This document analyzes the layout and design of magazine front covers that promote TV shows, films, and documentaries. It identifies common design elements across different genres, such as the prominent placement of title and cast photography. Specific techniques are also examined, like the use of quotes, facts boxes, and review snippets to entice readers. The goal of the front cover format is to attract attention and sell the program in a concise yet engaging manner.

1. Ben Trant

2. Picture of the
main cast or
presenters,
usually in-
front of the
location or a
set
Text usually
starts in bold
with an
opening
paragraph
Consistent
paragraphing
throughout
Picture of a
previous front
cover from
series 1
Title of show next to
the logo or title card,
with a brief intro
beneath designed to
entice the reader in
Selection of picture
giving some but
limited insight into
show

3. The picture is
clearly staged
to show the
three
protagonists
posing in a
stereotypical
‘teenage’
position
There is a
coloured box
at a slight
angle which
gives a reader
and potential
viewer a brief
run through of
the bits they
‘need to
know’
The title stands out
and comes across the
picture slightly to
give a modern and
cool look
The paragraphs are
formatted around
the quote and
picture which has a
short pun caption
beneath it
There is a
quote from an
interview
within the
text, likely to
be a highlight
or best quote
to draw in the
reader

4. Picture of the
main cast or
presenters,
usually in-
front of the
location or a
set
The text here is
layered into
three long
columns. This
isn’t a nice way
to present the
information and
makes it a very
difficult read.
A rhetorical
question followed
by a brief purpose
of the
documentary
A few different
pictures give
some insight
into the
documentary.
Here, there is a
small caption
describing the
pictures.
There is a small text
box with additional
information regarding
the production

5. A large
picture of the
cast and the
infamous
Tardis
A cut out of
the Doctor in
an action pose
with a pun of
‘New Who!’
The text is
very small and
concise
Two small
pictures show
the crew
maintaining
the scene
with small
captions
beneath
The two main
actors are
seen reading
the script for
the new series

6. Picture of the
main cast or
presenters,
usually in-
front of the
location or a
set
The title is
made bold to
stand out
however they
use the words
‘we stand’
below it to
show unity of
the football
team and
reference the
title
Text is minimal compared to size of
picture, suggests the text will be vague
and give little away
Based on a
genuine tragic
event, they
have included
photos to
match the
actors and
real players

7. A quote from
the review,
different
colour and
bold font for
key words
A box
containing
other films
suggesting if
fans liked
these, they’ll
love this
Picture of the
main cast or
presenters,
usually in-
front of the
location or a
set
Text is
positioned
around a
graph showing
‘predicted
interest
curve’
Ending
paragraph sums
up the review
in about 20
words
Film title is
more central
and not
designed to be
the attention
grabbing title

8. Main
characters are
shown
together in a
key scene –
seemingly
emotional
The film title
is in capitals
and bold in a
red text box
Two pictures at the
bottom of page,
neither revealing
much about the film
Text is kept to
just two small
paragraphs at
bottom left of
page
A facts box
detailing the
films budget,
release date,
director and
starring actors
A small circular
box gives the film
a rating out of 5

9. The text in
columns are
surrounded by
small pictures
of Ethiopia
A faded map
of Ethiopia is
visible behind
the text
Quotation is
used as the
central title in
order to
appeal to a
wider
audience
An array of
brightly
coloured
pictures
makes up the
bottom