Random Mocks

Rather than criticise you, I’d like to provide some tips and advice that would benefit future mocks:

A first point to mention is while widescreen graphics were well and truely common place in the early 2010s, the majority of Networks still accounted for 4:3 safe zones when creating graphics in terms of supers, OSTs, and watermarks to accommodate older television sets still in use, since analogue viewing was common, albeit not for much longer.

Advice can be found here in the Guide to Mocking thread.

The second point is the older NBN Television logo you have used for the watermark is too big. Another issue is the colour as it clashes with the background, same with the title-card:

image

However, the watermark clash can be remedied by adding either a very fine white or black outline behind it and is common practice with Sunrise for example. However, the logo could do better with a brighter colour, or have it encased within a box.

Correct spelling and grammar in a mock makes all the difference as well!

Third is the colour combo can work (take the older blue and yellow CBS O&O graphics for example) and minimalist graphics with little to no decorations can work at times as well like BBC News’ 2013-2019 graphics, though the font chosen is a little too plain.

Try experimenting with different font families either free or paid depending on your circumstances, though even some of the pre-set styles on your computer or device can work well too. The Useful stuff for mocks thread can also help with this as well.

I feel the name you have chosen for this Today Tonight-esque program can sound memorable, however the same colour clash with the background and font issues remain from above. Perhaps you could try adding a filter on the photo to help the logo stand out such as a subtle blur effect or colour tint.

And if you’re going to make VHS-esque caps, they should be both period and aspect ratio accurate. This graphics package was used in 1999 (with the split 7 circle) and 2000 to 2004 with the ribbon logo, and cropping the borders would’ve benefited as well.

A bonus tip for everyone here is when creating graphics is hooking up your device to a TV via HDMI. You can not only test to see if the graphics stay within the safe zones, but it also looks cool too! Here’s an old example I made in 2020 from a project that is currently in hiatus:

I know this was a lengthy response, but I hope that this advice will be beneficial for you @Monsterbroe and others! :slight_smile:

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