DOUBLE PAGE SPREADS ANALYSISLUCY ELDRIDGE

DPS 1

Layout and page design - The journalist has organised this article in a very formal way, reaching out to a more older generation of readers, but it also resembles the band in a way because they are serious and have been on the music scene for a long time so they would expect something of a high standard, which the journalist has given them. The article story is split into a written out article with the journalists expressions put across and the interpreting the interview into their own words, and then a direct interview with questions and answers; which are direct from the person that the journalist interviewed, this makes it a more interesting layout and shows more of what the band member is like as a person in themselves and their own opinions put across.

Integration of illustration and text- In the photo they look very serious and somewhat upset. This

anchors the call out and relates to it ‘Michael said if we make another bad record it’s over’, as obviously they would be quite upset after hearing that. The reader somewhat sympathizes for the band, which makes them want to read the article, to find out what has happened.

DPS 1

Variety of fonts and text sizes- There are drop capitals used in gold to make the page look more interesting and bring a bit more colour to it. The page has a white, gold and black theme to it, which is quite formal which follows the theme of the article

Framing of shots- The image that is shown, in this first paragraph, is unsure, there not sure of the decisions they make sometimes and just have to take the risks of it and that’s what makes them a good band even if they get it wrong sometimes. The central image is a long shot that has obviously been taken in a studio. It looks very posed and it is at somewhat of a low angle shot, which makes the reader feel inferior to them. However the other photo looks very ‘real’, it looks like a casual snap taken by a friend even. This makes the reader able to relate to them and feel friendlier towards them.

DPS 1

Mode of address (use of language)- There is a call out used which is situated on the right page layering over the picture. The quote states that if the band goes downhill again by making another ‘bad record’ that the band will no longer exist maybe as he wouldn’t go through the experience again and wouldn’t be able to pick up again. This quote is from one of the band members and has been quoted from the lead singer of the group. This quote relates to the whole article by it stating that the bands reputation is at stake and their reputation of being a good band means a whole great deal to them. The stand first introduces the reader to the band relating back to the photo shoot they did with Q. This grabs the reader straight away. There is no big introduction, assuming that the band is well known and going back to their well known big reputation.

Use of mise en scene in illustrations- In the central image one of the men is wearing dark black sunglasses. This makes the reader feel very distanced from him and doesn’t follow typical conventions as we can’t see his eyes. It also makes him appear to be quite cold. They’re all dressed in black quite smart outfits which suggests the article is quite formal.

DPS 1

DPS 2

Mode of address (use of language)- The punk/emotional rock influence on the magazine is instantly recognisable within the setup and pictures of the double page spread, where the article is expressed as a “World Exclusive” (using buzz words) making it seem unique and special, where it is only available to the readers of ‘Kerrang’-it is also emphasised that the band has “invited” the magazine specially to their recording studio, so that readers can get an insight into the life of a famous band and the ‘celebrity lifestyle’-increasing fandom for the band.

Variety of fonts and text sizes- The font used for the title is very clear, using a

‘worn out’ effect, again relating to the punk style of the band. The title has then been set at an angle. ‘’Best MCR’ has been highlighted by using a larger font than the rest of the title, in white rather than red. This gives a subtle hint of informality to the DPS, giving it a more entertaining feel.

DPS 2

Integration of illustration and text- The dark gothic photos are complimented by the bright red colour of some of the text on the DPS, which also relates to the bands style, with connotations of anger, blood and violence. The photos also relate the call out ‘We’re being the best MCR we can be!’ as it sees them performing and working in the studio. This suggests that they’re working really hard on their music, to make it as top quality as they can, following their words that they’re trying to be the best they can be.

Framing of shots- Each of these pictures has been manipulated to create a black and white effect, which matches the dark (almost gothic emotional rock style of the band and it’s music. The main picture is a low angle shot of the male, lead singer, giving him dominance and making the reader feel inferior(reflected throughout other articles in the magazine).

Layout and page design- The article is in two columns and is very small compared to the rest of the text. On the far right it has another article related to the band which is their new tracks so it’s more information on the band. The title of the page looks old and worn which fits in with the ‘being the best’ they can be as this is showing being the same old them, which although old, it’s what they are. However you could see the title as being scratched, which appeals to the violence of rock.

DPS 2

DPS 3

Mode of address (use of language)There is use of a call out, which is positioned between the photos on the right page, which states they’re not interested whether people like them, because they still get the enjoyment. This quote anchors the whole article because it is about how the band has made their journey and the realisation of this. The stand first gets into the story straight away. The band is introduced by the literal statement saying the image the put across is ‘extraordinary’ with the music they produce and that they’re not like every other band. The story is organised by setting it out into different sections of an article, each being introduced with a letter in a bigger font to section it out. The journalist introduces the band, in a friendly manner. The language that the journalist uses is informal; this means it is aimed at a younger generation. The journalist says quite a bit about the band, telling the reader their origin and going back to their childhood, which gives a real personal emphasis to it. Also mentions what they are doing presently and in the future. It gives and insight look of what the band is personally like.

Layout and page design- The layout of this DPS, is more picture laid, because there are several pictures laid out across the page. The text is set out in three columns, one is on the left hand side of the page and two more columns on the right hand side next to one another, continuing on the article. Their target readership would be a younger generation because there is a lot of visual context and the text is informal, so it would keep the reader interested and grab their attention right away.

DPS 3

Variety of fonts and text sizes- Used a drop capital at the start of the article, this gives the page a nice finishing look and makes it look professional. The headline to this DPS is on a separate DPS introducing this article. The headline is ‘love in a cold climate’ . This is set laid out in an interesting visual way as ‘love’ is written in capitals and big scaled typeface, the rest of the head line is written in the ‘O’ of the headline in small typeface. This is a metaphorical expression. It is in a Ariel typeface which is white, but the word ‘love’ has been faded slightly, to make the rest of the headline standout.

Framing of shots- The photographs that have been used are various some are long shots, some medium and some of them are close up. These make it interesting to look at and there are a range of group photos and individual, which shows they’re not just a group, they’re individuals too. There are two group photos, one has the lead singer in front with the other band members in the foreground and the other photo is the opposite. This symbolises the equality of each member, that there is actually no precise leader. The group looks like they’re having fun and are natural. The bands image is put across as indie/rock, which follows the general theme of the magazine.

DPS 3

DPS 4

Layout and page design -The colour scheme on the double page spread coincide with what the band are wearing (mainly the lead singer of All American Rejects). By using colours that don’t merge into one another (e.g red and yellow) the reader finds it easier to read and don’t have to overexert themselves. The large image used portraits the band as being quite quirky and rocky. Being in colour it shows the bright colours of the front mans clothes. These colours (red and purple) have been used for the font colours of the headline and for the text. The other images in black and white give a cool edgy look of the band. I think the images portrait the band well and gives a good image of their rock music style and attitudes.

Variety of fonts and text sizes- The colours used are red and pink. These colours are typically seen as clashing, which I think symbolises the punk, individual, ‘breaking the rules’ type side to the band. ‘Dirty little’ is also written in a font that looks like handwriting. This gives the feel its personal, as they’re spilling their secrets. I think it’s also made to anchor the text and feel as if it’s in a diary (where secrets typically would be).

DPS 4

Integration of illustration and text- This double page spread balances text and imagery equally. This makes it easier for the reader as it is not text-led.The text has been laid out in neat columns. This again, makes it easy for the reader. Most of this text is on the first page, with only one column on the second page. There are 3 columns of text .The background being black makes the text and images stand out against it. The headline used for this double page spread is large and takes up a large amount of the first page. The headline is a name of one of the bands songs. The distressed style of the word ‘secrets’ goes with the house style of the magazine. They have used a different font style and colour for the words ‘dirty little’ this emphasises the word ‘secret’.

Use of mise en scene in illustrations- From the mise en scene in the central image it is very easy to tell who the leading member in the band is. He is positioned in the middle in front of them and has his arms across them, which suggests he is pushing them back and taking the lead. He is also dressed in bright, vibrant clothes whilst the others are dressed in quite plain clothes. From his clothes we also get the connotation he is quite punk and ‘indie’- wearing the stereotypical ‘indie’ blazer and converses. However the lighting is all focused on their faces equally which suggests some equality.

DPS 4

Mode of address (use of language)- The call out is used once more with the title of the band’s newest single ‘The All-American Rejects might look and sound like a band your mum would approve of, but don’t be fooled, Tyson and his crew dish the dirt…’ written in capitals and two different colours (purple and red), drags the reader’s attention toward the article, after looking at the first image. It builds the excitement of what they intend to read. It also gives the sense that the article won’t be formal with the use of ‘crew’ and ‘dish the dirt’ suggesting that the journalist intends to get down to the “Dirty little secrets”. ‘Dirty little secrets’ is also a colloquialism which again appeals to the reader and also appeals the the ‘social interaction’ side of the Uses and Gratification theory- wanting to find out ‘gossip’ to use as a conversation point.

Framing of shots –There is a colour image surrounded by black and white images. The shot is high angle and feels as if we’re being intrusive- which again anchors to the whole theme of the article being about secrets and us slightly invading their privacy.

DPS 4

DPS 5

DPS 5 Layout and page design: NME Magazine For this DPS of NME, it is more text-led although

there is a full side featured portrait on the left hand side. The columns of text are split into four on the same page, this makes it easier for the reader to read through without any big gaps or anything to disturb them from the article.

Integration of illustration and text- The ‘smile’ of the headline matches Hayley Williams smile, and the pink matches the colour on her lips.

Variety of fonts and text sizes-The style of the font is Ariel and is large, ‘smile’ has been made even more bigger to exaggerate the word more. Also the ‘IL’ are in pink which almost look like lips which contrast to the lead singer lips who are almost the same shade of pink. This makes it a constant house style from the font cover to the DPS, I think the extension on the ‘I and L’ also look like bar charts getting higher, which anchors and relates to the header itself ‘4 million album sales’ – so it’s made to represent the sales are getting higher and higher.

DPS 5 Mode of address (use of language) The language in the headline is a fact because it has a

number and a reason for that number that they sold ‘4 million albums’ because of the female.. The magazine is introduced by using quotes from someone else to explain what this band is all about and were the like of them has come from and how they have come to be. The bands image from this is that they are a growing new to the music scene band and have already been successful as the headline states. They also use humour to appeal to the younger generation- ‘they always, always eat their greens’.

Framing of shots- There is only one photo that has been used on the right side, this compliments with the headline of the article. Also it is similar to what was on the front of the magazine with out the other band members. This also shows the importance of the female to the band that she is vital to the band. This is a close up shot of her face which shows more detail to the beauty of her. She resembles the band by being attractive, like they now that young guys will full for her. Also she looks like she’s in control and is looking straight at you.

Use of mise en scene in illustrations- The images used looks very clean cut and sterile, which typically doesn’t follow the conventions of rock.

EvaluationI have discovered that usually the cover photos are typically to the side of the article, either left or right of it. There are also typically call outs from the celebrity which set the topic for the whole interview eg ‘The 4 million album sales smile’ and the basis for this interview will be set on this. Another thing I’ve found is that anchorage is very important with double page spreads. For example if there is a sad call out this is usually backed up by a sad image. This is a technique I might consider- drawing the readers interest on sympathy votes. The images are also more personal than the ones found on the front cover/contents page which suggests that when we are on the DPS – reading them being interview- we are even more personal too them. The colour scheme also usually reflects on the artist, eg I found for My Chemical Romance they had the colour scheme of red and black, which connoted anger and violence. This is useful to know when designing my DPS as I will have to pick a colour scheme that reflects on the personality of the persona I am getting across in the interview.Overall I have learnt a lot from this, such as the importance of colour schemes and placement of image, to connect to the personalities of the person being interviewed.