Assignment 9: Magazine Cover Research PART B

Courtney Buabeng

ELLE

TOTAL FILM

VIBE

WONDERLAND

EMPIRE

Purpose of Film Magazines

• The purpose of a film magazine is to promote films which are yet to be released and ones that already exist that are being shown in pictures or on DVD.

• It targets people who are interested in the film, whether in the industry or not.

• They engage viewers in the process before making films. (Pre-production, production and post-production.)

• As a part of the marketing process of films, they’re used to market and promote the film before its release date.

• They include key features which relate to the genre of the film and gain special offers and prizes.

Where are film magazines available?

• Film magazines are available to buy in stores or download on electronic devices on PDF or if able to download a magazine app.

• The App Store gives the option of downloading many magazines such as the following.

What is the typical size for magazines?

• The standard size for a magazine is 8 3/8 x 10 7/8

• With the use of the magazine apps, the sizes of the magazines can vary depending on the type of magazine is being featured.

How are magazine cover attractive/appealing to the audience? Does the attraction differ than that of the

film? • Magazine covers attract the audience as they give more

insight about the film such as, interviews, behind the scene photos etc.

• Magazines targeted for males usually have attractive females models or muscular men models who the viewers may admire.

• Majority of magazines which are targeted for the female audience are focused on the products like cosmetics and fashion etc.

• The attraction differs depending on the theme of the magazine, film magazines utilise the main character to encourage the fan bases of that particular character.

What the conventions of magazines covers?

Mast Head

• The mast head is usually a different font so it is recognisable and to establish a different between other magazines.

• It also stands out from the rest of the taglines and features on the front cover

• It is to establish what the magazine will be about. For example, a magazine like ‘TotalFilm’ is identifiable as a film magazine instead of a fashion magazine

Main Image

•The Main image varies from close up, mid and long shots depending on the style and theme of the magazine. •Also, direct is something quite common in fashion and film magazines

Cover Lines

•The cover lines on the front page indicate other articles which will be featured inside of the magazine itself.•This makes it easy to establish why customers should buy the magazine if it is of interest to them

Colour Palette

•The colour palette usually connotes the theme of the magazine.•For example, an empire film with gold and red colours represents either the action or sci-fi genre.

Similarities & differences between magazines?

• Majority of magazines use a main character as their main image on magazines.

• On the other hand, some films use direct gaze whilst others don’t and this is a common difference depending on the genre or theme of the magazine.

• The barcode, date and price of the magazine are usually in the same place on all magazines.

• The colour palette is similar as all magazines use a variety of colours but use a different combination of them according to the genre or theme of the magazine.

• A difference will be the taglines as some magazines such as gossip magazines have a lot of text and features on the front cover whilst others don’t.

What do some magazine covers prioritise?

Three things that magazine cover prioritise are:

• The title – Which is bold and identifiable for loyal consumers

• Name of the feature they are promoting – Audience are able to recognise what the magazine is about, whether fashion or film

• The image on the front cover – The main selling strategy of selling the magazine and attracting the audience