UNIT 16 REPORTING LIFESTYLE, AND FILMS Structure 16.1 Introduction 16.2 Learning Outcomes 16.3 Lifestyle Reporting 16.4 16.4.1 Has Indian Fashion Come of Age 16.4.2 Strengths 16.5 Fashion 16.5.1 How to Begin? 16.6 Scouting for Ideas 16.6.1 Fashion and Lifestyle Products 16.6.2 Garment and Role of Fashion Designers 16.6.3 16.6.4 Choreography 16.6.5 Ramp Modeling 16.6.6 Television Modeling 16.7 Reporting a Fashion Show 16.8 Writing on Fashion Trends 16.9 Terminologies 16.10 Other Lifestyle Items 16.10.1 Yoga 16.10.2 Travels 16.10.3 Food 16.10.4 Fitness 16.10.5 Books 16.11 Cinema 16.11.1 How to Write on Cinema 16.12 Exercises 16.13 Let Us Sum Up 16.14 Further Readings 16.15 Your Progress: Possible Answers

16.1 INTRODUCTION

In general fashion is considered as an urge to lead a better life. But in reality it is primarily restricted to the dresses and accessories worn by the elites, celebrities and those representing high economic strata of the society. We however inadvertently ignore the presence of massive middle class which too follows the 225 Beat Reporting-2 changing fashion trends and contributes to the growth of the related industry. Manufactures or those in the business of such fashion or lifestyle items, try to give their products a unique look in an attempt to entice customers by introducing latest designs, styles and technological innovations. Further, India is one of the largest producers of films. Country has huge number of viewers, actors and actresses and their die-hard fans. In addition, it provides direct employment to so many people. Each city has got a good number of cinema halls screening latest movies. People are curious to know about the latest movies, storylines, dialogues and personal and professional lives of their favourite actors. All these have led to the creation of a number of big media houses publishing innumerable , magazines and producing audio-visual programs focusing on related contents. Mainstream bulletins and newspapers too keep scouting for latest updates in the fields of fashion, lifestyle and films.

16.2 LEARNING OUTCOMES

After going through this unit, the learner will be able to: gain insight into contents describing multiple fashion-lifestyle products available in the market. analyse the role of design and technology in the making of a garment, accessory or a film. discuss how to the promote these products through advertising, press conferences, fashion shows, press releases and interviews of film actors and celebrities. produce contents for specialised publications and programmes and useful for all those seeking information on fashion, lifestyle and films.

16.3 LIFESTYLE REPORTING

In general terms, lifestyle covers luxurious way of living. It includes trends in fashion, food, sports, books and magazines. Even travel and tourism falls under it. So, lifestyle reporting is a moderate form of journalism wherein writers can take time to scout for ideas, work on them and present it before the readers in a relaxed and entertaining way. Relevant pictures captured beautifully often accompany such pieces accentuating the theme of the story. Recent years have shown an unprecedented increase in the number of write ups on fashion and lifestyle issues appearing in newspapers and magazines catering to general readers. These reports are mainly about various events taking place in these fields such as fashion shows, exhibitions, press conferences and interviews with fashion designers, models, fashion photographers, choreographers, stylists, dieticians, yoga experts, authors, travel experts etc. In addition, a host of publications as well as television programmes on fashion and lifestyle have come up which primarily cover issues related to fashion. The trade magazines covering business of lifestyle products too have donned a new contemporary look with increase in readership. All these developments have created ample opportunities for having flair for fashion to not only get a foot in the door but also 226 climb up the professional ladder. Even business pages of newspapers and magazines Reporting Lifestyle, Fashion and Films carry a lot of reports, features etc related to business aspects of the industry related to lifestyle products. Lifestyle Journalism is a specialised area of writing wherein contents are presented in the style of a news feature, ignoring the basics of journalistic writings comprising answers to 5 Ws and 1H. News reports on fashion, sports or a related event however, may follow the basics of journalistic writings which primarily focus on 5 Ws and 1 H.

16.4 FASHION ININDIA Each society has got its individual characteristic style of clothing and lifestyle which is defined as fashion of that particular society. India with its rich cultural heritage has got an important place in the world of fashion. Ancient paintings and sculptures found through excavations go on to prove that the Indian women were no less conscious of their appearances than their western counterparts. During Indus Valley Civilisation period, while men’s clothing was restricted to a lion cloth, women covered their upper body with jewels and the metal of the jewellery determined the status of a woman in society. But the scenario changed drastically with the entry ofAryans who introduced two distinct clothes for upper and lower parts of the body for women and the trend continues till today. References abound in Indian literature about weaving and designing of various types of textiles which speak volumes of a vibrant tradition in the field. Rigveda is supposed to contain the first literary information about textiles in India. It says, the universe is a continuous fabric with a grid pattern upon which cycles of life are painted. It also refers to use of woolen yarns to cover the body. Ramayana and Mahabharata too refer to a variety of fabrics in vogue those days rich styles worn by the artistocracy on one hand and the simple clothes worn by commoner on the other. The traditional age-old textiles, crafts such as embroidery, beading, aari, thread embroidery, zardozi and jewellery have not only enticed elite class in other countries but have also been of inspiration for several reputed European fashion designers. Still today, the charm of India’s traditional clothing and jewellery items holds true to them. The major boost to the fashion and lifestyle products industry which broadly covers the business activities in the field of apparels, textiles, jewellery, lifestyle items and related accessories came in 1970s when the country took up the export of fashion items seriously. Present scenario in the country reflects a robust picture. Today, India is the second largest producer of textile and garments and its export constitute around one-third of our total exports. In yarns, country’s share in the global trade is around 20 per cent. The man made fibre textile items are exported to more than 150 countries. At the individual level too, some of the Indian designers have created a market for their products in other countries. Again, India is only next to China in production of silk worldwide. It also enjoys the enviable distinction of producing all four types of silk. 227 Beat Reporting-2 To promote all these fashion items, manufacturers and designers organise a variety of promotional activities in the country. Products displayed through live models i.e. fashion shows, however, remain the most popular of all promotional activities.

As print advertisements and fashion shows have become part and parcel of the industry, models and fashion photographers are much sought after people. Again, stores displaying clothes have donned a new look; jewellers are experimenting with precious as well as non-precious metals to churn out chic jewellery items; manufactures in the field of accessories are producing stuffs that are not only durable but also look brilliant and a host of magazines and newspapers columns have come up which keep those interested abreast with latest in the field.

As a part of promotional activity, Fashion designers are going abroad and participating in fashion events. Councils have been formed which organise fashion weeks wherein leading designers showcase their creations attracting buyers from across the world. Quality of such shows matches international standards in content and presentation. Even government has realised the importance of design elements to promote export of textiles, jewellery, leather and other life- style items. It has sponsored fashion shows organized worldwide to create a positive image of Indian products and set up training institutes such as National Institute of FashionTechnology (NIFT), National Institute of Design (NID), Fashion Design Development Institute (FDDI) etc. 16.4.1 Has Indian Fashion Come of Age?

In India, fashion design council has been formed which is organising Fashion Weeks wherein leading designers showcase their creations attracting buyers from foreign countries. Even the standard of fashion shows has improved to match the international standards. Fashion events are no more about dancing and acting to keep audience in good humour. They are serious events aimed at attracting attention of foreign and local buyers.

At the local level, people have become brand conscious. They no more prefer to go to a tailoring shop but to a retail shop dealing with readymade garments. Designers too are designing dresses keeping the seasonal fashion in mind. 16.4.2 Strength

Rich cultural heritage and skilled manpower and abundance of raw materials are the strengths of India fashion products. Benarasi saris, kanjeevaram saris, Gujarati and Rajasthani dresses and Kutch mirror work have been exported items for long. Indian shawls and silk products too have attracted world’s attention in the past. As far as raw material is concerned, India is the largest producer of cotton and jute and second biggest producer of silk after China. It again is the largest producer of diamond. The total business generated through these totals over one lakh crore including exports. As a result this industry employs over 10 crore people, hence becoming the second largest employer after agriculture. Indian fashion has come of age. 228 Check Your Progress 1 Reporting Lifestyle, Fashion and Films Note: 1) Use the space given below for your answer 2) Compare your answer with those given at the end of this Unit. 1. Why is 5ws and 1st not applicable to lifestyle reporting? ......

16.5 FASHION JOURNALISM Even though a fashion ’s job responsibility varies as per the demands of the organization one is working for, the basic premise on which he/she is employed is to keep the readers up to date on style trends. If one is working with a general or magazine, he or she has to take care of pages devoted to fashion and lifestyle issues. On these pages, the fashion journalist reports about only those issues which are of interest to general readers like the latest trends in fashion and interviews with leading professionals in the field. The approach to the write-ups is simple and informative. But those who work with magazines devoted exclusively to fashion and lifestyle issues have not only to go beyond merely reporting an event but also need to critically analyse the whole scenario keeping in mind the trends in vogue in other parts of the country as well as runways in fashion capitals of Paris, Milan, London, New York etc. As the subscribers of such magazines are mainly those who are professionally associated with the field, the write-ups need to be in-depth and convincing. In trade magazines related to fashion industry, the fashion journalists have to write articles/reports about the trends in textiles, garments, accessories, technologies used and marketing techniques. Since these magazine are read by hardcore professionals in the field, such write ups need to be supported by facts and figures. Suppose if one is writing about the spurt in the demand for cotton fabrics in Delhi, he or she needs to quote mill owners, distributors, retailers and manufacturers in the field. In addition, one has to undertake surveys of various markets dealing with fashion items and present an in-depth analysis of prevailing trends keeping in mind quality, price and sales of each product. This in turn provides the manufacturers an idea as to what kind of stuff is selling in the market and also the preferable price range. With liberalisation, manufacturers and distributors are looking for opportunities to export and import fashion products. And hence, trade magazines in the field regularly come up with profiles of countries which could have potential buyers or suppliers. To write an authentic piece on the subject, a journalist needs to collect data from concerned high commissions and embassies which also provide information relating to current policies in the trade. One also needs to report about the seminars/workshops organised by various organisations in the field. While those employed in foreign publications get regular chances to travel to fashion capitals to keep themselves abreast with the latest trends, here in India they should be satisfied with covering important fashion shows and exhibitions and enjoy the company of celebrities. 229 Beat Reporting-2 16.5.1 How to Begin A good command over language particularly English is a must as most of the magazines are published in this language only. It is through the command over the language that one can effectively communicate with the readers. Nose for the news and flair for fashion are the other pre-requisites. Again one needs to be thorough with the information on fashion industry in the country, trends in vogue across the globe, terminologies used in the industry, historical trends, various organisations in the field as also their roles and responsibilities. Information about all these can be accessed through specialised magazines and websites. As a journalist has to base his write-ups on quotes from professionals and facts and figures provided by various sources, he or she needs to be good at . In fact, good public relations and interpersonal skills become very important in the field as designers, fashion photographers, models, fashion show choreographers, etc. with whom he has to deal happen to be sensitive to criticism, while those in the business do not easily share their trade secrets. Those working on freelance basis should have perseverance and persistence as it takes time to win the confidence of the editors. They, again, need to be good at marketing their work also. Competitive spirit and ability to perform well even under pressure of meeting deadlines are the other essentials to succeed in the field. 16.6 SCOUTING FOR IDEAS Unlike films, fashion and lifestyle is a new subject for writers and journalists to work on. They need to know various components of fashion and lifestyle before writing on the same. 16.6.1 Fashion and Lifestyle Products Today India occupies a prominent place as a manufacturer of fashion and lifestyle products. These items are also exported to other countries earning a handsome amount of foreign exchange. Such items include textile, jewellery, garments, leather products, gems and stones, fashion accessories including bags, footwear, eyewear, belts, watches, stoles and scarves. Thanks to the growth in Institutes imparting training in design elements and technological innovations, these products are coming into the market in an array of colours and designs. Further, these materials are being properly displayed by shop owners through windows to attract attention of the visitors. Called Visual merchandisers, these window shop designers work on two counts, exterior and interior, of the shop. They display products to casual visitors in such an enticing manner that they are inclined to visit the shop. The big players, organise Fashion Shows and Press Conferences, release press statements on the launch of new products. For sales and after sales services, the lifestyle Industry deploys trained merchandisers. They are mainly responsible for sourcing quality finished and unfinished items and making the final products available to customers as per the latest trends. This section would help you to figure out products and careers/professionals involved from manufacture to the business of Fashion and Lifestyle items. You can bare your write-ups on their work incorporating latest trends. Activity 1. Visit a Shopping Mall or a Market and have a look at various fashion and lifestyle products. Do you find a change in the colour, look, shape 230 and design? Note them and write about the same. Reporting Lifestyle, 2. Talk to owners or merchandisers about the trends in vogue or shoppers’ Fashion and Films preference for a particular style, colour, design or shape. Do write a paragraph on the same. 3. Have a look at the shop windows. Do you find them attractive and in tune with season or mood of the time? Do write about the same. 4. Visit an exhibition of garments or other lifestyle products. Write about the same. 16.6.2 Garments and Role of Fashion Designers Never before people have been so conscious of their appearance as they are today. Flaunting dresses that are chic and trendy and look fabulous has become a common feature; particularly among the youngsters. It is not that only those dresses that look trendy are selling, but people are now looking for dresses of a specific brand too. Hence a particular dress manufactured by a particular company and sold under a particular brand name or designed by a reputed designer has got better potential in the market than one from a lesser known garment house. As a result, there is cut throat competition among various garment manufacturing units to take a lead by coming out with trendy garments. Though a fashion designer’sprimary responsibility relates to innovative development of the garments through their technical expertise in cutting, draping and styling, their job profile varies from one organization to the other. If it is a garment house they are working for, then their prime job is to create innovative designs for the organisation and to oversee the production work. In the process they select accessories to be used on the garments, coordinate with pattern cutters and graders, examine sample garments and if chances be there try to modify the same, sketch drawings of apparels and accessories, write specifications with regard to the colour schemes, material types and accessories to be used, attend fashion shows and exhibitions and read specialised fashion magazines to keep themselves abreast with the latest worldwide trends and identify target markets for designs by keeping in mind age, gender and socio-economic status of the target clients. Sometimes they also need to discuss design ideas with sales team and the clients. In big garment manufacturing units, designers have to work in specialised areas such as men’s wear, children’s wear, denims, T-shirts or formal dresses. With more and more units manufacturing garments using Computer Aided Design, a fashion designer needs to be well versed in the software to create proper virtual models of clothing designs in various shapes and colours. To sum up, in a garment manufacturing unit, the job of a fashion designer is to design, make and supervise all aspects of new clothing and accessory design. If employed with a buying house working for clients abroad, a fashion designer has to source quality garments at right prices from manufacturing units in the country. Same is the case with big retail showrooms in the country which employ fashion designers to help them source and stock quality trendy clothes. In garment export houses, a fashion designer helps the organisation in carrying out instructions of the buyers who themselves provide the design. Here, the job responsibility involves sourcing the fabrics and accessories and also the fabrication of the garment.

231 Beat Reporting-2 16.6.3 Fashion Photography Fashion photography is not just opening up of a studio as is commonly believed. It’s a scientific study. While regular photography stresses on the garment, the job of a fashion photographer involves creating a total ambience for the garment even while highlighting its focal points. In fact, fashion photography is the only media to communicate a designer’s creations to a wider audience and it is through this special work of art that the ambience can be created, and the mood reflected. So no more two-dimensional sketches of the garments and stereo-typed photographs of the model that focused on face. The fashion photographer using their specific skills enhance the actual value of the photographs of models. 16.6.4 Fashion Show Choreography Dances and eye-popping catwalks are on their way out as serious and professional choreography is taking over, with Indian fashion designers eyeing immediate business profits. Fashion shows have come of age in our country with the focus of choreographers these days being on attracting buyer’s attention on the minutest details of the latest collections. And so, the choreography has now improved to become a specialized medium of enhancing focal points of the dresses. Fashion show choreographers work closely with fashion designers to help create a fashion show that reflects the mood and feel of the collection. They also coach the models on how to walk for a particular collection. Modeling: Generally speaking, a model is someone who is admired by others and people aspire to be like him/her. The fashion models create an awesome impact on the people irrespective of their age group. It is because they always make public appearances dressed in best of attires with their hair and face neatly done. The aura around them makes them trendsetters and thus professionally they are expected to create a need among the viewers about the clothes and other products they are advertising. Initially fewer males were there into the field as modeling was considered an out and out a female profession, the scene has undergone drastic changes in the last two decades with male models making their presence felt in all types of modeling- be it print/ commercial or ramp modelling. 16.6.5 Ramp Modelling Be it the launch of drinks or that of cars and computers, fashion shows have become part and parcel of the celebrations associated with such events. The recent positive development in the field is that fashion shows in India are following the trends of those in European countries. Indian designers are holding shows abroad to prove their worth, providing Indian models exposure to international ramps. A ramp model, thus, has the opportunity to acquire worldwide recognition as such fashion shows are recorded and repeatedly telecast on fashion channels. Performing live makes it a challenging and glamorous career. No wonder then, that the above mentioned factors have turned ramp modeling into an emerging career requiring specific physical and mental attributes. However, this type of modeling is different from modeling for the print media or TV commercials. In fact, modeling on the ramp is more exciting than other forms of 232 modeling. Here, it is a live performance with the audience watching the models and taking note of their every movement and expression and thus generating quick Reporting Lifestyle, response from the targeted clients. Fashion and Films Print Modeling Modeling for magazines, brouchers, catalogues, calendars and other printed items is print modeling. There are plenty of opportunities for freshers in this form of modeling because of the volume of players in it. Thousands of newspapers and magazines are being published in the country; all big manufacturing companies print calendars and brochures, besides press advertisements released regularly by companies – from small to giant ones. No one can ignore the importance of print materials in creating favourable image for a product. Such a booming scenario has led to creation of thousands of opportunities for those aspiring to enter the field as models. 16.6.6 Television Modeling With the television is making inroads into drawing rooms of people of all strata of the society, it has become an important tool of advertisement to create an instant impact on the general public. A good advertisement would surely attract the attention of the viewers and get the message communicated to them. And thus, more and more product manufacturers and advertising agencies are coming up with television advertisements which are telecast on television channels.

16.7 REPORTING A FASHION SHOW

Covering fashion shows is an important task that a fashion journalist has on his hand. The readers want to know not only about the designs on display but also what is in store for them for the future. Thus a fashion journalist professional needs to be thorough with the background of the designer or the brand putting up the fashion show, participating models and also the related technical aspects such as fabrics, colours, embellishments, silhouettes, cuts, drape, fall etc. If the show displays clothes for the coming season, the journalist must take note of dominant colours, fabrics, styles etc on the basis of which the fashion journalists can forecast the trends which could be in vogue. In addition, one should read about what is happening on the runways in other fashion capitals in the world and compare the design and colours to make the story really interesting and informative.

16.8 WRITING ON FASHION TRENDS

Before one embarks on writing on trends in vogue, a fashion journalist also needs to know about the trends that were there in the past. Again, one’s story should not be based on the interviews of a handful of big names in the field as trends in haute couture is different from the general fashion trends. For this, one needs to be in touch with established manufacturers, distributors, merchandising teams of big retail stores and also needs to visit wholesale markets. For example, if one is writing on trends in denims, he or she needs to talk to leading manufactures and corroborate the same with the comments from retail stores owners and wholesalers.

16.9 TERMINOLOGIES

1. Haute Couture: Exquisite garments made from high quality fabrics for specific customers. 233 Beat Reporting-2 2. Design: Plan employed in construction of a garment.

3. Designer: One who designs is a Designer.

4. Style: Physical techniques used in creating a garment.

5. Fashion: Style of clothing in vogue

6. Studio: Workroom of a Designer

7. Ready to Wear (Pret a Porter) : Finished clothes made for large consumption.

8. Silhouette: Outline of a dress or fashion product.

9. Hallmark: Official mark on precious items.

10. Packaging: Presenting a product in a manner that it looks presentable and also protects from possible damages.

11. Fashion Show: An event put up a Designer to showcase his product through live models.

12. Model: Person or an object used to display designer creations.

13. Modeling: Presenting a designer creation by an individual.

14. Mannequin: A dummy to display fit clothing.

15. Choreography: Act of displaying garments using live models.

16. Kintting: Method by which thread or yarn is turned into cloth.

17. Woven: Cloth made by weaving.

18. Fabrication: Act of preparing garment or fashion product by cutting, sewing and other actions involved.

19. Label: A piece printed or attached to a fashion product providing information about materials used, manufacturer and price.

20. Boutique: A small shop housing designer items for display and sale.

21. Retail: Sale of fashion products through small outlets directly to customers.

22. Visual Merchandising: Refers to style of presentation of fashion products in retail outlets to entice customers.

23. Window Dressing: Placing fashion products elegantly in windows of a retail outlet.

24. Embellishment: Decoration on exteriors of a garment.

25. Merchandising: Promotion and sale of a garment.

26. Hi-Fashion: Trend setting styles.

27. Catwalk: Act of presenting objects before live audience through walks on ramps by live models.

234 Check Your Progress 2 Reporting Lifestyle, Fashion and Films Note: 1) Use the space given below for your answer 2) Compare your answer with those given at the end of this Unit. 1. How has the role of fashion designers become more important these days? ......

16.10 OTHER LIFESTYLE ITEMS In addition to fashion and lifestyle products discussed above in detail, there are many other items which also form part of daily habit of a modern, fashion conscious strata of society. These include: 16.10.1 Yoga Yoga has become part of daily routine in many Indian families. Initially restricted to few health conscious households, more and more people are practicing yoga not just as an exercise to remain fit but also to look better and feel fit. Yoga postures that are easy to follow and practice are favourite among people. Meditation too helps in keeping one stress free and lowering blood pressure. Together they are good preventive measures against diseases caused by a sedentary lifestyle. Yoga practitioners are spread across the globe and many products have been especially manufactured to cater to their needs which include specially designed clothes, mats etc. Yoga Clubs where people come to learn and practice it, have mushroomed across the country. 16.10.2 Travels Though India has a long tradition of traveling to temples situated in remotest parts of the country, people in general are now traveling to cities and places that are located in lap of nature. Frequent travelers look for places which are not easily accessable and offer thrill and adventure. Many tour and traveling companies have come to existence which facilitate hassle free journey and stay, as also offer discounts. A number of magazines are in circulation and many books have been published giving information on tourist places and travel tips. 16.10.3 Food People in general have become choosy about the kind of food and the place of dining. Good restaurants offering pleasant ambience and tasty foods have sprung up across cities in the country which are thronged by many including those from middle class. While there are few magazines that are devoted solely to foods, many books published on the topic have turned out to be bestsellers. 16.10.4 Fitness In order to keep fit, more and more people are resorting to exercises and yogasanas. They also join Gyms and Yoga clubs for training under experts. Many fitness kits and instruments such as cycles of different kinds are available in the market which help one to remain fit even within four walls of a house. Many magazines and books are there to cater to their needs. 235 Beat Reporting-2 16.10.5 Books Books are part of everyday life for a majority of people. They say,’ When you open a book, you open a new world.’ Most of us feel that a book is like a best friend who will never walk away from us. We have had books since centuries and without them knowledge of our past ancestors, cultures and civilisations would not have been possible. Book Fairs are organised all over the world to introduce children to the joy of books and the pleasure of reading. A few reasons why reading a book will always form part of our lives are to expose oneself to new ideas, to inculcate a better understanding of the world, adapt to society, charge one’s imagination, reduce stress, improve one’s memory and entertain oneself. The habit of keeping bestsellers in drawing rooms is catching up among young people.

16.11 CINEMA

Cinemas and Movies definitely play a formative role in today’s society. People have an amazing sense of wonder whenever they see a movie. They spent hours recounting the events of our new movie, and enacting its scenes. Cinema, or motion picture, is the art of moving images; a visual medium that tells stories and exposes reality. Moving pictures have proven to be far more than just a simple tool for entertainment. Individuals have manipulated this technology, not only to tell stories but broadcast opinions that have gone on to change the perspective of entire generations and bring about change. People like to watch latest movies with friends and families. Dresses worn by actors and actresses influence viewers choice too as they want to imitate their idols. 16.11.1 How to write On Cinema Cinema or motion picture is a colourful and popular visual medium. This is enhanced by sounds,voices and music which narrates the story line. Entertainment is the main purpose behind why a film is made. Though sometimes it conveys the socioeconomic messages as well. But to write or talk about cinema, we need to have a clear understanding of the essential components involved in the making of cinema. There are majorly five basic elements involved in the making of a good cinema: Literary design, Visual design, Cinematography, , and Sound design. Literary design consists of the story ideas and the script on which the success of a movie primarily depends. Visual design include lighting, set design, make-up costume, and props. 236 Cinematography deals with the choices that are made for the camera, the placement of the camera, the lens choice, the camera angle, and the camera movement. Reporting Lifestyle, Editing is the method of placing shots in a sequel pattern. Editors decide on the Fashion and Films order and duration of shots, the visual transitions from scene to scene, and visual effects. Sound design deals with the sound components in the movie. When all of these components intertwine in synchronisation then only a film takes the shape of a complete cinema. In the case of cinema, we have many established publishing houses bringing out an array of newspapers, tabloids and magazines covering various aspects of film industry.While writing an article for a film magazine or a film column in a newspaper, the writer besides storyline should also keep in mind the current production trend, the film genre, and political and artistic movement. The writer should examine both the context and artistic and social-political aspects of the topic. The articles should incorporate a very brief synopsis of the storyline for those who have not seen the movie. The writer should incorporate Interviews with directors, performers, writers, composers, producers, distributors, and technicians involved in the filmmaking. An interview is more than a straightforward transcript of questions and answers which bring into light several important aspects of cinema. While writing a review, it is important to give ratings. It helps the readers to have an opinion on the cinema. Their decision to watch or not, largely depends on the review. While writing, it is important to share viewpoint on the cinema very clearly and then sum up with the points in the support. Further, many awards have been instituted by leading media houses presented to all those involved in the world of cinema. These too should be covered by media professionals. Basically, writing on a cinema should be accurate and at same time entertaining so that after reading it, readers shall be hooked to watch it or ignore it. Further, a movie is promoted through screening at reputed theatres wherein actors and actresses too make appearances. They also visit media houses to talk about their work and role to promote the movie. This provides a writer a golden opportunity not only to write about the movies but also take interviews of actors and actress who otherwise remain unavailable for media persons except those from leading media channels or publications. Check Your Progress 3 Note: 1) Use the space given below for your answer 2) Compare your answer with those given at the end of this Unit. 1. What elements should you cover while writing for cinema? ...... 2. What is the importance of these elements? ...... …... 237 Beat Reporting-2 16.13 LET US SUMUP

Indian fashion has come of age. Fashion designers are going abroad and participating in reputed fashion events. Government too has realised the importance of design elements to promote manufacture and export of textiles, jewellery, leather and other lifestyle items. Internationally, many fashion shows were sponsored by the government to create image of Indian lifestyle products including films and books. All these have led to the creation of a huge domestic and export market for such items. People in general have become conscious of their personality. They look for contents that could keep them abreast of the latest trends to enhance their style of living. This unit is not just a theoretical tool to give you an idea about what is lifestyle journalism but a practical know-how on writing on fashion, cinema and lifestyle. It addresses both mainstream as well as specialised publications. As fashion and lifestyle writing is still at a nascent stage it was imperative that the course material would provide one knowledge of the basic understanding of the whole scenario and how to go about the same. Learners of this field could have an idea as what to write and how to write. In the case of cinema, we already have many established publication houses and television channels bringing out an array of newspapers, tabloids, magazines and audio-visual programmes covering various aspects of the film industry. These need regular contents to cater to the huge number of cinema buffs in the country. They have also led to creation of job opportunities in manufacturing and allied sectors.

16.14 FURTHER READINGS

Raghavendra M.K. (2009) 50 Indian Film Classics, HarperCollins India, Noida Garg BD (2005) The Art of Cinema: An Insider’s Journey through Fifty years of Film History, HarperCollins, Noida Miller Sendra & Mc Neil Peter (2018) Fashion Journalism: History, Theory & Practice, Bloomsbury, London, New Delhi Bailey Sarah & Baker Jonathan (2014) Visual Merchandising for Fashion, Bloomsbury, London, New Delhi Hannelare Eberle (2008) Clothing Technology: From Fibre to Fashion, Verlag Europa-Lehrmittel Nourn, Haan, Germany

16.15 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS: POSSIBLE ANSWERS

Check Your Progress 1 : refer to 16.3 Check Your Progress 2 : refer to 16.6.2 Check Your Progress 3 : refer to 16.11.1

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