Backstage magazine case study

1. BACKSTAGE
MAGAZINE CASE
STUDY
LANGUAGE
INSTITUTION
AUDIENCE
REPRESENTATION

2. TEXTUAL ANALYSIS
• Burgundy/maroon/brown
colour scheme – quite an
earthy and natural vibe –
reinforces the representation
of Amy, who's hair is a known
asset – people who wear
these colours are generally
looking to appear more
sophisticated, luxurious and
possibly reserved – they also
arguably often think about
and seek social status – this
colour scheme reflects the
target audience of the
magazine

3. TEXTUAL ANALYSIS
• Celebrity endorsement – use of one single
image with Amy Adams as the main subject –
coverline is also used as anchorage text to
attract the primary target audience and Amy's
fan base
• Pose – somewhat serious but with a small smile
– looking out into the distance – arguably
suggests a sense of mystery – entices the target
audience as they want to find out more - a
need which will be fulfilled by reading the
article

4. TEXTUAL ANALYSIS
• Black and white original typography –
unique – masthead – connotes
professionalism and organization – black
connotes a sense of elegance and whit
connotes purity and style – contrasting
colours attract audiences attention –
creates a clear and easy to read front
cover – neat, simple, organized layout –
does not overwhelm the target audience
• Main cover line – alligned to the left –
anchorage text – stands out and draws
the target audience's attention
• Puffs – anchor the mode of address and
reflect the target audience and genre of
the magazine
• Minimalistic image – enables clear
layout – reflects upmarket appeal

5. TEXTUAL ANALYSIS
• Brand name – original
typography – round, black,
lower case letters – reflects the
brand identity – star full
stop further reinforces the
sub-genre of the magazine and
supports the brand identity
• Plain background – hard focus
on the model – drawing
attention to the main subject
• Lots of 'white space' - easier to
read – generally upper class
magazine

6. TEXTUAL ANALYSIS
• Annual subscription £99.95 / Semi-
annual subscription £69.95 every 6
months / Monthly subscription
£14.95 - subscriptions also include
added benefits such as a personal
profile that casting directors can see,
access to the Talent Dashboard and
casting call notices as well as much
more [see the next slide] – reflects
the target audience as aspiring
actors and reinforces the sub-genre
as a theatre entertainement
magazine

8. TEXTUAL ANALYSIS
• Primary target audience
• 18-35 average aged reader
• 60/40 female/male
• $75,000+ average household income
• The average reader travels 6 times per year
• 25% of readership subscribe to meal delivery
service
• 52% regularly attend fitness classes
• Target audience includes actors, filmmakers,
firectors, tastemakers and casting directors

9. TEXTUAL ANALYSIS
• Secondary target audience - friends/family/parents of the primary target
audience helping the person they know get into the industry and people who are
interested in the industry in terms of consuming the media rather than aspiring to
be in it
• Socio-economic group – A-C1 – upper-middle class – expensive magazine,
although it is justified in the addition content provided in terms of the online
profile etc
• Psychographic – aspirers – care about image and persona – their core need in life
is for status, like that of Amy Adams through her representation in this front
cover
• VALS category – Thinkers – value knowledge and creativity – reflects the
informative tone that is evidently shown through some of the articles and
magazine content
• Blumler and Katz theory – the target audience might purchase the magazine for
a number of different reasons – interest in Amy Adams, looking for information,
aspiring actors, as a way of entertainment or possibly looking for a personal

10. TEXTUAL ANALYSIS
• Shot type – angle level with the model – simple, honest
representation
• Single close up image – infers the brand like to clearly lay out their
magazines – professional – reflects how the brand aim to sustain a
professional representation
• Challenges stereotypes of a female celebrity – not being
represented as voyeuristic or sexualised but in a relaxed and sincere
atmosphere
• Somewhat dramatic front cover – in terms of the colour scheme,
body language and shot type – arguably entices and intrigues the
audience
• Cover lines – intertextual references to Amy Adams' performances
• Link to the website on the front cover – directing the target
audience to the additional content
• Cover lines – Netflix – reflects how the brand keep up-to-date with
the latest technological developments
• Celebrity model Amy Adams represented in a sophisticated and
classy manner - arguably reflects how the target audience may
aspire to be like her – seek her social status

11. SOCIAL MEDIA

12. WEBSITE