Billboard research/planning

 1. What historical moment in pop music does this documentary focus on, and why might that moment be significant for audiences interested in music history? 

The We Are The Worlds charity campaign

2. How might the poster imagery communicate the era of the music being explored (e.g., 1980s)?

The style, artists like Michael Jackson, the microphone/headphones.

3. Who would be the target audience for this documentary and why?

Generation X

4. What visual codes (e.g., typeface, colour, style of photograph) would you expect on the poster to reflect the documentary’s focus on classic pop music history?

Type face: bold characters.

Colour: Very vibrant and neon.

5. How could promotional text emphasise both nostalgia and relevance to a modern audience?

By visually representing the actual artists and because they have an influence today it is possible for people to recognise them. Rather than having to infer something only an older person could.

This Is Pop on Netflix.

(This Is Pop is a documentary series exploring different influences and trends in pop music.) 

1. What themes and topics does This Is Pop explore based on its episode description (e.g., Auto-Tune, boy bands, festival culture)? 

The style and types of music and bands that were prevalent and have influenced culture and music today. For example, the first man had a dyed streak in his hair and was explaining how that was a trend.

2. How might a billboard poster visually represent multiple facets of pop music history covered in this series?

 Through a collage.

3. What aspects of pop culture history might appeal to older audiences versus younger audiences?

5. What visual elements could ensure the poster suggests that this isn’t just entertainment, but a music documentary with depth and exploration?

The title conveys seriousness and a brief history of pop music.

Billboard analysis:

1. Old

2. 2000s or 2010s pop artist promotion

3. Contemporary (2018–present) pop artist promotion

3) Media Language Analysis 

For each billboard poster, analyse how visual design communicates meaning and appeals to its audience.

You should analyse:

• Layout & composition
  (scale, hierarchy, central image, simplicity for roadside viewing) 1. Framing is mostloy

• Typography
  (font style, size, era connotations, readability)

• Colour palette
  (neon, muted, monochrome, saturation and era signifiers)

• Imagery
  (pose, gaze, styling, realism vs performance)

• Branding
  (logos, streaming platforms, consistency)

Then, explain how these choices reflect the era of pop music being represented.

4) Representation and Era identity

Explain how each poster represents:

• The artist

• The music culture of the era

• Attitudes to fame, performance, and identity

Consider:

• Fashion and styling

• Gender representation

• Star image

• Youth culture vs nostalgia

• Authenticity vs commercialisation

Apply at least one theory, such as:

• Stuart Hall – Representation

• Postmodernism (nostalgia, pastiche, remixing eras)

5) Audience appeal

For each era-based poster, explain:

• Who the primary audience is

• How it may also appeal to other age groups

• How nostalgia is used to attract older audiences

• How modern design elements attract younger audiences

Link this directly to the documentary’s aim to appeal to “people of all ages interested in pop music.”

6) Streaming services and industry conventions

Research how streaming services (e.g. Netflix) promote music documentaries.

Analyse:

• Common visual conventions (minimal text, strong imagery)

• Use of logos and release dates

• How platforms communicate where and how to watch

• How global audiences affect design choices

You may refer to:

• Netflix documentary posters

• Online promotional materials

• Billboard adaptations of streaming campaigns

7) Application to your coursework

This section must directly link your research to your final production.

Answer the following:

• How will each era influence the design of your three billboards?

• What visual codes will you use to differentiate eras?

• How will you maintain brand consistency across all three posters?

• How will you promote your band from Task One as contemporary pop?

• What design skills do you need to develop before production?