My analysis of an Empire magazine front cover for my A2 Media Studies.

1. Research Into Existing Products:
Magazine Front Cover – Empire
Zoë Freeman

2. Main image –
The main image is the most prominent feature of the front
cover as it has been placed over the masthead and cover
lines. Furthermore, the editors use of an image of the
protagonist from that weeks featured film allows the
audience to identify with the character and increase their
interest in buying the magazine. The lighting and editing of
the image also help it to stand out further; shadows are
created and the lighting is manipulated to enhance the
power of the image. In terms of mis-en-scene, the simplistic
and understated costume enables the audience to also focus
on the cover lines and become interested in other aspects of
the magazine. Typically, front cover images are shot in a
medium close up with the cover artist looking directly into
the camera. However, in this image the characters eyes do
not engage with the audience and look off into the distance.
Cover lines –
A number of cover lines are used in this example of Empire
magazine; many of which mention the names of films/actors.
The main aim of these cover lines is to promote film related
news in a minimal number of words that will entice the
audience into buying the magazine. There is very little blank
space on the cover due to the amount of text that is used,
this would appeal to the audience as it suggests that this
magazine has a large amount of information in it. The font
choice for the cover lines is appropriate and varies in colour
to fit stylistically. Similarly, the mode of address is suitable for
the target audience. Rhetorical questions are also used to
entice the audience.
Tag line –
Empire’s tagline suggests that it is a well established
movie magazine which dominates the industry.

3. Masthead –
Empire’s masthead establishes their brand identity as it is
used consistently in the same place with the same eye-
catching red. As the largest piece of text on the magazine
cover, it stands out in comparison to the other text on the
front cover but does not overshadow it. Perhaps the
placement of the image reestablishes the presence of the
cover lines. Furthermore, as Empire is an established movie
magazine it is able to have images obstructing the masthead
as many people will know what magazine it is without
needing to see the whole title. The red contrasts greatly
with the dark blue/black colour scheme and further allows
the masthead to stand out.
Web address –
The inclusion of a web address on the front cover promotes
the company and also indicates there is web content
available should the reader not purchase the magazine but
still want to access similar information. It also gives an
indication of the target audience; as the internet can be
accessed by anyone of any age, Empire magazine may be
suggesting that their content is appropriate for most ages
who are interested in film.
Background image –
The background image of this front cover looks almost
apocalyptic; fitting with the strong stance of the actor in the
image. It is also relatively bland and has been re-coloured to
fit with the colour scheme of the front cover.
Date/price –
Both of these have been strategically placed
between the middle of the ‘M’ of the masthead to
give the reader the information they need without
distracting them away from the main image and the
cover lines.