fmd

2. FILM MAGAZINE FRONT COVER
ANALYSIS 2
 A barcode is included on the front
cover so it can be processed when
purchased and therefore the
presence of a bar code denotes
professionalism. It is positioned at
the bottom right of the magazine so
it does not invade the left-side third
and it does not steal focus from any
other feature. The menu strip at the
bottom is one of the last things that
the target audience looks at because
of its positioning. The text is the
same font as most of the other text
which doesn’t make it stand out
because it fits it in with the rest of
the layout as well as the fact that it
also fits in with the same colour
scheme that has been established.

3. The magazine includes their web
address so the target audience of film
lovers can find out more exclusive
news about new releases and more. It is
positioned under and is in the same
colour as the masthead yet it does not
steal any focus from the central image
or cover lines because it is in a small
font. The website is simply the name of
the magazine so it is easy to remember
and instantly recognisable. The date
and price are in a small font near the
masthead. The price is in a small font
because the front cover attracts the
target audience before they find out
how much it costs. The price is £3.99
which is expensive for a magazine yet
it denotes quality. The date is only
‘August 2008’ which indicates that this
is a monthly magazine as no specific
date of publication is mentioned. This
also links to the cost of the magazine as
it is more expensive because it is only
released once a month. The mention of
a date helps collectors/ subscribers
keep up to date with the magazine as
well as having a sense of exclusivity
because the magazine is only released
monthly.

4.  The tagline of the magazine reads ‘The world’s biggest movie magazine’ which will attract
potential readers because it guarantees quality as it states its popularity. The colour of the
tagline is the same as the masthead and it is in a small font so it doesn’t draw attention away
from the bigger storied yet it is still stated. The masthead is the biggest text on the front cover
and is in the boldest colour so people will be drawn to it as it stands out above everything
else. It covers the image so it does not appear inferior to the central image. The point on the
poster which arouses curiosity is the statement of ’45 new movies you need to know about
right now!’. The use of the word ‘need’ implies to the target audience that it is necessary that
they know this information and they will be missing out if they do no read the magazine.
Furthermore, the phrase ‘right now’ suggests that the target audience must buy the magazine
instantly otherwise they will fail to benefit from and know the important information in the
magazine.
 The phrase ‘Bloody Hell’ on the front cover is the puff and the audience are navigated here by
the bright * on the opposite side of the front cover. It is a well-known phrase that makes the
magazine cover more appealing to the target audience plus it has a comical double meaning
which is shown in the statement below – as well as appealing to the fans of the film due to it
being the catchphrase of Ron Weasley. This statement equally stands out as it is in another
bright colour against the dull background. All of this text is positioned on the right hand side
which makes sure the target audience explores the whole front cover as it steals their focus
away from the left side third. The * navigates the audience to another heading on the front
cover which captures their interest even more as it involves them in the text. The colour only
appears with this symbol which makes it easy to find the second half of the title because the
brighter colour stands out against the dull background.
 The left-side third presents a lot of important information to attract the target audience and
other potential readers. This also considers the distribution of the magazine as they are often
displayed in a vertical fashion which would mean the audience would still be able to see what
to expect in the edition even though they may not see the complete cover. In this magazine the
left-side third advertises the main feature as well as secondary leads. The cover lines vary in
size, colour and font which helps to separate them from one another as well as attract the
audience by making the layout easy to read and therefore accessible. The colours of the font
fit in with the dark colour scheme that the magazine has established to accompany the central
image. The headline of ‘Massive Preview Special!’ is in the sweet spot so it is the piece of
text that the audience will be drawn to first. This, as well as the prominence of ‘Harry Potter’,
stands out as they are in white whereas the other writing in grey is not as outstanding because
it is not as highlighted against the dull background.

5. In the feature article
photo the person is
looking directly into
the camera which
engages the target
audience as they
have eye contact
with the character
that features in the
magazine. The
character is
noticeably Harry
Potter which the
audience can tell
because the central
image of is him in
character i.e. the
glasses. This gives
the audience a sense
that the feature
containing Harry
Potter will be more
about the film than
the personal life of
the actor unlike
other magazines.
This would attract
the target audience
of film lovers as it
appeals to their
interests.
The non-verbal
codes, such as the
character’s facial
expression, denote a
look of fear and
awareness which
connotates that the
next film he is
starring in is dark
and serious. The
technical codes,
such as the lighting,
back up these
connotations as one
side of his face is
poorly lit which
casts doubt on his
character as the
audience feel they
are not seeing Harry
in his true light. The
image in the left
hand third is smaller
so it does not draw
attention away from
the central image
and it shows 3
characters from the
list of films that has
been mentioned
above draw them in.
 These characters are dressed as their alter-ego characters and the target audience would easily be
able to connect the character to the film and therefore the magazine is using the strengths of their
target audience to draw them in. The characters are both male and female, thus appealing to both
genders, and are also from different genres including action and sci-fi. They are grouped together
against a bland, undistinguishable background which makes them stand out more whilst not
directing focus away from the central image.