Evaluation Question 1

In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products? (Part 2-Magazine cover)

Codes and conventions of a movie magazine

Masthead – This features on all magazine covers, usually at the top of the page and indicates which magazine it is e.g. Empire or Vogue. This is the largest text on the page. It can reflect the audience it caters for.

Image - The image should reflect the audience and also the style of the magazine. The main image is usually a mid-shot (so I too used a mid shot) and should reflect on what the film featured is about. This usually involves the main actor from the film featured.

‘Buzz words’ - These involve ‘free’ and ‘exclusive’ which capture the readers attention and want to buy the magazine.

Anchorage text – the text that tells what the stories inside will be about, for example this could be a quote taken from the interview inside.

Banner – gives overall information about the magazine and what will be found inside.

How I complied to these conventions.I have made the title of my magazine the largest, brightest and boldest text on the page to ensure it catches a consumers eye. As well as placing it at the top of the page so that It can be seen when behind other magazines on a shelf.I used a colour scheme that was in keeping with my genre. As well as using the colour red to put emphasis on words as the colour red has been proven to be the most eye catching.I also used anchorage text where there are phrases about articles inside that will hopefully draw someone in.The phrase/ tagline ‘the inside story’ makes an audience feel as if they are going to receive special or exclusive information on the film that other outlets won’t provide. This gives the magazine an edge on competitors as well as attracting more of an audience.

Layout

A traditional layout for a film magazine cover

My magazine cover

The only obvious difference is that the headline (being the name of the film) is in a different location. This is so that you do not cover the face of the actor.

Image

I noticed that the majority of film magazine covers use a mid shot of the protagonist/antagonist of the feature film. So I too complied to this convention.

How my magazine cover is similar to a genuine film magazine cover

Similarities and concepts that I have followed or complied to

* Name of the magazine is the largest text and located at the top.* Image depicting the iconic actor/villain.* Plain background* Colour scheme that connotes the genre.*Information on articles that are featured.