Case studies: Magazine

From Scott Wilson

Page Layout White space- within the Magazine the White spacing has been used to structure the magazine and not make the magazine cluttered. The white spacing has also been used in order to create emphasis onto the various pages, this means the audience can read the Pages clearer. One other reason it’s effective is because with the use of white spacing the audience can easily see the text and the Images Clearer.

Columns- the columns used in the magazine are to structure the text and the image for example at the top of the page there is a large image at the top of the page and below it is the text. It is to make sure that the text is well structured. Also with the use of columns it increases the creativity

Grids- grids are used in order to make the magazine look more organised, you notice this as how the text and the images are structured. For example at the top of the page there is a large image and at the bottom is the text all in a grid for the structure.

Overall design- the overall design looks very clear and effective, as all the pictures and the text are all structured into place. With all the pull out quotes which are in different fonts and colours in order to divert the attention of the audience

Heading- The Headings used within the Empire magazine which Is used in order to inform the audience of what the text is about, and with the placement of the fonts it shows in the magazine that it clarifies with the white background and it Directs the attention of the audience onto the title so they can understand more aspects about the Film.

Style• The magazine follows a Modular/ Grid based style with the way that it is structured and the Layout of the

product, It also is organised and the Image which is used within the magazine shows the characters wearing a Uniform this may interest some audiences. For example on the Main Image you can clearly see the characters wearing the uniform this is to make the audience aware of the characters identity in the film. To add to this the use of filling single screen style has been used very effectively for example the use of the main Image being the main topic of the Magazine. I think that the magazine follows this simple structure of grids and Images this is used in order to show less emphasis on other products which need advertising and its also been used in order to show the audience that the main theme of the magazine is on the film Guardians of the Galaxy, this means that the audience can see the film and the Images wouldn’t be as cluttered. One other reason the magazine follows a simple structure is because the main theme of the magazine is on Guardians of the Galaxy this means that the audience will be attracted to this magazine as it will attract other fans of Marvel who follow other Marvel products or Franchises.

The Typography

The text has bee used in order to inform it’s audience about the film, making sure it adds detail, how much the film made and what the budget was it also indicates who was in he film. With the use of hierarchy within the film this has been used in order to structure the text and draw the attention on certain things within the page for example there is a giant letter at the top of the page this could be used in two ways, the first way as to which it could be used is in order to draw the attention of the audience so that the audience knows when to start to read the text, the second way in which this has been used is in order to structure and make the letter stand out with the Image and the white spacing. One other way in which Hierarchy has been used is by the use of the columns on the text it gives the reader an idea of what to read first, this has also been used to effect the structure of the text as it gives you more information with all the pictures surrounding the text. One other way in which the hierarchy has been used is by the fact the text is on either side of the Images which are in the centre of the page this has been used to direct the attention of the reader and indicate what to look at first.

One other aspect which has been used in the Magazine is the use of fonts, these have been used to give the magazine an identity. For example with all the Orange and the Black fonts, they all contrast well with the design and they stand out with the images. The Font which is used represents masculinity and it’s quite stern so this might indicate an interest for a Male audience. Also the colours which are used in the fonts are to maybe used to divert the audiences attention from certain aspects of the audience, in order to look at various other key parts of information. One other Semiotic which is used is the Size of the font. This could indicate if something is important or not, it can also indicate if there is any other news about the film. One other way that size is effective is that it can create a sense of meaning.

The Images

• The Images which have been used in the Article have been made to give the audience more detail about how the film was made and what is included within the film it also gives you added detail about the making of the film. The Images which are used also reflect on what is included within the text, so for example they would have to relevant to Guardians of the Galaxy. The Images are manipulated in a way that it structures the text and the hierarchy. They are also used in order to manipulate the way that the film was made and this can be done easier by placing Images in certain places so that the audience can understand how the film was made. The Images Depict various scenes in the film and they also depict all the characters which are in the film, it also suggests many ways in which how the make up was done and it also includes how they do some of the animated sequences. The Constructed meaning behind the use of Images is to add more Detail to the article and I think it has been used in order to inform and give an idea of what the characters in the film look like or to give an idea who is the antagonist and who the Protagonist is. You can also see that in the Images above they are in separate areas for example Ronan is on the right and Gamora is in the middle alongside Peter Quill who is on the left, this could indicate who the Evil character is as in the background all you can see is Darkness and on the left its not. This appeals to the audience as it will make them intrigued as to what they might find out about the characters. One other aspects about the magazine which is included in this is that the screen shots which are in the film, also in the magazine article most of the focus would be on the male characters as the majority of the characters in the article are Male.

The integration of text and Images

• The images and the text have been used in a way that is used to inform the audience about the film and other aspects about it. The constructed meaning of this is to show the audience more information about the film and it has also been used in order to engage the interest in the audience. This will appeal to the audience as it allows them to get more knowledge and I allowed them to possibly take an interest in the Empire Magazine. One other way the Magazine article has been used is Due to the Magazine being mostly Male dominated the majority of the content and the pictures could only appeal to the Male audience. This is appealing to the Male audience because of the pictures which are used are fairly Masculine and the Text colours and the stern use of font it would suggest that the Primary audience is Male. The meaning which is constructed in this is due to the fact that the audience of the Magazine is Male and this would suggest the at the meaning has been constructed to appeal to the Male audience. This would appeal to the primary audience as the majority of the Images and the text are mostly masculine.

• Text wrapping- The text wrapping which is used within the magazine has been used in order to contrast with the Image. An example of this is in the top of the Page where there is an S which is below Star lord this could’ve been used in order to represent who Star lord is or it might have been used to suggest what the article could mainly be about. The meaning which has been constructed is to show to the audience who the character Star Lord is, this is appealing to the audience because it almost points out who the character is. This means that the audience will get a good idea of who that is.

• Balance- The text and Image Balance of the Magazine is probably around 55% text and 45% Image, the Images within the article are to represent what the text is, you could say that the image on the top of the page could indicate to the audience who the good guy and the bad guy is but in the middle you have the character Gamora, she is in the middle because you could say that she was on Ronans side but has switched side.

• Captions- The Captions within the Article are used in order to inform the audience and engage them in various ways. The Images used in with the captions give you extra detail on various aspects about the film.

• Pull quotes- These have been used in order to create various opinions and for the reader to be able to see what others have to say about the Film, this means that it will immediately give the audience an opinion on the film.

• Columns-There is a copy in the 3rd and 5th column telling the reader what the pictures depict. This has been used because it appeals to the audience. One way it appeals is to the audience Is because as soon they turn the page, it describes what characters are being shown in the Images through the copy.

How content is represented and how this could be affected by Bias.

The content is represented in a way to present the film and it is presented in order to suggest to the audience what the film is about, the majority of the text within the article is about the film and all the extras. The content which is put in is to provide opinions and reviews for other sources to use.

With the use of Individual Bias this could influence specific reviewers with a possibility of getting recognition off other massive corporations which review films and this would also influence the audience into purchasing the magazine and it would also influence the audience into wanting to watch the film. The content in the film is represented as if it’s one if the greatest films to see, you notice this as in one of the articles it says at the top “ The Greatest Marvel film ever?” this was put in to perspective that the audience will know that they must see the film. Also with the use of the reviews etc. this could influence the film as it may want people to watch it, this is where aspects of ratings, comments on social media which may be included in the Article would influence how biased the article will be because the main target is to get people to watch the film. However if the reviewer itself is a professional this would ultimately mean that the audience would immediately also want to watch the film and if it gets a fairly positive review then that would make the audience even more intrigued to watch the film. With the use of Bias and the reviews presented have the ability to influence the audience with regards to the product choice, this means that depending on the product choice the review is aimed at it would automatically influence the audience. One other point you could add is that the magazine Empire states that it’s the biggest selling film magazine out there, this would immediately have an effect of the out come of the Magazine. One other way which bias is constructed is to get a good and positive relationship the film studio and the magazine, in order to gain exclusive content to advertise to the audience. The Meaning which is constructed in this is to give the audience and the readers who look at the magazine to get information from the article in order to get more knowledge. This is appealing to the audience as it gives them more information and this would potentially increase Film sales ad if the magazine gets exclusive content then Empire Magazine would get more money.

The content made for international audiences.

• The content which has been made for an international audience is with the vast use of information about the film in the magazine and the characters ethnic backgrounds might make a certain region of the world might want to read the magazine. The meaning which is constructed in this is to show Equality within the Magazine as this may increase the sales in other countries and this will appeal to other audiences as it may feature an actor which represents where they are from. The Empire magazine itself is for a national audience however they do release the magazines in countries such as United states, Australia, Turkey, Russia and Portugal. With its content the Magazine may feature certain actors or anyone working in the film industry from a certain country this could influence the production sales of the magazine as it makes it far more appealing to a wider range of audiences. For example within the magazine it might show case some of the nations greatest Film talents such as the Uk’s Richard Ayoade or Karen Gillain from Doctor who and Guardians of the Galaxy. The content may also feature references to British film dates and if it was released in the Uk the magazine would also feature British terminology and slang words in order to connect to it’s audience. This would appeal to Audiences in the UK as it would contain certain actors from the UK which would appeal to that certain area. The meaning which may be constructed in this example may be used in order to engage various audiences around the world.

• •Within the Article of the Film Guardians of the Galaxy it would also implement maybe references from other languages in the article to make it more appealing, seen as though the film itself is a American film it will have the majority of the interest in America this means that in the article there might be a few American references. With the national audience it would mean that the rest of the world may have different references as they may not understand. One other way it appeals to a National audience is that the magazine may include some Character interviews so this might influence the some countries as the Characters in the film may have fans from the same ethnic background as them. The meaning which is constructed with regards to the use of the Articles used in the Empire magazine is to Inform and make the audience find out what is used in the film and how it was made and how much money in terms of box office figures and how much it cost to make the film and it would also include how the film was made and find out various things about all the characters this could include there ethnic backgrounds and what made them want to play the roles in the film. This would be appealing to many audiences as they will read the magazine to find out all these things. The benefit for the producers having a international audience are that it will be able to promote there film so it makes more money, gains popularity and it also makes the producers get money for advertising. As for the audience the benefits of having a magazine which is able to be sold throughout the world is that no matter where you are in the world you can access all the content in the magazine which can be seen no matter where you are in the world.

attitudes of a western society • The attitudes of a western society that the magazine contents demonstrate that within the Magazine are that the main Point of focus in the Magazine is

that there is a sense of equality within the Magazine, as in some of the articles there are Male and Female characters in the Pictures this could mean that the western society is equal and there are no issues which are can be manipulated. The magazine itself could very easily see various stories across social media which may inspire the theme of the issue. This demonstrates attitudes that in western society the stories and information about the film can get published into the magazine and can be biased. This means that anyone in the world across social media can discuss the content of Empire magazines’ content this could potentially boost the sales of the Magazine and this would also allow Empire magazine have a International audience as many people from around the world can discuss what it is in the Article of Empire Magazine. The meaning behind the attitudes of a western society is to show how this might influence the film and what made James Gun what to implement certain aspects of the film, this would be interesting to some readers as it might give a different view point on the film. This would appeal to other the readers as they may find out the influences on why the film was made and what inspired certain aspects of the film. As all the examples listed above are seen to be in the beliefs and the values of a western society.

• The magazine represents a Western Society Hegemony with the use of it’s Beliefs and values which are used in the Empire Magazine does reflect on the way the writing structure is, for example in the magazine where it shows various pictures of Star lords and Gamoras relationship in the magazine this could indicate that the majority of the film has a western attitude, as heterosexual relationships in society are what appears to be the Norm in these days society. Also another aspect of the context within the Guardians of the galaxy pages are the Art style which are implemented in the Magazine in order to engage it’s readers and it’s used in order to show James Gunn’s influences. The constructed meaning which is created in the Magazine is that the norm in the western society is that everyone’s equal no matter the Gender or social class or sexuality, however in the film the majority of the characters heterosexual this could mean that the film is more biased to this fact rather than the magazine is more generalised. This would also appeal to the audience as they may want to find out more about the characters backgrounds and the film and magazines own take on the western society

• One other aspect of the Film which is discussed within the Magazine are the vast use of information about resale with all the DVD’s, CD’S and other merchandise which could be advertised, this reflects on the western society today, also with all the cinemas which had the film Guardians of the galaxy on show are demonstrated with the box office figures and the ratings of the film. The meaning which is created is that the Magazine is used to promote the film and find out what the peoples perceptions are of beuty,as in this may look at what looks right in terms of characters as this could promote beauty. This could make the audience appeal as they may want to find out more about the characters and the amount of DVD’s and other merchandise sells.

period in which the film was made.• The Relevancy of when the product was made was at a time when super hero films were at a high as

since 2012 there was a quite a significant amount of films which were made. The films which were brought out have made quite a significant amount of box office figures. The examples of the films are the Avengers, this is the 3rd highest grossing film in history after it has made over 1.5 billion Dollars. As a result of this more and more Marvel films are being created as they make the most money, so the Empire Magazine would create magazines with the Marvel films on the front cover in order to make more money. One other example of a Marvel film which did particularly well was Iron man 3,this is the 6th highest grossing movie of all time after making a total of over 1.1 billion Dollars. This would then also have a huge impact on the sales of the magazines. One other aspect of the relevancy of the product is that with the use of Digital technology, the Empire Magazine can reach a wider audience and it can be accessed from around the world. The Empire magazine itself can be accessed on google or on a app store, this could also increase its sales digitally. One other way in which Empire Magazine made more money is buy making it cheaper to sell the magazine online this means that the magazine will make more money and it will engage the interest more for the Magazine. To add to this you can also buy certain issues, this means the magazines are always on sale. When the magazine was released there was all the build up for the film Guardians of the galaxy and with all the disasters and the various out breaks of problems around the world the release of Guardians of the Galaxy shows the significance and the film Magazine Empire wanted to emphasise this. The Impact this had on the product is that the sales increased as there was a significant amount of Super hero film which was released.

Who owns the product• The company which owns the product are a company called Bauer group, the company itself

saw a gap in the market for a film magazine so they decided to buy Empire Magazine. The company itself also own radio and TV music channels such as; Kiss radio, 4 Music, Absolute radio etc. And they also own other Magazine media platforms such as angling times, heat,kerrang and Q. The Bauer group already owned various digital media platforms so they decided to buy Empire magazine as they didn't own one before. The Empire Magazine had a niche audience to aim at and they decided to go for it. They also needed to cross Marketing in order to boost its popularity this allows the company to grow and become more advanced. The Bauer media group wanted this in order to influence an option, this I because as soon as the magazine company becomes more popular then the audience would only listen to that opinion. The positives of this are that the product would gain awareness and the appreciation of the film guardians of the galaxy would also be increased. It may also inspire others to pursue a career in journalism, this means they can create more opportunities for people. One other way this helps is it provides a voice for its fans. One other reason the Bauer group started the Magazine company Empire was to be able to control opinions and as a result this could influence the audience. One other reason the Bauer group wanted to purchase a film magazine as their was a niche in the market and as a result of this Empire magazine is now the best selling Film magazine in the world.

Why might they make it?

• The reasoning behind the production of the magazine is because there simply was a gap missing in the Production of the magazine, this means that certain audiences wouldn't be able to get various information about the films which are coming out. So with Bauer purchasing Empire Magazine it gave film fans something to read and it gave the Bauer group a genre of magazine which they wanted to sell as they never previously owned one. And one other reason the Bauer group wanted to purchase the magazine was because with all the other brands which are used are cross marketed in order to boost the popularity of the product, and it is also used to inspire others if they are wanting to become a journalist or pursue a job working in the Film industry. It also provides a voice for the niche audience and the groups fans.

• However it does have its negatives one of the negatives is that manipulating audiences could be a problem, in other words giving audiences false information or presenting information for the audiences to watch or not to watch certain films. also one other negative of this is that the magazine would always prioritise the big budget films which are coming out, this means that smaller films are not referenced. Information in the film is commercially biased so there will be information in the film which is only positive and there might be some things missing about the film. there will also be Cross advertising with other products which is owned by the Bauer group in order for them to make money. Also one other disadvantage is the passive viewing consumption this means that the audience would immediately believe something which they see. This is the case of he hypodermic needle model. This could then cause Negative emotional triggers, this is where film stars pictures are photo shopped to make them pretty, providing a unattainable view of beauty.

The positive media messages given• • The positive messages which are given in the magazine is that the film itself will have various

inspirational aspects, such as what's in the film and all the facts which are given. the purpose of Empire magazine is to provide a perspective on selected films this will give the audience extra added information about the film and it would help promote various films. One other purpose of the magazine is to provide analysis on selected films, this would give the audience a good description on the films. Another purpose is to inform its audience about all the various films which are being released and to tell its audience about the cast or the directors and other aspects. This creates a positive feel to the magazine as the audience can engage and interact with the product. One other purpose of the magazine is to entertain, with all the latest films and the upcoming films which are under production the magazine in implement some comical images in various films in order to engage its readers. By adding these comical elements it would also give positive messages as the reader will know that the magazine is comical. One of the most important purposes of the magazine is to persuade to the audiences regarding the opinions of selected films this could immediately make the audience understand more and they would have a respected opinion to call rely on. Finally one other important aspect of the magazine is to promote the rumoured set visits, exclusives which are traded for promotion purposes and to look at positive review scores with film companies. This will give the audience a voice and something to rely on. feel good about there country patriotic about there society and nationalistic created by a fictional fantasy scenario

negative media messages given• The negative messages which has been given are that the vast majority of the magazine would

give off negative aspects towards the audience. For example if the magazine was to manipulate it’s audiences then the whole concept of the idea to inform may go wrong for the Magazine. In other words by Presenting information for audiences to watch or to not watch certain films However it does have its negatives as it may give the magazine a bad reputation. Also one other negative of this is that the magazine would always prioritise the big budget films which are coming out, this means that smaller films are not referenced. Information in the film is commercially biased so there will be information in the film which is only positive and there might be some things missing about the film. there will also be Cross advertising with other products which is owned by the Bauer group in order for them to make money. Also one other disadvantage is the passive viewing consumption this means that the audience would immediately believe something which they see. This is the case of he hypodermic needle model. This could then cause Negative emotional triggers, this is where film stars pictures are photo shopped to make them pretty, providing a unattainable view of beauty. All these examples above can give off negative media messages as there opinions on how they look at things may intimidate the reader as they may give a negative review on a certain audiences favourite film this could spark an outrage. The feeling of patriotism about your country can cloud your judgement as this feeling is created by a fantasy and not based on actual events.

Discuss the research in relation to a wider media context

• The following positives and negatives which were discussed may have there disadvantages and advantages with regards to a wider media context. The Magazine aims at a certain audience and it talks about the film values, one of these it promotes is good vs evil. This has been the cliché thing in the majority of the films which have been made in the US. One of the significant messages which it gives off is a sense of patriotism, this where it makes the audience feel good about the product. The hype of the film is also linked in with the passion of the characters as the majority of the Marvel films are to do with America vs the world and with a mission to save man kind. Also with the use of comedy in the film it can entice its audience an make the Film and the magazine article about the biased, so that it only tells what the audience wants to hear. You know that the film is sort of American patriotic film, with the vast use of Classic rock music. This showed with the same enthusiasm in the article. For example the audience maybe what's important within the film as they have there own opinions on what they think about the film and the magazine may even match it. The negative aspects of the messages which is presented in the magazine is that if the article is biased, then it may not implement all the information about the film as it will only show positives about the film. This could backfire as many audiences maybe disappointed with the film as it may not of lived up to the hype. In relation to the research of a wider media context, our life will remain incomplete without media, this includes the radio, televisions, newspapers and the internet, as these are the main resources go getting our information. Just like other fields like magazines, a vast development is seen in the media fields also. The common people believe the news which they are given by the media. So, the media should be very careful about what they give as news towards the public, so in terms of the magazine Empire they need to make sure that the news they supply is as relevant and is as truthful as it can possibly be. The magazines which delivers similar messages is the Magazine Starburst, this is also a film magazine and it includes all the facts and the reviews which is just like Empire magazine and a magazine which is called film these all deliver the message to advertise and to inform the audience about various different Films in order fro the film to gain popularity. This is an advantage for producers as they may be able to get there films on multi film magazine platforms so that there film can be advertised and they will get more money. The advantages for an audience are that they would be able to find out more information about the Films and the directors also how much the film made and what=at the ratings were.