Research Task 2: Generic codes and conventions of magazines

1. Research Task 2
Generic Codes and
Conventions
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2. Total Film
CONVENTION:
• The masthead subtly draws attention to the film company however
is in the foreground behind the character who is famous.
• Masthead across the main character which stands out.
• The size of the text varies according to the prominence of the
feature or article’s cover line
• The size of the masthead is the biggest text in the cover. As it is
the masthead is the name of the magazine.
CODE:
• The colour scheme is electric blue adding to the futuristic colour
scheme of the iconic movie, ‘Guardians of the galaxy’.
• A reference is made ‘the star lord’s gang returns’ – this is iconic as
this is what fans of the movie will recognise and associate not only
with the actor but the familiarity of the film.

3. SciFiNow
• CONVENTIONS:
• The actors from the film series, ‘Stranger things’ are below the masthead making it easily
legible.
• The size of the masthead is the biggest text in the cover.As it is the masthead is the
name/title of the magazine.
• The size of the text varies according to the prominence of the feature or article’s cover
line
• CODES:
• The title ‘StrangerThings’ is also placed at the top of the magazine as it is a visible place
for the reader to see.The font used is called ‘ITC Benguiat’ – this design is both
entertaining and baroque because of it’s unusual letter shapes which relate to the theme
of this film series. In addition to this the font is highly recognisable and is used it’s unusual
letter shapes and huge x –height we see this font used in the film series title as well as any
other promotional materials relating to the brand.
• The film series is is set in a classic red and white background. Red is the colour is the
colour of passion and strength but in this case represents danger, action and progress.

4. Empire
• CONVENTIONS:
• This image takes up the whole of the magazine cover and although there is an additional
character in the background everything is blurred and out of focus so the main character is
immediately recognised and slightly obstructs part of the masthead too.
• The size of the masthead is the biggest text in the cover.As it is the masthead is the
name/title of the magazine.
• The size of the text varies according to the prominence of the feature or article’s cover line
• CODES:
• The title ‘Avatar’ is also placed at the lower bottom of the magazine as it is a visible place
for the reader to see and is just below the image of the main characters face .The font
used is simple but clear and affective as ‘Avatar’ is capitalised the design is both simple
and effective because it draws the readers attention to it straight away due to it being
written in a much bolder and larger font size.
• The film series is is set in a blue, black and white background.The colour blue provides
connotations of water which is a central theme within the film series.