2. Analysing front covers of film magazines is an effective research method to identity codes and conventions, and learn how I should aim to produce my own front cover. Film magazines are similar to fashion magazines and music magazines in terms of the conventional layout, however they only cover the film industry very closely. Photographs and articles include subjects such as; new releases, ‘best of’ lists, film festivals, new actors, established actors, directors, producers and reviews. The front cover is sometimes shot similar to a fashion magazine, however some images on the front cover very much reflect the mise en scene of the featuring film and can have a more ‘action shot’ atmosphere.
3. Title – ‘total film’. Simple, yet reflects the genre of the magazine well and film magazines don’t tend to have very elaborate titles. Masthead – is very conventional, the bold clear text at the top of the page attracts attention and makes audience aware of the magazine they’re looking at. The green matches the colour of the strap lines and helps create a consistent house style. Image – medium close up of a very successful actor, which may persuade any fans of hers to buy the magazine. Her styling has been made to look feminine and attractive (using makeup, hair and costume), which attracts both male and female readers. Her alluring and confident body language and facial expression is conventional for a cover shot, and the eye contact with the camera is effective. Looking over your shoulder is considered a very ‘glamorous’ action for a female, heightening the atmosphere of fame on this cover. She is superimposed onto the masthead, emphasising her importance. Barcode, edition number, date and price – All of these essential features are places discreetly , using small fonts which blend into the house style. Straplines– All directly represent the movie industry and appeal to the audience using well known film names / actors. Small framed image – the circle border of this image creates a professional effect and also features a beautiful, popular celebrity within the film industry. The small headline hints at the article she is included in.
4. Title – ‘empire’ hints at a type of business and also signifies wealth, fame and success – which are commonly associated with the film industry, Masthead – Large clear font is effective, placed in front of the photograph to suggest the importance of the magazine. There seems to be a neon effect to the clear font. Image – This close up of batman is an example of film magazine covers in which the genre, mise en scene and atmosphere of the featuring film is captured. The dark, intimidating mask signifies mystery and represents the action genre of The Dark Knight appropriately. The facial expressions (serious mouth an intense eyes staring directly at the camera) suggest confidence, which is essential for an action hero. House style – With a very dark background and image, the bright blue and white manage to create a slightly livelier essence to the cover and also a constant house style. The colours are complementary of each other. Barcode, edition number, date and price – All of these essential features are places discreetly , using small fonts which blend into the house style. Straplines– All directly represent the movie industry and appeal to the audience using well known film names / actors. Language is informal yet sophisticated & alliteration is used which is very conventional of film magazines. Small framed image – the circle border of this image creates a professional effect and also features a beautiful, popular celebrity within the film industry. The small headline hints at the article she is included in.
5. Title – Again, very explanatory of the genre of magazine and represents how seriously the magazine takes the industry and content. Masthead – Large clear, red font across the top of the page is conventional and effective. The women superimposed on top suggest that the magazine is so popular that the title is well known. Image – this cover looks very similar to a fashion magazine due to the posed, studio photography of the actor. The woman seems flawless, which is always the case for cover images! Her skin on show and sultry facial expression suggest that this woman is sexual, therefore attracting male viewers. House style – Red, white and black work well together and suggest a serious magazine with serious content. The plain black background works well with this and the different styles of font are applied well to the texts they are used for. Barcode, edition number, date and price – All of these essential features are places discreetly , using small fonts which blend into the house style. Straplines– Rhetorical question carrying sexual connotations create interest around the feature article. They use many names of well known people in the industry to attract customers who are fans of any of these. There are no other images on this page, which seems to be quite conventional for film magazines. I think this simple layout is very effective.
