The document discusses how a media product follows conventions of children's television opening title sequences. It structures the name reveal at the end, includes a group of friends with diverse personalities, and uses energetic opening and closing shots. It introduces each character with an individual clip linking to their personality and has them wear school uniforms. Props are used to reinforce character traits and a fun, upbeat song plays. Character names appear by them in a color matching their traits. The conventions aim to clearly introduce the characters and show the program will be fun.

1. In what ways does your media product
use, develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products?

2. From extensive research into opening title
sequences of children’s television programmes I
discovered the conventions which make them
what they are. I followed these conventions such
as structuring the name of the programme to
appear at the end of the opening titles in the
same way that Tracy Beaker and The sleepover
club do. By doing this it allows the audience to be
aware of the name of the show and gives a slight
insight into what the programme is to be about.

3. Another convention that I followed is the use
of having a group of friends being both male
and female which all have very individual yet
stereotypical characteristics, style and
personalities which would usually occur in
them not being friends. But the convention
followed is that the group of friends with all of
the different characteristics can actually all be
very good friends. Therefore sending a
subliminal message to the audience.

4. Following another convention, I structured the
cast to do fun, energetic and youthful shots all
together at the beginning and end of the
opening title sequence. This is to firstly draw
the audience into watching the video which
works as they immediately see fun and
youthful characters simply having fun, which is
appealing for the target audience. And then
to keep the audience wanting to watch the
programme as the final image they see if again
fun and youthful characters having fun. This
instills the thought to the audience that the
programme is going to be fun and for their age
range.

5. (the individual clips will be on the next slide)
Another convention followed is the use of individual clips of
each character performing an act which relates to their
character in the programme. For example I structured Sam’s
character as eating biscuits in his individual clip which
reinforces his stereotypically underdog/average character. I
structured Daisy’s character to be giggling and blowing
kisses in her individual clip which reinforces
her stereotypically girly character. I structured Annie’s
character to be conducting a science experiment which
reinforces her stereotypically geeky character. I structured
Ashley’s character to be dribbling a football through cones
which reinforces her stereotypically sporty character. And I
structured Toby’s character to be causing mischief by
attaching a 'KICK ME' sign to the back of another student,
therefore reinforcing his stereotypically mischievous
character.

6. Another convention that I followed is having the
complete cast wearing school uniform as their
costumes. This convention signifies to the
audience that although the group as individuals are
represented as very different, they are however all
united through the uniform. Although they are all
dressed in the same uniform their characteristics
and individual personalities are again shown
through the different ways in which they wear the
same uniform. For example Sam and ben wear
theirs scruffy by having un-tucked shirts and ties
that are done up quite high but wonky. Daisy
wears a skirt and an added pink cardigan and also
wears her tie quite low down in a large
knot. Annie wears her uniform very neat and tidy
with all shirt buttons done up and tie fastened at
the highest point in a small knot. Although Ashley
doesn't wear the same uniform as the rest of the
cast she still wears a school PE uniform of shorts,
top, football socks and trainers.

7. Another convention that I followed is the use of props to
reinforce each characters characteristics. For example I
reinforced Annie’s 'science' character by having her
surrounded by science props such as a Bunsen burner and a
test tube rack. And had her conduct an experiment with
test tubes whilst also wearing glasses and science
goggles. All of this reinforces to the audience that she is
'the science' one of the group.

8. Another convention I followed is the
use of a youthful, fun and upbeat
backing track.
(the song will be on the next slide)
The use of a youthful, fun and
upbeat backing track to the opening
titles of a children’s TV programme
is to reinforce to the audience that
it is a youthful programme which is
suitable for themselves. And also
that it is something fun to watch.
The track was called "Highway Five" and I
trimmed it down to the exact length and
desired part on iMovie before adding the clip
to my project.

9. Although I haven't challenged any conventions
of the opening to a children’s TV programme I
have however left out the illustrator/directors
names out of the end of the opening titles as
when I asked the target audience if they want
this, all responses were no or not bothered.

10. Another convention followed is having the
characters name appear next to them in a shot
of just themselves. This allows the audience to
establish who the characters are before
watching the programme which leads to easier
viewing. Another convention followed is
having the name of character appear in a
colour that represents their character, whilst
having the same colour background or
surrounding objects. This is because this
creates verisimilitude and continuity of the
characters identity to the audience therefore
making them more identifiable. I followed this
convention by having Daisy’s name in a pink
shade and her cardigan, highlighter, lipstick
and mobile phone all in pink shades.