated language used in comparison to other magazines. 

5) How is narrative used to tell a story in each interview? Clue: what is it that keeps the reader interested in the article?

The article focuses on Plan B's background and how he grew up along with his career as a director. It keeps the readers interested as the target audience would be more interested in hard facts about Plan B rather than his opinions.

6) What synergy can you find between this text and the broadcast examples we have studied?

The main focus across the media platforms remains the same, to help gain a little respect for what the society labels as gangsters. Also focuses on the representations of the disadvantaged youths of today's day and age.

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NME Magazine Interview

1) Identify the target audience (demographics/psychographics) for this magazine. How is that particular audience attracted?

Target audience: 16-26
Demographic: C2DE
Psychographic: Explorers

2) Does the article do more than just entertain? How? (Think of Uses and Gratifications theory)

Personal identity
Personal Relationship
Surveillance

3) Does this text allow the audience to participate/contribute? (E.g. leave comments) How is this different to the print version of the magazine?

This text allows audience to participate and leave comments by them creating an NME account which allows them to be informed on anything new on NME.

4) What codes/conventions of print interviews can you find in the article? 

Key quotations from the article are taken out to show either importance or something interesting. 

5) How is narrative used to tell a story in each interview? Clue: what is it that keeps the reader interested in the article?

The article briefly informs readers when they can see the film and buy the official Ill manors soundtrack while also mentioning his political views. The full article is unavailable on the website but the short preview of the article makes readers want to continue reading it therefore being more inclined to buy a print copy.

6) What synergy can you find between this text and the broadcast examples we have studied?

The synergy included is the mention of the Ill Manors soundtrack and the print copy of the magazine.

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Men's Health Magazine Interview

1) Identify the target audience (demographics/psychographics) for this magazine. How is that particular audience attracted?

Target audience: Males 18-30 
Demographic: AB
Psychographic: Aspirers

2) Does the article do more than just entertain? How? (Think of Uses and Gratifications theory)

personal identity
surveillance

3) Does this text allow the audience to participate/contribute? (E.g. leave comments) How is this different to the print version of the magazine?

The audience is are able to post comments on the website by using Facebook accounts which is very different from the print version as the audience members are unable to easily actively participate in discussions.

4) What codes/conventions of print interviews can you find in the article? 

Similar to the print interviews, the article has the questions asked and the responses spaced out and in different font sizes and colours which allows the readers to differentiate the two.

5) How is narrative used to tell a story in each interview? Clue: what is it that keeps the reader interested in the article?

In each interview, the interviewee is always asked questions of health more than what the interviewee wants to promote. This allows the readers to feel a connection to celebrities as they both have interests in healthy lifestyle.

6) What synergy can you find between this text and the broadcast examples we have studied?

The mention of Ill Manors is synergy as it informs the readers who may not know about Plan B as a director, that he has a new film coming out.

Ill Manors Soundtrack & Album

The Ill manors soundtrack album which was released and produced by Ben Drew also known as Plan B was produced under a record label called Atlantic. The soundtrack itself was recorded in the Edge Recording Studio, later on released on the 23rd of July in 2012.  The difference between the production of his film and his soundtrack, was that the film was directed by himself, and the directing for the soundtrack was done by someone else in order to make sure that it was done properly.

The reason behind Plan B wanting to make the soundtrack, was because he felt that it was a great way in order to respond to the riots which occurred in 2011 involving similar children that starred in his film. This conveyed the correct message from Plan B and showed exactly what he wanted to which was the idea of children being rejected in society and the way they react to the way they feel. By showing people such as David Cameron in piles of waste and showing that they mean nothing to those in the riot, helps in order to show the reasons why the children feel they do and who makes them feel like that. As it is because of these politicians that there have been no changes and no other help given to those that come from troubled families. 

There were many ways in which Ben Drew himself decided to promote his album. He used many different methods, one way being by holding a launch party within a a secret location which as known and described by Ben himself as a 'dungeon'. It was soon after put on air live on Youtube which being a very large broadcasting platform, known well worldwide, gave him the chance to make his album known everywhere and not just in the UK. In addition to this he also performed in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, which was a live session on the TV broadcasted all over the UK.

The rating that was given for the album was 4 stars, the whole album was nominated for the Mercury Prize 2012. It also came first not only in the UK charts of 2012, but in the top 10 Irish albums and Australian albums. 

Ill Manors Print: Branding

1. What are the key conventions that help you identify the print text?

The way in which one can tell that this is a film poster is due to the fact that it has the release date on it, as to when the film is due to come out, this is shown at the bottom. In addition to this, there are also ratings on it, as shown at the top left of the poster and top right, an example being 'An Absolute Must See'. By Placing these on the poster attracts the audience in to watching the film, as it makes them curious and they begin to think what is so good about it, that it is 'an absolute must see'. Writing Ill Manors in the middle in such big writing is a good way in appealing to the audience, and in order to help make the title stick into their memory, allowing them to remember to watch it. Also having 'Plan B Presents' written on the front of the poster, just above, were Ill Manors is written, makes those that are already fans of Plan B, want to watch the film, making it appeal and attract the audience even more.

2. What design features help identify the Ill Manors brand?

The many different ways in which the design features help in order to promote the Ill Manors brand firstly, is by placing the image of an urban estate as the background of the poster. This shows were the film is based, and with Aaron holding a gun, shows that the film is based on those that live in those kind of areas and that there is a horrible reality of East London and not everything as great as it seems. The fact that the background image is also black and white, also connotes danger and the not so great side of leaving in an estate, as it makes it seem gloomy and scary.

3. What examples of synergy can you find with the broadcast platform or other print examples?

As Plan B is already well known for being a music artist, not only is his film being promoted, but so is his film at the same time. 

1. What are the key conventions that help you identify the text?

The key conventions are the fact that the poster has been made in order to convey the message that the album is due to come out soon. The color scheme that has been used, has been used in a clever way as it is black and white and shows the black and white image which shows the urban background. Having Plan B's Signature on it also shows the audience his autograph. In addition to this, there is a logo of the music label on top of the poster. Having this, makes the music look proper, and more realistic, that it is something serious.

2. What design features help promote the Ill Manors Brand?

There are many different features that have been used in order to promote the ill manors brand. As shown in the poster, he is smoking and is wearing a hoody. This shows the type of stereotypical boy living in an estate, and shows exactly what kind of characters are in the film. Additionally, the fact that the urban area is shown, promotes the film. This is due to the fact that the film is mainly based in urban estates. The fact that the music used in the background also tells the narrative and what life is like as a child in an estate, also helps in order to understand the story.

3. What examples of synergy can you find with the broadcast platform or other print examples?

Having the title of the film on the poster, which has actually been made for the music album, helps in order to promote the film and is one of the synergies. Another example of synergy, is the way that the music album is played throughout the whole of the film as the narrative. As long as being promoted as an album itself, it is also promoting itself throughout the film.

1. What are the key conventions that help you identify the text?

The key conventions in this, are the way the ratings are shown from different reviewers from newspapers and magazine. Another example of key conventions shown is the way in which the film is being shown/promoted. Examples of this, is where it is stated, Blu-Ray and Dvd.

2. What design features help promote the Ill Manors Brand?

The features that help in order to promote the film and the Ill Manors brand, is the fact that he is holding a gun. This creates a bad and rough appearance to those that are looking. And the background colors and image of the estate slopping inwards also creates the effect and conveys were the film is going to be set. Showing a very dull place, connotes what kind of film it is.

3. What examples of synergy can you find with the broadcast platform or other print examples?

The synergy that is being used on this is were 'Plan B Presents' has been written as this is what is likely to pull a majority of his fans towards the poster and make them want to watch the film. At the same time it is also promoting his music.

iLL Manors Index

iLL Manors - Index

1. iLL Manors - Film Review
2. iLL Manors - Plan B TEDx Lecture
3. iLL Manors - Music Video Analysis
4. iLL Manors - Movie Trailer Analysis
5. iLL Manors - Plan B DVD Extra
6. iLL Manors - Plan B Radio 1 Interview
7. iLL Manors - Plan B Jonathan Ross Show
8. iLL Manors - SBTV Interview

Making of Ill Manors - Behind the Scenes

1) What does this tell us about Plan B's intentions in making the film?

Plan B wanted to change people's views on the current youth, due to the stereotypes that the media created during the London riots. He also wanted people to feel for the characters and realise that people like that really exist and that they should reflect upon the fact that people turn out like that because they're aren't loved or given opportunities.

2) What do we learn about the production process for Ill Manors?

Plan B wanted to film in all these 'street' and rough looking areas to add to effect of the story. He also wanted his actors to be genuine, hence why most of the actors haven't had past experience. He went to high schools and auditioned for the parts he wanted. He had wanted to create Ill manors for a long time but lacked funding.

3) What can you tell about the possible target audience from this short documentary?

Whilst the target audience seems to be teens and possible rioters, glamorising the street life, the target audience that Plan B was hoping for would be parents and elders who believed all the stereotypes about youths and that they were all dangerous and that they should be avoided. 

4) Does the film successfully do what director Ben Drew (Plan B) set out to achieve? Explain your answer with reference to both the film and the making of documentary. 

I think that he did accomplish something; whilst the media and newspapers still demonise youths, it doesn't appear as often. That could just be of course because they're aren't any riots or excuses to demonise them, but still its a change. Also, it made people think about these characters and their backgrounds and how this correlates to their behaviour and attitude towards the law.

1) What is the history of the Jonathan Ross show? What channels has it appeared on? Why has Jonathan Ross been a controversial media figure in the past?

Jonathan Ross is British Chat show and radio host and presenter who has his own talk show on ITV. It has been showing since September 2011. He originally had a show on BBC on Friday nights. Whilst he was on the BBC, there was some controversy when he interviewed David Cameron about whether he thought of Lady Thatcher in an inappropriate way. The episode has been banned from being repeated. 

2) Identify the target audience for this interview (demographics/psychographics) and say why.

Statistically speaking, the majority of ITV viewers are about 35 years old or older, which means that they would gain an insight into what Plan B stands for, but since Plan B appeared on the show, younger audiences might watch it too, so I'd say around 16-40 year olds. The older generation of viewers would maybe change their views on hip-hop and youths and maybe not listen to stereotypes as much. Then again, it might just be aimed at the primarily young audiences of Plan B who follow his music and ideals.  

3) What is the audience appeal for a programme like the Jonathan Ross show?

The audience appeal is generally the celebrities who appear on the show and sometimes tell personal stories or answer the questions that audiences want to hear. Also, it shows off the celebrities' more human side and the audience get to see what they're like outside of their comfort zones. 

4) How is Plan B (the brand) represented in this text?

Plan B is represented as a true artist who has strong moral beliefs; so much so that he is respected by Jonathan Ross. Even though he dropped out of high school, he still found his talent and stuck with it, which made him who he is today. 

Radio

1) How popular is BBC Radio 1? Find average listening figures for the station. How has the BBC Radio 1 audience declined over recent years? Why might this have happened?

BBC Radio 1 is a renown radio station which usually brings in the most recent fame and ask the questions that audiences want to hear. Originally, it wasn't at all popular with the younger generation, due to the DJ being in his 40's. It's recent decline would most likely be due to hand held devices which allow people to listen to whatever song they want, whenever they want. Also, there are televised and online interviews with celebrities, which renders radio moot.

2) Who is the target audience for BBC Radio 1?

Primarily, the target age group is 15-29 year olds, but statistics show that the average age of UK listeners were around 33. Despite the fact that they get younger celebrities and play the latest chart songs, the show fails in appealing to those under 20, most likely because the younger generation doesn't listen to radio as much as those who are older, hence the problem isn't the content, but the platform. 

3) How does Plan B promote Ill Manors in this interview?

Plan B promotes the film by bringing it up in his answer to most of the questions and mentioning how much he works on it. For example, when Fearne asks him about his weight loss, he mentions how he had to stop drinking alcohol whilst filming Ill Manors. Also, the audience can see the change that directing the film has brought upon him, e.g. the weight loss, the skills learnt from directing e.t.c.

4) What representation of Plan B can we find in this interview?

Plan B is represented as a director; he talks about shots he's taken and progress with editing and how he's learnt more about directing.

Ill Manors Tedx Talk with Ben Drew

1)What are Plan B's beliefs/politics? What are his values/ideologies? Explain your answers.

Plan B's beliefs are that youths in poorer areas are not being given opportunities,hence why they have this rebellious mindset because they believe that the world's against them, which is understandable considering how much the media demonises. He thinks that youths wouldn't behave the way they do if they had been cared about or seen as equal; estate kids are looked down upon and even called "scum of the earth" by newspapers. Plan B grew up in those kinds of areas, so its understandable as to why Plan B would feel so passionately about this. Additionally, he came from a broken home and had a bad education so he can empathise with these kids. Essentially, he hopes to show people that it's not the youth's fault that they behave the way they do. 

2) Who is the target audience of the TEDx lecture? Demographics? Psychographics? How do you know? How does this compare to the audience for his music/films?

I think the target audience is for the older generations who are blinded by the stereotypes that the media present to them and that the talk is to enlighten them so that they hopefully might make a difference or at the very least, not judge youths. I'd probably say that the target audience is specifically the middle class and above who are the ones enforcing the fear and stereotypes about estate youths. In terms of Psychographic groups, the targeted group would be reformers, as they are known for social awareness and they would want to reform the way society sees youths. They also typically have higher education. I think the target audience is roughly the same as the Ill Manors film except for the intention; I think that the film was made to make people aware of how background and area affects the attitude of youths, whereas the Ted talk was to make those higher up aware and make a difference. 

3) What does Plan B say about the media? Explain how this can be linked to Cohen's media theory of moral panics? 

Cohen's theory of moral panic states that when an issue that threatens social order arises, the population begins to express strong feelings and even take matters into their own hands, like when paedophiles were popping up in the media and people were hunting them down. Plan B says that the media demonises youths and label them; with stabbings and shootings taking place, the media is fuelled to create more fear in their stories about youths and make them seem even more 'dangerous' , when in fact it is the media themselves who insult and judge youths, hence pushing them into the direction of crime. With all the fear going around, people are taking precautions and avoiding people with hoodies or any suspicious looking youth due to what the media spreads about them. Plan B even gave the newspapers a positive story on youths, yet they twisted it to enforce the negative mindsets towards them.     

Ill Manors Music Video

Forms

How is it typical of a music video? (Use the key conventions of music videos Power Point to help you)This music video can be considered a typical music video as it includes a montage which can be seen in nearly every music video.There is also a basic structure of 3-4 minutes which in used by most music videos.We also see the artist in the music video which is known as a performance.Another thing is that direct address is used where the performers are interacting with the viewer.There is a narrative which tells us that poor kids are hungry and can do anything to get what they want.Themes used for this rap video is footage of the council estate.You can also notice is that this music video is visually stylish.

Representation

We can see that in this music video the stereotypes of council estate children are supported as they are shown to be violent and rude young people that do not care about the rich.We also notice this binary opposition of the police which is the residents of council estates.Also the youth in this music video is also perceived as wild and mentally not stable. How does it represent the London riots/rioters?

Audience

What audience pleasures does it offer?

The London riots are presented in a positive way as you could see the council estate residents in control of  the situation.Also many of the youth were shown as taking things from the high street in which they couldn't afford so this was the perfect reason and opportunity to do so.The target audience are probably resident of a council estate and they will enjoy watching the youth in charge and will believe that they are not powerless as many other higher class people presume so.

Institutions

The idea of conceptual clips being merged together in order to tell a story is a common technique used in British Rap music. As the song and the movie are titled the same name, it creates a sense of synergy between the two platforms and therefore introduced cross-promotion between the song. The use of a thematic narrative, it creates this urbanised and citified look and feel of the music video which further helps promote the film as that is the primary focus of the film and the problems we face living in a modern day society. It helps promote the film in a way which the lyrics are more visualised and tells a story in a moving image form, the similar tone and feel of the movie music compared to the movie helps to promote the film as the ideologies Plan B talks about in the music video are further expressed and the people who understand and are interested in his spoken words would be more likely to go and see his film and would be able to relate to his mindset and his views of many issues which are affecting Londoners as time progresses.

Ill Manors Film Trailer Analysis

1. What are the typical codes and conventions of film trailers - what information is usually provided? The information which is usually provided by film trailers are the basis of the films and when it is being released. The usually show the release date towards the end of the trailer as they would rather want the focus of the audience to be on the trailer and the clips that are shown within it, instead of releasing the date of the film at the start, which will put their concentration aside from actually being fully focused on the trailer. 
2. How are trailers distributed? Ill Manors needed to be highly distributed in order for it to gain attention from audiences. The franchise is quite unknown, however the promotion of it was mainly conducted by Plan B, through the soundtrack and his album. The distributor for this film was Revolver Entertainment, who have worked for past British films such as Kidulthood and Adulthood. These films were widely popular within teens in Britain, which is the major reason for it's success. Also the director Plan B has worked with Revolver Entertainment previously, whilst working for the Adulthood film. Plan B was given his first taste in the film industry because of Revolver Entertainment, who gave him the opportunity to also work on the Ill Manors film. Other film institutions did not give him the funding he needed at the start, however he then gained interest from other institutions after agreeing a deal. The trailer
3. How does the Ill Manors trailer use trailer conventions? Ill Manors uses conventions so that the trailer will be effective in all aspects. The trailer provides the distributors information, so that they are recognised to certain people which can identify these institutions. They also use main clips from some particular scenes in the production so that it can help build tension - which can attract the audience to the film as it makes them want to watch the whole film, in order for them to find out what the base of the film is about. The trailer also uses the soundtrack from Plan B, also called, Ill Manors, which is used in the film as the main soundtrack, which he used to help promote the film. This is called synergy, where cross promotion takes place between two different types of industries. In the trailer they need to be careful not to give away to much information and storyline, as they want their audience to remain anxious about what the film is about. 
4. Who is the target audience? The target audience of this film would range from 18-45, because a lot of the audience will be people who either know a lot about this type of life and how London is like in the lower-classes or middle aged men who are medium class as they may want an insight to this kind of life. However the main target audience would range from ages 13-18, as a lot of younger audiences which usually attend high school at this time enjoy watching this kind of film as their is violence and majority of characters are also younger like them. The film would probably receive an 18 rating for the drugs, sex and violence which is condoned in the film heavily. 
5. Does it have a unique selling point or use particular techniques to appeal to the audience? The film uses mise-en-scene effectively so it can appeal to the audience. The main appearance and attire shown in the film appeals to the target audience because it usually consists of designer clothing, which younger people are more into, as more expensive clothing can imply a lot of things about people (supposedly that they get money), but however in this generation they are widely popular because younger generations like to wear good clothes. 

Mest 2 Tutorial

Video - Filmed fair amount, handful of shots remaining.

May need to check audio.

Started editing, camera booked for final shots

Early cut to view before half term.

Print - Photo-shoot for cover done + looking good.
DPS needs work.. think of more creative ideas to use.
Photo-shoot Wednesday 3-4.

Research + planning - Check 12 page plan of R & P.