Ill Manors print: branding

BILLBOARD

• What are the key conventions that help you identify the print text (e.g. title, central image, review quotes etc..)?

The first key convention includes a central image of the producer of the film, Ben Drew. This makes the audience aware that he is influence the decisions made in the film and enhances his star image. The title of 'Ill Manors' on the billboard is the same font for everything the brand promotes, such as DVD packaging and posters, so the audience can easily identify the brand through its consistency. Also, Plan B's name is written next to the central image to show how he's taking charge to make this film and experience in the film industry, as well as the music industry.

• What design features help identify the Ill Manors brand?

The title is firm, not that sophisticated to employ how the film is urban and low-budget. The colour scheme is in black and white to promote a serious tone, the black connotes a mysterious and fearful feel whereas the white presents a cold feeling, together both colours reflects how the film is a story about events which may turn out to be sinful.  

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

During the production process Plan B wanted to present life in a different context by promoting the realism of the suburban areas which are not highly regarded in society. Plan B's intentions in making the film are associated with portraying the lifestyle the youth lead. He specifically focuses on 'chavs' and hood-rats in general and wants to show the audience the style of life these young adults carry out and a justification for the actions in events such as the London riots. He wanted to present how the youth a misunderstood but didn't want to glamorise violence at the same time. The image of Plan B integrates with the intentions of the film which was to portray more of the working class, this has successfully been done through his posture which seems relaxed. In general, central images tend to look directly into the reader's eyes however Plan B has contradicted this norm and decided to be enticed into looking at the ground to show how disregarded the working class are which he represents himself as he was raised in a working class environment. 

POSTER

• What are the key conventions that help you identify the print text (e.g. title, central image, review quotes etc.)?

The first key convention is the central image of Riz Ahmed, one of the main characters, who heavily drives the plot in the film. Ben Drew may have chosen to put Riz Ahmed on there to portray his ghetto character who comes across as ignorant when following the rules in society. There is also a tag line, which is a direct quotation from the beginning of the film itself, to emphasise a particular message which in this instance is to show how the working class kids are a "product" of the the environment they live in, which translates to the fact that society impacts the lives of teenagers. The release date is displayed at the bottom of the poster to create excitement before the film's release and to make people aware so they can promote the film's release through word-of-mouth. The background of the image is of a council estate area to illustrate the area where the working classes are raised in. The background uses dull, monochrome colours to create a sense of dreary and lifeless feel. The dark shadows in the image promote the dark reality the teenagers have to face daily in order to survive in their community.

• What design features help identify the Ill Manors brand?

Half of the title is the same font as the usual brand identity to deliver that consistency and makes it easily identifiable. The title is slightly covered in a cartooned type of puke coming directly out of Riz Ahmed's mouth, This symbolises how the working class are desolate about their lifestyles and ultimately makes them sick that society ignores them. The other half of the title, which states the word "MANORS", is written in yellow to demonstrate a sense of impatience and critsim. Usually yellow represents optimism, however this print advert contradicts the usual meaning to create irony that there isn't any opportunities for the youth as they are secluded from society. The word is written is a way to show erosion and Riz Ahmed seems to be puking on the word "MANORS" to reiterate how there is no order for the youth. 

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

When making the film he wanted to present how taking away opportunities for the youth will lead them to take part in drugs and violence as that is there only way out. Plan B gained a "clear sense" of what he wanted to promote and this was a clarification as to why the youth are seen as negative and this is down to the fact that society tends to alienate this group. The poster seems to be photographed in the suburban areas of London and Plan B decided to film in East London where he originally grew up to show the experiences he faced when growing up. Also, he wanted to create a low-budget film to help promote the grim reality the youth live up to in the suburban areas of London.

MAGAZINE REVIEW

• What are the key conventions that help you identify the print text (e.g. title, central image, review quotes etc.)?

The use of a variety of different images from the film itself gives the reader an insight into what the film may be about, the audience almost get a preview. The title is placed in the centre right beneath one of the actor's who seems to be practising how to threaten someone with a gun to display how there are no "manors" involved because of the use of weapons and gang violence which presents negative imagery. There are many review quotes, especially from Ben Drew himself who clarifies how hip-hop is associated with the film massively. The reviews prompts the audience to make a decision whether or not to watch the movie. 

• What design features help identify the Ill Manors brand?

The actors in the images help to make the film identifiable, especially the one of the producer himself (Ben Drew) which helps to raise awareness about his own film, this enhances his star image and credits his own brand identity to create a film which utilises his own talents (rappers) to help narrate the story. In this magazine review the colour scheme looks more professional to help attract more sophisticated people from the ABC1 demographic to watch the film in order to educate and inform them on a visual justification as to why the youth from working class backgrounds may behave carelessly. 

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

In the DVD extras video, Plan B wanted to show the audience what the youth will result in (drugs and violence) if they have no place in a society and society is mainly concerned about politics rather than the lives of teenagers. The main central image of Riz Ahmed in the magazine review helps to reinforce this point. 

magazine double page spread - first draft

magazine cover draft

Photoshop tutorials

Adjustment layers

- add fine tweaks to pictures making them look professional.
- add filters such as black and white
- adds a new layer turning the shape in colour as well as the picture
- can chose what areas of the shape to colour buy using the layers
- levels making dark areas more dark, and light areas more light


Magazine cover - 1

- add shapes and fade out how much you want to keep of the shape to add a tittle or subheading
- shapes can also be used for promotional reasons
- shapes can also be used for adverts or offers
- all can be done in new layers to test them out by viewing it on the page or not viewing it
- can do text in different sizes to make it look like an official magazine cover
- can be creative with text with how it is presented, the type of font and size as well as the colours

Film poster

- can use to images that overlap each other - however change the contrasts of the picture,  by main image the centre with colour and the second image lighter so the centre image can overlap the second image
- change the colour of the text of directors, play with the colour of the text to make it eye catching
- can move the text further closer together by using 'A'
- go to paragraph to set the line of the text making it look tidier
- add a drop shadow

Ill Manors - index.

Broadcast: Ill Manors trailer analysis

Broadcast: Ill Manors movie review

Broadcast: TEDx lecture, ideology and moral panic


Broadcast: Ill Manors music video

Broadcast: Ill manors soundtrack album research
Broadcast: Broadcast platform concluded

Planning and sketching

double page spread article.

So Ashmita, how was the whole experience for you?

This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and im so lucky to have been able to experience this. Taking this role was the best thing I decided to do, it made me realise how much I love to act and I wouldn’t have been who I am if it wasn’t for the show. The show has helped me build up my self-confidence and changed my mind set on certain topics for the better!

How did you feel on your first shoot?

I was very nervous and terrified as I did not want to make any mistakes and ruin my first shoot, but my fellow cast members were really supportive and helped me build up my confidence in being comfortable to act in front of the camera. I loved it!  

  

What do you think of your on screen character?

my on screen character had a very tough back story, which caused her to take such drastic steps. She was a troubled girl and I feel for her as the things she faces is such a serious issue.

Do you think you have changed after doing your first series?

I think the series did change me and my mind set for the better. It gave me a bigger understanding and a whole new outlook on cyberbullying and suicide. Also, acting with co-stars and team members with more experience than me gave me a higher boost in confidence and made me feel better and at ease at acting.

What do you think of the topic of cyber bullying and suicide?

I think that cyber bullying a big issue that is still widely existent in society today, especially between teens. People may not realise the seriousness of the topic but considering bullying is a big reason of many suicide attempts it is. I think people think suicide is the only way out of the issues in their lives, but to anyone whom it may relate to, it isn’t, there are people to help and there is always a better alternative to help you face your problems.

What plans do you have for future? & what advice would you give to your fans?

Well I want to carry on what I love doing best, and that is to act. I want to be an inspiring role model for my fans. I want to carry on acting on the stage as I enjoy working with other people who inspire me to do well; also my fans help me and motivate me to be a better actress and a better person overall. In the future I hope to be more successful and aspire my dream to grow and be achieved. My advice for the younger generation boys and girls would be to always listen to their heart and to always follow their dreams as nobody can stop them from achieving what they want which is what I done, since I was little I always wanted to appear on TV, when i got the chance. I went for it, and that’s what I want to tell everyone out there to always look for opportunities and give it a go. As one little thing can change your life completely the way it has changed mine. I have lived each day like there’s no tomorrow. I have no regrets for anything as everything happens for a reason. What i would like to say to my fans is that if you fall, Don’t just give up, Get up and face the upcoming challenges that life brings. Each and every moment will be worth living. This is something i had learnt from my friends and family and I would like to advise this to all my friends and my fans out there. Never give up on your dreams because dreams come true. 

Ill Manors: Broadcast platform concluded

DVD extras

1) What does this tell us about Plan B's intentions in making the film?
This insinuates that Plan B is not making the film on the basis of fame or money however he is genuinely producing this to create a positive change in the society. His intentions are purely based on his past experience making it more realistic resulting in the film to turn out fantastic. 

2) What do we learn about the production process for Ill Manors?
From the production process we can learn that they had worked hard for what they wanted to achieve, furthermore we see that it is a low budget film. From this we learn that with hard work and dedication you can produce some great work. Moreover the fact that he used children from council estates, that are stereotyped as  and underachieving 

3) What can you tell about the possible target audience from this short documentary?
The target audience is ranged from 'struggler's' in the physcographics to the more well of people. This is because its there for the teenagers living in the same environment as them who may be dealing with the same struggles and hardships as them, it creates hope for them and suggests that there is a way out of the difficulties they are facing and that they are not alone. Furthermore this may also be targeted at the wealthy middle class category who might never have experienced what these young people are facing. It allows them to have an insight and understand their loves and what they are going through, before they judge them negatively. It also allows them to empathise with them, which may result in them helping people like the characters in the film. This reinforces Plan B's ideology that young people in the 'struggler's' phycogaphics voices are not heard and seen as relevant in the public eye.


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.
The film is successful is showing why the youth act negatively and this is because they are ignored in society. From the film, Plan B wanted to show the audience what the youth will result in (drugs and violence) if they have no place in a society and society is mainly concerned about politics rather than their individual lives. Also, in the film the soundtrack is significant because it is a narrative and it talks about how community centres are shut down. In society, if the youth are not occupied it's bound for them to result to violence if their opportunities are taken away from them. The film in particular gives the audience an insight to the grim reality teenagers have to live through and the only escape is through either living through it or to completely make a change, change can only happen if somebody like Plan B is educating the youth about the consequences of the lifestyle they choose. 



BROADCAST/ONLINE

1) What is SBTV? Research the channel and explain how it became successful.
Identify the target audience for this interview (demographics/psychographics) and say why.

SBTV is a multi-faceted company run by a small team of young people who work on web-based viral content at different music-based events. SB.TV was founded in 2006 by a teenager Jamal Edwards, for the first three years Edwards acted alone to provide amateur footage regarding many British grime artists, such as Dizzee Rascal, Wiley, Chipmunk and Tinchy Stryder. As the channel began to attract more attention, it also began offering lifestyle interviews and event coverage, and a production team of ten people was established as a result.
The target audience are mainly teenagers who have an interest in grime music, but the age range is between 14 - 25 years, 70% males and 30% females. Demographics would fall between the C/D/E range as the company focus on mostly underground and undiscovered artists. The psychographics would be mainly fall into the mainstreamers category and people who like to keep up-to--date with new trends and upcoming artists in the music industry.

2) What is the audience appeal for an interview like this? How does the opening of the clip emphasise this appeal?
The opening of the clip shows one of the actors from the 'Ill Manors' movie trying to sneakily get an interview with Plan B. This would appeal to the target audience by portraying people who are trying to be adventurous and sort of breaking the rules. The interview is informal and uses mature language (such as swearing) which would also attract the target audience. 

3) How is Plan B (the brand) represented in this text?
Plan B is presented as hard-working as he's aiming to get the best footage together as possible. He states in the interview how he sleeps with his shoes on which enhances his gangster image. In addition, Plan B is seen as laid-back and relaxed as well as serious because he's working non-stop. 


TELEVISION

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?
The Jonathan Ross Show is a British talk show presented by Jonathan Ross. It was first broadcast on ITV on 3 September 2011 and airs on Saturday evenings following the conclusion of Ross' BBC One chat show, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, in July 2010. Following a guest appearance by Ross on The Russell Brand Show broadcast on 18 October 2008, Ross was suspended for 12 weeks without pay by the BBC on 29 October, after a series of lewd answer phone messages were left for then 78-year-old actor Andrew Sach regarding Sachs' granddaughter  by Russell Brand and Ross, which were broadcast on the pre-recorded show.A media story about the calls generated a high number of complaints. Brand resigned from the BBC, while Ross was suspended without pay.


2) Identify the target audience for this interview (demographics/psychographics) and say why.
The target audience would be between the ages of 16 - 40 years, the teenagers are most likely to be attracted to this interview because the show itself interviews famous artists and actors such as Jay-Z and Rihanna. The older generation are likely to watch this interview as a result of wanting answers for the riots. So it could be aimed at mainstreamers who watch the show to keep updated on celebrities as well as reformers who have an understanding of why the youth act out. 

3) What is the audience appeal for a programme like the Jonathan Ross show?
The Jonathan Ross show interviews many famous celebrities, such as Rihanna, Jay-Z and Beyonce and this would be likely to attract teenagers who have an interest in urban culture. The show is on a prime-time every Saturday night and this means it will have many viewers. The show has also had many old actors and politicians and this would attract more middle-aged/middle-class people who have an interest in politics and the economy. 

4) How is Plan B (the brand) represented in this text?
Plan B is seen as a successful person because he's being interviewed on the Jonathan Ross show were many high-key people have been interviewed. Plan B is seen as defending hip-hop as genre and the youth who are often ignored by society. 



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 British radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in modern and current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00 pm, including electronic dance, hip hop, rock, indie or interviews.  It's estimated that Radio 1 has an estimate of 10.26 million listeners and it can also be digitally distributed in many other countries. 

2) Who is the target audience for BBC Radio 1?
It is aimed primarily at the 15–29 age group, although the average age of the UK audience in 2008 was 33. 

3) How does Plan B promote Ill Manors in this interview?
Plan B promotes 'Ill Manors as a film which shows what happens with the youth growing up in East London. He also stated that if this film was successful he would go on to produce more films. He describes his role in 'Ill Manors' in terms of the production process and this helps to enhance his star image. Plan B plays many parts in terms of the production such as directing, filming and editing. His involvement with the film is likely to attract many of his fans.

4) What representation of Plan B can we find in this interview?
Plan B describes how he's been sleeping off a sofa in his studio because of the fact that he is putting in hard effort and time to edit 'Ill Manors'. Also, Plan B is described to have changed his look in terms of appearance and occupation (experiencing more with film than music at this point). 

Ill Manors sound track album research

Research the Ill Manors track and soundtrack album - Record companies? Sales? Music reviewers' response? Post the research on your blog - minimum of 350 words.

Record companies:

In February 2012 it was announced the Ill Manor's the album would released on May 7th via Atlantic Records which is a huge record company which caters for very famous signers such as Trey Songz. However the release date was put back until 16 July and later on there was another setback which was  reported by retail websites such as Amazon; the date had changed to 23 July. All the music on the soundtrack was composed by Plan and Shux.  On the 13th June  2012 Ben Drew performed a live session on BBC Radio 1 live lounge which allowed to premiere the tracks on his album such as "Ill Manors" and "Playing with fire". An album launch party took place  in the underground car park f Great Suffolk Street Warehouse in south east London; as it was run down it went with the theme of the movie.

Sales:

The track ill manors was premiered on BBC radio 1 on 27th February 2012 and the music video was made available on 4th March 2012. Ill Manors peaked at #6 on the uk singles chart on 1st April 2012 meaning it was quite a successful song however the album itself went straight to number one in the UK. He released the song "Deepest Shame" on 9th September 2012 and features Anouska Mond in it who plays Michelle in Ill Manors. This shows just how successful his this album made him as it allowed the general public to recognise him as a famous artist as he was now making it to the charts rather than being viewed online on you tube. The movie itself promoted the music as the music was included in the movie which made people want to hear more of it as the music was extremely parallel to what was going on in each scene on the film. This works vice versa as fans on Plan B's music are likely to watch the film simply because one of their favourite artists developed it.

Music reviewers response:

Ill manors recieved general praise and enthusiastic comments from artists such as Labrinth and music critics. The website metacritic gave the album an average score of 83 out 100 based on reviews from 14 professional critics which indicates universal acclaim. The album was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize in 2012 and was the first soundtrack album to be nominated however he never won the prize unfortunately. It talks about how all the music featured on the soundtrack deeply reflects what goes on in the movie through the choice of the lyrics- "In Lost My Way Drew sounds genuinely hopeless: “If you don't believe in something then you'll fall for anything,” he intones, more a sigh of frustration than a rallying cry".

Photoshoot.

1) Which of your main characters will appear on the front cover of your magazine?
The main character that will appear on the front cover of my magazine will be the character whole played the main role in the play, that is 'Ash.' This is because she was the main character and spotlight of our story line, and as our title is 'One girls story' the recording is all based of 'Ash's story.

2) What image or images will you use for the double-page spread?
The images that will be on the double-page spread will all be linked to cyber bullying, and the impacts and effects of suicide. As this is what our series will be based on, we will have messages and pictures to convey to the audience the importance of bullying and what it could lead to

3) Write a shot list for the photo shoot. Make sure you plan a variety of camera shots you will look to capture - medium shots, close-ups etc.

1. Close up of her face titled down showing she's depressed
2. Medium shot of her showing herself put her head down on the table
3. Close up of her mouth tapped written 'suicide'
4. Extreme Close up of her eyes showing how depressed she's been

4) What costume, props or make-up will you require for the photo shoot?
Costume:

• Black clothes to emphasise on the dullness of the character
• Black top torn from the side
• 
  

Make-up:

• Dull make-up to emphasise she has been crying
• Dark black eye circles
• make up coming down her face
• Pale face

5) How will you make sure you have everything prepared for the photo shoot on Wednesday 6th February?
I will make sure that everything is prepared for the photo shoot on Wednesday as we will make sure that we go through everything and we'll practice taking photos of our main character with the props make-up and costume that has been mentioned to test to see if there's anything we could add or change, making sure that we have everything we need on the day, and want the picture to turn out like we want it to so that it matches to our filming production.  

Ill Manors - music video

• Forms.

How is it typical of a music video?

The "Ill Manors" music video is a hip-hop protest song which stars Plan B and was released by Atlantic Records (a record label part of the Warner Bros. conglomerate). The music video uses many codes and conventions which a typical music video uses, this is demonstrated by the use of fast-paced cuts, camera work (the use of close-ups) and using a montage. The music video uses fast-paced cuts to match the rhythm of the song which is very electric and upbeat. The cuts are edited quickly to reinforce the rhythm of the song, also footage from the London riots which took place in 2011 is used. This creates a montage and like other music videos this promotes a message about how the working class are not seen as significant is society and ultimately they resort to violence.

Also, the soundtrack is a form of promotion for the movie "Ill Manors" and gives the audience insight on the themes involved in the movie, the main theme being violence. The song itself incorporates many ideas from typical music videos, particularly using camera work. Close-ups are used of Plan B to help enhance his star image and inform the viewer about his success, even though Plan B may have previously faced legal trouble he uses the Ill Manors music videos to express his thoughts on society (typically the government). However, this music video challenges typical music videos because this song was written as a protest, as well as for entertainment purposes. It presents how the working class are seen as damaged and corrupt. Typically, hip-hop music videos promote the ideal lifestyle through the use of flashy cars, women and alcohol but because this is a protest song it focuses on how the working class are portrayed not so much the lifestyle they want to carry out. 

• Representation

How does it represent the London riots/rioters?

Plan B's main aim is to show the perception of "society's failure to nurture to disadvantaged youth" and ultimately the music video employs this message by showing how the working class are disregarded in society as politicians in particular focus on the upper/middle classes. It could be argued that Plan B was justifying the actions of the rioters because the "disadvantaged youth" who appear to be from a working class background have no voice in society. The rioters appear to be making an attack on politicians in particular. This demonstrates how this song is a reaction to the 2011 riots and it sarcastically attacks the media's view of the working class, especially the ring-wing tabloids such as 'The Sun' and 'Daily Mail' who present the rioters as a threat to society when in reality violence is the only thing they can resort to because there are not a wide variety of  opportunities.

The media in general present the rioters as negative and as a result their image of being corrupt is reinforced through the music video especially when it shows people fighting each other and Plan B is in front of them still rapping. It also shows how there are no role models in society as the youth are easily influenced. However, because this song is a protest song which demands for immediate change it demonstrates how society will adapt to the working class because the music video is very confrontational. This links to the theorist Medhurst who argued about stereotypes being short-hand and as a result of the video glamorizing violence it's expected that society makes changes before the working oppose a bigger threat to society.

In addition, the music video represents males more to be associated with violence. There are very few females in this video, Plan B intended to represent males more to advocate how males are the focal gender who are associated with violence, especially in the London riots. Ethnicity also plays a huge role, along with age, because the music video focuses on white, black and mix people who are between the ages 16-24. Plan B used this target audience as the film is based upon the London riots.

• Audience 

What audience pleasures does it offer?

The key theme used throughout this music video is violence, along with the video promoting a sense of freedom. Generally, hip-hop songs are a way to express one's feelings through rhyming words and this song perfectly demonstrates Plan B expressing his feelings about the London riots.The chorus in particular is a chant with the lyrics: "Oi! I said oi!

What you looking at, you little rich boy!" This suggests how the song takes pleasure in attacking the upper classes. People from the working classes and who live in the suburban areas of London may find a voyeur and enjoy looking at those upper classes as important.

The demographic for the music video focuses along the D and E group as this relates to the young, unemployed teenagers in the music video. The video presents these teenagers acting violent and established in a council estate area making the audience interpret the actors are from the struggler and reformer categories. This video appeals to strugglers because they are the ones being represented and reformers are attracted to this because the video itself is a protest from class equality and ultimately reformers would agree with the song because teenagers need opportunities to prevent them from rioting. 

Moreover, the video shows the characters as breaking the rules and going against many norms of society.Politics is the main topic mentioned throughout and David Cameron and Nick Clegg, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, both feature in the video, despite not being mentioned in the lyrics. However, Cameron's "Hug a Hoodie" campaign is alluded to. This ultimately would attract teenagers making it appear that they can talk about anything as freely as they would like to. Although Plan B's intentions were to help the working class's voices be heard, this music video appears that the characters are only reinforcing their negative sterertpe in society rather than making them appear as protesters. 

• Institutions

How does the video help promote the film? 

The music video was created to help raise awareness about the voices not being heard in society. The upper classes are describes as living luxurious lifestyles with good jobs whereas the D/E demographic are usually associated with thugs, violence and badly behaved people. Plan B himself grew up in a council estate before he rose to fame so it's only natural that he wants change for those who are discriminated. The concept for both the movie and video are the same as they both indulge in the theme of violence. They both use a narrative to describe real-life situations.

Also, synergy is created because Plan B is associated with releasing both the music video and the film. The music video was released by Plan B's record company Atlantic Records and Plan B also directed the movie himself. This helps Plan B to enhance his brand identity because of his forms to promote and market the film. Plan B is the main star focus in the music video were he makes his presence known, whereas in the film he only makes a short cameo appearance which helps the audience know that's his mark of success.