Media Starlet

How are they structured? How do they communicate with producers? Can producers find what they are looking for?

www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/tv/network/whoswho.shtml

• The beeb have incorporated a funky style/fonts – Most likely aimed at a younger audience. They use set headings and visual links.
• The site is user friendly and accessible – There is a substantial amount of  information available, including photographs of the Commissioners themselves. This gives producers more insight and the opportunity to feel closer to the individuals they are aiming there pitches/ideas towards.
• Different from the BBC Wales commisioning site (www.bbc.co.uk/wales/info/sites/commissioning/pages/mailinglist.shtml) which asks you directly to join the commissioning mailing list. Aesthetically different also, the English site is predominantly Blue, whereas Red suits the Welsh version of the site.

www.itv.com/aboutitv/commissioning-production/commissioningteam/default.html

• This site is less personal, there are no funky fonts or photographs of the commissioners. It is not engaging.
• The text and content is basic; there is a lot of information thrown together.
• It is an effort to find specific information that a producer would potentially look for.

www.channel4.com/corporate/4producers/commissioning/programme.html

• Funky, colourful and inviting.
• There is an emphasis on aquisition.
• The information/content is basic – There is not much information provided on the first page.
• Contact link – Basic, lots of details, names, e-mails given etc..
• Department information available, there are lots of links to different pages. Inpersonal.

about.five.tv/programme-production/commissioning/

• Aesthetically pleasing – Photogrpahs of ChannelFive programmes. Potentially offers hope to new producers, whilst also acting as a visual guideline. It say’s ‘These are the types of programmes we’ve made in the past…think along the same lines’.
• Basic information – Links to links to links to more links. User journey – the producer would need to actively search for the info they require, rather than have it on the screen in front of them.
• Limited contact information; makes it appear again,  inpersonal.
• It does ask questions of it’s audience  – promoting ideas.

www.s4c.co.uk/production/e_program-service.shtml

• Perhaps the most basic. Impersonal & impractical.
• Offers downloadable Adobe files rather than offers the user the desired information.
• Lots of effort & hassle. Off-putting to users.

“It’s all make believe, isn’t it?” – Miss Marilyn Monroe

‘The make believe of Marilyn Monroe’ is a compelling, evocative documentary investigating the truth behind the conspiracies of Marilyn Monroe’s infamous life, loves and inevitable death. Exposed in a one hour broadcast, I will disclose to you the undercover truths behind the sordid story of a girl once known as Norma Jeane.

Over time, the legendary tales of Marilyn conspiracies and gossip have fused; a dysfunctional childhood, abortions, failed marriages, the struggle to stardom, abusive relationships, Presidential affairs, addictions…I could tell you these stories. History has. Then again, I could tell you the truth instead. It is time, finally, to forget the make believe of Marilyn Monroe.

Made with consideration for Channel Five and a non-gender specific mainstream audience, ages 16+ for summer 2011 broadcast, this special one-off documentary comes on the anniversary of what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 85^th birthday. Next year may also see the remake of Monroe classic ‘Some like it Hot’ starring U.S actress Scarlett Johannson. This open up the possibility for Scarlett Johannson to present the piece; publicly she claims to “love Marilyn” Saying, “I think she was incredibly beautiful and a very underrated actress.”

Having a celebrity presenter would serve Channel Fives remit, however it also has the potential to draw in higher ratings with an accessible format suited to a mainstream audience. The documentary would be entertaining, thrilling and aiming to challenge the audience. The hook obviously being the programmes purpose to uncover the mysterious death of the most famous women of the 20^th century.

The documentary will journey through the bright lights of deepest darkest Hollywood and LA’s quaint Brentwood suburb. Asking the questions that should have been answered in 1962, it will investigate the bare facts and present the unquestionable evidence; blowing away the lies and conspiracies. The style of the doc will remain gritty focusing on truth.  It aims to use the truth to shock, whilst remaining objective. Due to the nature of the material uncovered and revelations exposed, the documentary would suit a post-watershed slot.

The format of the documentary’s interviews will see the presenter on-screen asking the questions. With the aim of securing access to Dr. Thomas Noguchi, the coroner who performed Marilyn’s autopsy, the documentary will finally allow him to tell his story.

I also intend to approach and interview the former Los Angeles County prosecutor also present at her autopsy, John W. Miner. For years he has vehemently voiced his belief that Marilyn did not take her own life and claims to have the proof. “She had too many plans to fulfil, too much to live for”

With a contemporary outlook on a mystery that has eluded the world, the truth behind the death of the world’s most illustrious Blonde could finally be revealed.

Just like my name would suggest, I’m living in a Media world..and I am a Media Girl. Or Media Starlet rather…it sounds more romantic (although probably just in my head.)

I am Zara Jones, a twenty-one year old Media Graduate trying to make it in ‘The Media Industry’…what that is, or who that is, is everyone’s business.

I like to think of it as ‘My’ Media industry…and why not? I control most of the dominant Media in my life, don’t I? I make it what it is…what with the Newspapers I choose to read, the TV stations I watch, the Radio channels I pick to listen to? The songs I put on my iPhone, the websites I choose to visit, the social networking sites I join, the films I see at the flicks, the TV shows I watch ‘on-demand!’ Heaven forbid I don’t have Sky+ yet!!…?

In my world, I am the Media. I don’t necessarily create all of it but I do to some extent control it….and the media outside my media world only exists in some form of hypodermic syringe theory subconscious level.  – The billboards I look at, those pesky internet pop-ups!! my friends film opinions, the things I don’t want to watch on TV but am made too!

Therefore I say we claim back The Media and fully embrace Our Media instead. For this is the decade I think Multi-Platform will

A Media Girl in the Media World.

hit the spotlight…