Unit one FACT SHEET Luc Simpson
Production Process
The production process refers to the process and stages in making a media product.
There are three stages which go into making a media product, these are:
● Pre Production- The Pre Production is the planning stage when everything is
carefully thought out to ensure a good media product
●
● Production- The Production stage is when you produce all of the material
needed for your media product. This could be audio, photography, filming
and/or writing
●
● Post Production- The Post Production stage is the editing stage when you
will edit your product and check all errors to ensure a good media product
Magazine Production Equipment and Software
There are a few things needed to produce a magazine, these are:
● DSLR Camera
● Photoshop
● Desktop Publishing Software - e.g. InDesign and Quark
● Computer
● DSLR Camera
A DSLR, is a type of digital camera that
combines the mechanics of film cameras with
digital photography. DSLRs are popular with
both professional and amateur photographers.
The biggest advantage is how easy it is to take
photos on these cameras. DSLRs not only help
you in getting good quality photos, but also help
you to use the camera the way you want to for
your magazines and geet some good high
quality photos for your magazine.
https://www.currys.co.uk/products/canon-eos
The camera costs £649.99 with £50 off on a sale
● Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is a software program that
allows users to edit images, graphics, and
videos. It's used by professionals and
amateurs to create, enhance, and retouch
images. Photoshop is primarily used for image
editing and manipulation, making it crucial for
magazine production because it allows people
to enhance photographs, retouch , adjust
colors, crop images, and combine different elements to create visually appealing
layouts for magazine covers and interior pages, ultimately improving the overall
quality of the magazine.
https://www.adobe.com/uk/
An annual plan for Photoshop is £262.51 Including VAT
● Desktop publishing software (eg in design Quark)
Quark is a desktop program which allows users to change and
modify styles, formats and layouts of large pieces of text. It is
used frequently in magazine design as it is praised for being
such a good desktop application and how easy to use and
understand it is.
https://www.quark.com/shop
£279.00/year
Magazine Production Process
Pre-Production - Content
During this stage, the editorial team meets so they can share ideas, plan the content and
make decisions about the content for that issue of the magazine. During this stage, the
writers will also be assigned their articles by the editor so they know what they will be
doing. They would then also do the necessary research into their topics, articles and
subject matter. This stage is essential because it is when decisions are made and roles
and articles are allocated and established.
⬇
Pre-Production - Flat Planning
During this stage, the editorial team will create a flat plan which is a page by page plan of
an issue of the magazine. It is made to help construct the order of the magazine and how
the articles and adverts will be laid out. This is important because it allows the editorial
team to adjust and tweak the order of the magazine, helps to apply structure for the
content, helps to plan the length of each article and helps to identify what images will be
needed. This stage is essential, because it helps to ensure further stages are organised
and everybody has an understanding and expectation of the content and magazine as a
whole.
⬇
Production
During this stage, the editorial team and writers will plan the articles and construct
research. Articles will also be written, photoshoots will be arranged and conducted. They
will also decide if there is any need for achieved images and if so they will gain access to
them.
⬇
Production - Writing and Sub-editing
During this stage, the Sub-editor checks through the articles that have been written. They
will check for spelling and grammar but they will also check the overall length of the article.
They will then if it is too short, ask the writer to add more and on the contrary, if it is too
long they will ask the writer to shorten it or they will shorten it themselves. It is here where
desktop publishing software , like quark, is used. They are used to layout the articles and
may use pre made templates which will align with the house style. This stage is important
because this is when the magazine pages are constructed
⬇
Post Production - Checking Printers Proof
During this stage this is where the final pages for the magazine are sent to the publishers.
Then the publishers will create a mock up for the editors to give final approval. The editors
will then check to make sure everything is correct and give a final approval
⬇
Post Production - Completion and Distribution
This stage starts when the editors give final approval. All final copies are printed and
assembled. They are then sent to the distribution companies and sent to retailers and
customers from there.
Magazine production roles
This is the production role panel from Today’s Golfer
Magazine Job Roles
Editor
Magazine editors are professionals that plan, manage and produce magazines for
publication.An editor is primarily in charge of a particular magazine section, such as
entertainment. An editor for a magazine must do a list of things which fall under their
responsibilities, like: Proofreading content, oversee photography and design and art staff,
Brainstorming draft ideas and attending photo shoots and much more.
Photographer
A magazine photographer is a professional who takes photos for specific magazines. A
photographer for magazines takes professional photographs to accompany articles in
magazines. The photographer's responsibilities are to create a gallery of images that the
magazine company will use in their magazine.
Sub-Editor
A sub-editor is a journalist who checks and edits written content for magazines, newspapers,
and websites. A sub-editor for a magazine checks articles for accuracy, grammar, and style.
They also ensure that the content is suitable for the target audience and follows the
magazine's house style. Sub-editors' responsibilities are overseeing the content, accuracy,
layout and design of newspaper and magazine articles and making sure that they are in
keeping with house style.
