Main Image:The model Jennifer Lopez is this issue’s cover          Masthead: The title is of a red colour in a serif font that covers the top of the magazine, reflecting the genre of the
image as the magazine has covered an interview with her.           magazine and also its target audience of sophisticated females interested in fashion.The masthead isn’t fully
Thus it was appropriate to use Lopez as the main image as          visible to the audience, as a part has been covered where the main image has been placed over it. This may have
readers will see the cover and be drawn into buying the            been a decision made by the editor as they felt the masthead is very recognisable to its audience and therefore
            H
magazine so they can read the exclusive interview. The             they would still be able to identify the magazine through its generic conventions, without having to read the title
image used has direct address as she is looking directly into      itself. It also further emphasises the cover’s focal point being the cover image.
the camera, emphasizing the idea of drawing readers to the
                                                                                                                                         Main cover line: The font used for the main cover line is of a
magazine and becoming engaged into the story. The main
                                                                                                                                         sans serif style, in contrast to the masthead. The use of a
image is positioned in the centre and everything else is
                                                                                                                                         sans serif font makes the cover lines more appealable to the
revolving around the image, as she is the central focus of
                                                                                                                                         younger members of the target audience. The white colour
this issue. The image is a medium close up of the artist and
                                                                                                                                         used makes the cover line stand out and eye-catching as it
denotes a professional photo shoot look as we notice from
                                                                                                                                         contrasts with the red colour of the background Unlike
the model’s body posture and the way she is positioned,
                                                                                                                                         other cover lines that I have looked at, this one does not
looking from her shoulders sideways. This relates back to
                                                                                                                                         specifically relate to the cover image. This could have been
the genre and target audience of the magazine, appealing to
                                                                                                                                         done to emphasise the focus on all the features in the
slightly older women who are interested in fashion. The
                                                                                                                                         magazine as oppose to just one. Positioned on the right
model’s pose also relates to the story cover line as the artist
                                                                                                                                         hand side of the page, without distracting attention from
embarks onto a new chapter of a life and denotes
                                                                                                                                         the image or covering it up. Each word of the cover line gets
confidence as well as a vulnerable side to her. The model’s
                                                                                                                                        bigger in size making the cover line attractive and eye
facial expression connotes a sexy and seductive feel as she
                                                                                                                                         catching to the audience who will be excited to read a
looks to the camera. Laura Muvley’s ‘male gaze’ concept can
                                                                                                                                         feature that will help them transform their own image.
be applied to this image as women will look at the photo
and aspire to look like the artist, whilst men will want to                                                                              Target audience: The typical readers of this magazine would
look at her. The model’s makeup of red lipstick fits in within                                                                           be affluent young/middle aged women of a middle/high class
the cover’s colour scheme as a whole and her dress is also                                                                               (A, B, C1 group of the socio economic group) who are
of a red colour, which connotes fire and sex appeal. The                                                                                 interested in the world of fashion and beauty
dress worn by the model also exposes part of her back,                                                                                   Layout: The layout of the front cover follows the rule of the
which further emphasises the ‘male gaze’ that has been                                                                                   thirds, the left hand side of cover lines and barcode, the
created by the image.                                                                                                                    main image in the middle, and the remaining cover lines
Cover lines: The cover lines of the front cover all vary in                                                                              making up the right hand side of the page. By using clear
terms of size and colour. The cover lines positioned on the                                                                              columns, it gives the page a clear and professional look as
left hand side of the page are of a smaller sans serif font in a                                                                         everything has been designed and placed in a particular way,
brown colour, contrasting against the ocean blue background                                                                              relating to their target audience of middle/high class women.
colour. These cover lines appear to be of less importance            Barcode: the barcode has been positioned on the bottom             Colour Scheme: The main colours used in this cover are red,
than the ones on the right hand side. The cover lines                left corner. The barcode, price and date are all merged            brown, blue and white. The colours used create a simplistic
featured all relate to similar topics, including body and            together in the box where readers can easily find them all         look for the cover, which makes the main image of central
health, fashion and real life stories. From reading the cover        at the same place. The barcode hasn’t been hidden or               focus. The use of red makes the front cover look feminine
lines, it is evident that the magazine places huge focus on          disguised in such way.                                             attractive and bold whilst appealing to slightly older women
fashion and beauty, which is the main genre of the magazine.
                                                                                                                                        who appreciate fashion.
Masthead: The masthead has been written in a bold sans             Main image – positioned in the centre, as it is the clear main focus point of the page. Male figure does not have
   serif font that has been positioned on the top of the cover.       direct address with the audience and by him looking away, the image creates a tense atmosphere and leaves us
   The use of the colour red makes the masthead eye catching          with the feeling of the unknown, as if the man is in deep thought about something. Dressed in black suit
   and memorable for the audience as although it appears              connotes the sense of him holding authority and power which is further highlighted by the man’s body posture
   simplistic, the choice of colour and font makes it iconic. In      and face expression. The main image appears to be the cover’s focal point as the cover lines have been
   addition, the sans serif font suggests that the magazine aims      positioned around him and written in a slant angle towards him. As a film magazine, the main image emphasises
   to appeal to a slightly younger audience who are interested        characters of the film as oppose to the actors/actresses themselves. Therefore he has been dressed and given
   in the film industry regarding the latest films out. Although      props to hold as if he a character from a film. In this case, the male figure is holding a gun, which denotes crime
   the head of the male figure in the cover image is covering a       and authority.
   part of the masthead, the reader is still able to identify the                                                                               Website: The website address for the magazine has been
   magazine’s title because of its layout and memorable title.                                                                                  included, placed on the right hand side beneath the
   This could have been a choice made by the editor who felt                                                                                    masthead. This is a common feature of covers as it
   confident that the masthead was iconic and memorable for                                                                                     encourages readers to keep updated with the magazine
   its readers. ‘The Dark Knight Returns’ is placed above the                                                                                   and find out more exclusive information that perhaps
   masthead, acting as a strapline for the magazine. However in                                                                                 wasn’t featured in their printed issues. For this genre of
   this cover, it is advertising a new film that is soon to be                                                                                  magazine it is important for them to create and build an
   released.                                                                                                                                    online community through cross media convergence as
Selling line/USP: relates to the genre of the magazine and                                                                                      new films and information about the film industry is
makes it clear to the reader what the magazine is based on,                                                                                     always being released and therefore it is a way to keep
advertising itself as the ‘world’s biggest movie magazine’.                                                                                     readers regularly updated.
Unlike other selling lines I have observed, there is not much                                                                                 Cover lines: are positioned on the left and right hand
emphasis on this one as it does not particularly stand out in                                                                                 side of the page around the cover image. The titles of
comparison to other conventions of the front cover.                                                                                           various films including ‘Toy Story 2’ and ‘Batman 3’
Main cover line:is written across the main image in                                                                                           form the main heading whilst the sub-headings
order to grab the readers’ attention. The font is of a sans                                                                                   describe the feature. They have been written at a slant
serif style appealing to its younger target audience as                                                                                       angle, pointing towards the male figure that holds the
well as being bold. The cover line is advertising the film                                                                                    authority giving them an artist look. The bold black font
“Inception’ of which readers will see and make                                                                                                is of a sans serif font to appeal to its young audience
connections with the film itself. The use of red makes the                                                                                    and look modern. The angled text also relates to the
cover line eye catching and stand out from the page as it                                                                                     background images of buildings from an aerial shot.
contrasts well against the dark colours of the male’s                                                                                         Pug: The pug has been designed to look like it has been
clothing. It also complies with the overall colour scheme                                                                                     stuck on the front cover like a sticker after the
of red, white and grey. The producer of the film is also                                                                                      production stage. The gold colour used signifies the
mentioned above the cover line in the form of a sub-                                                                                          importance of ‘The Movie Event’ advertising the chance
heading. The size of the cover line reflects the emphasis       Barcode: Has been positioned on the bottom right hand corner of the           for readers to get an insight into to event. The placing of
the issue has on this film, using the film’s protagonist as     cover, as this was the most efficient and suitable place for it. As the       the pug on top of the main image creates layers to the
the main image. The cover line beneath ‘Inception’              barcode is not of huge importance for this cover, it has been cleverly        cover and makes it eye catching for the audience.
relates back to the film, as it appears to be a critic’s        tucked to the corner, not particularly standing out. The weapon that the
opinion on the film having watched it.                          male figure is holding slightly overlaps the barcode.
Layout: In comparison to the previous magazine cover I
Masthead: the typography of the masthead is of a bold            Skyline: Typical convention of film magazines as it advertises
                                                                                                                                    analysed, the layouts of both are very similar which may be
sans serif style, with the word ‘Total’ inside the letter ‘F”.   films that have not been exclusively mentioned as a feature in a
                                                                                                                                    due to both of them being of the film genre. Both magazine
This adds an artistic touch to the design of the masthead as     cover line. The use of white complies with the colour scheme as
                                                                                                                                    covers use one main central image as the focal point, usually
well as informing readers of the genre of the magazine. The      well as making it stand out against the background.                to advertise that particular film. The positioning of cover lines
use of the sans serif font makes the magazine more
                                                                                                                                    are also similar in the two covers, the main cover line written
appealable to the younger target audience, giving the
                                                                                                                                    across the cover image whilst the other headlines placed on
magazine a modern and less formal image as we typically
                                                                                                                                    the left and right hand side of the page. The clear and un-busy
associate film magazines with a perhaps older target                                                                                style of the front cover makes all features eye-catching
audience. The colour white contrasts well against the
green background making the masthead bold and eye-
                                                                                                                                    Selling line: advertising the magazine as being the ‘ultimate
catching to the reader. The red used for ‘total’ also works
                                                                                                                                    movie magazine’ to its target audience. Including this
well against the white as it draws our focus to the
                                                                                                                                    beneath the masthead adds a USP to the magazine. The use
masthead. The masthead has also been made to look
                                                                                                                                    of the white colour contrasts well against the background
almost 3D by using a bevel or emboss on Photoshop. In
                                                                                                                                    and catches the readers’ eye. A selling line was also used in
comparisons to the previous covers I have analysed, the
                                                                                                                                    the previous magazine cover I analysed which was of the
masthead has been placed on top of the main image as
                                                                                                                                    same genre.
opposed to being overlapped by the main image. The editor
may have decided to do this as they felt that the masthead                                                                          Main image: has been placed in the centre of the page, as it is
held more importance than the main image. Beneath the                                                                               the focal point of the magazine. The image relates to the main
masthead is the magazine’s selling like that advertises the                                                                         cover line, advertising the film ‘Charlie and the Chocolate
magazine as the ‘ultimate movie magazine’ positioned on                                                                             Factory’. The image is of Willy Wonka, the protagonist of the
the right hand side. This is a typical convention that I have                                                                       film and is a medium close up shot of the character. The image
observed whilst analysing front covers.                                                                                             has direct address, making the reader feel engaged with the
                                                                                                                                    character. The character appears to have a look of secrecy
Pug: A small red pug has been designed to look like it has                                                                          from looking at his eyes. The use of the colour purple is
been stuck on the front cover like a sticker after the                                                                              significant in the main image, as the eye colour of the
production stage. The pug has been made to look almost                                                                              character has been edited to match the colour of his glove.
3D from the bevels used on Photoshop. The red colour                                                                                The purple connotes mystery and relates back to the narrative
used enables the pug to stand out from the page even                                                                                of the film - Willy Wonka owning a chocolate factory. The
though it is relatively small in comparisons to other pugs I                                                                        costume that the character is wearing connotes fun and
have observed. The pug advertises the magazine                                                                                      excitement.
reviewing all the latest film and DVD releases which
further supports it’s selling line of being the ‘ultimate
movie magazine. Thus giving the reader a certain
expectation from the magazine.
French edition of ‘Premiere’ film magazine
                                                                                                                Unlike the other film magazines I have observed, the date, the priceand the
                                                                                                                issue numberof the magazine has is of British actor ‘Robert Pattison’,
                                                                                                                                        Main image been included on the cover. Positioned on
                                                                                                                the skyline of the cover in order forthe centre of the cover. The unusual pose
                                                                                                                                        positioned in readers tomasthead is of a serif style
                                                                                                                                                                    be able to notice it.
                                                                                                                                          The typography of the
                                                                                                                                        of holding his hand upon reflects histhe magazine. The
                                                                                                                                          reflecting the sophisticated feel of quirky personality
Main cover line: Positioned beneath the character’s face as it relates to the main                                                      and may relateused connotes elegance and purity,be
                                                                                                                                          white colour to the main cover line if it were to with
                                                                                             Barcode: unusual place to position the
image. Unlike the other film magazine I analysed, the film title is in a smaller size font                                              translatedhighlights adding an important look todenotes
                                                                                                                                                     to English. The clothing he is wearing it. The
                                                                                             barcode but the small size of it makes it not grey
                                                                                                                                          the
as the main part of the cover line in this magazine is the ‘ultimate summer preview’. In                                                supremacy and power he has, further emphasisedtop of
                                                                                                                                          masthead is conventionally stretched across the by
                                                                                             stand out to much amongst the other features
essence the main feature is about a variety of films as opposed to advertising the one.                                                 ‘handpage like most genres of magazine. However in
                                                                                                                                          the in the pocket’ pose looking uptight. In comparison
The large bold sans serif font makes it appealable to the target audience of the             of the cover page.
                                                                                                                                        to the other filmthe ‘Total Film’ front cover, the actor
                                                                                                                                          comparison to magazines I have analysed, the
magazine. A smaller cover line also relates back to the main image; advertising the                                                     here is not dressed in dominant feature of photographed
                                                                                                                                          masthead is not the any character and is the cover as
actor who plays the character in the main image. Positioned besides the face of the                                                     as himself. Thisis all drawn towards the main the feature
                                                                                                                                          the attention could be due to the fact that image.
male figure in a white bold font to catch the readers’ attention.                                                                       isAlthough the head ofthe actor as covering the ‘e’ in the
                                                                                                                                           of an interview with the male is opposed to
                                                                                                                                        advertising areaders will be starringread and recognise
                                                                                                                                          masthead, new film he is able to in. The image has
                                                                                                                                        directmasthead due to theiconic structure. The layering of
                                                                                                                                          the address making its reader feel engaged with the
                                                                                                                                        magazine and involved. (Linking to the Uses and in the
                                                                                                                                          the main image over the masthead was also done
                                                                                                                                        Gratification theory).that Iuse of direct address also
                                                                                                                                          “Empire’ magazine The earlier looked at. This could
                                                                                                                                        creates a mood toto further emphasise theappears to
                                                                                                                                          have been done the feature as the male importance
                                                                                                                                        look serious and in male figure. The cream background
                                                                                                                                          and power of the deep thought.
                                                                                                                                        that has been placed behind theacross the centre of the
                                                                                                                                          The main cover line is written image enables it to
                                                                                                                                        stand out andwithout detracting any attention awaythe
                                                                                                                                          main image catch the readers’ eye, as it becomes
                                                                                                                                        focal pointactor. The sans serif and bold typography3D.
                                                                                                                                          from the of the cover and the image almost looks of
                                                                                                                                        The colour scheme of cream, pink and black reflects the
                                                                                                                                          the cover line appeals to the younger target audience
                                                                                                                                        typical audience of this magazine of which we presume
                                                                                                                                          that the magazine attracts. The use of the pink for the
                                                                                                                                        to be young females aged who will want to read an
                                                                                                                                          actor’s surname makes it eye-catching and connotes a
                                                                                                                                        interview with one of their favourite actors. The use of
                                                                                                                                          girly feel to the magazine whereas the use of the black
                                                                                                                                        such colours adds simplicity to the design of the cover
                                                                                                                                          and white adds sophistication and a stylistic touch. It
                                                                                                                                        and makes the different features of the page clear. The
                                                                                                                                          also complies with the overall colour scheme of the
                                                                                                                                        cover contrasts with the previous film magazines I have
                                                                                                                                          front cover. Beneath the main cover line are sub-
                                                                                                                                        looked at, where both had busy style backgrounds as
                                                                                                                                          headings that give the reader an insight about the
                                                                                                                                        part of the image scenery. The layout of the cover also
                                                                                                                                          feature that is to be covered by the magazine.
                                                                                                                                        is of a simplistic and basic nature. In doing this, the
                                                                                                                      Overall, in comparison to ‘Total Film’ and ‘Empire’ magazine that hand
                                                                                                                                          The other cover lines are placed at the bottom I have
                                                                                                                                        cover looks clean and stylistic whilst looking
                                                                                                                                          corners of the page. The ‘+’ symbol used suggests that
                                                                                                                      analysed, ‘Premiere’ magazine does not appear to dissimilar to other film
                                                                                                                                        professional. The layout is similar to the two-film
                                                                                                                                          the magazine has many more features for the readers,
                                                                                                                      magazines and adheres conventions that are typical of film magazine
                                                                                                                                        magazine ‘Total Film’ and ‘Empire’ in that it follows the
                                                                                                                      including the layout structure and use of one main imageto readfocal
                                                                                                                                          attracting readers to buy the magazine as the all these
                                                                                                                                        rule of thirds, conventionally of most magazines. The
                                                                                                                      point. An obviousexciting features. be the fact that the cover is in French
                                                                                                                                           difference would
                                                                                                                                        positioning of the cover lines at the bottom hand
                                                                                                                      and if it were to be translated to English, the magazine could fit amongst
                                                                                                                                        corners of the page as opposed to the the bottom right
                                                                                                                                          The barcode has been positioned on sides of the
                                                                                                                      the other film magazines in the British film magazine market. However
                                                                                                                                        image -corner of the cover. It other magazines -feature of
                                                                                                                                          hand in comparison to the is a conventional further
                                                                                                                      the magazine would target perhaps a younger age audience.
                                                                                                                                        emphasises the image being the focal point.
                                                                                                                                          most magazine covers.

Front cover analysis

  • 1.
    Main Image:The modelJennifer Lopez is this issue’s cover Masthead: The title is of a red colour in a serif font that covers the top of the magazine, reflecting the genre of the image as the magazine has covered an interview with her. magazine and also its target audience of sophisticated females interested in fashion.The masthead isn’t fully Thus it was appropriate to use Lopez as the main image as visible to the audience, as a part has been covered where the main image has been placed over it. This may have readers will see the cover and be drawn into buying the been a decision made by the editor as they felt the masthead is very recognisable to its audience and therefore H magazine so they can read the exclusive interview. The they would still be able to identify the magazine through its generic conventions, without having to read the title image used has direct address as she is looking directly into itself. It also further emphasises the cover’s focal point being the cover image. the camera, emphasizing the idea of drawing readers to the Main cover line: The font used for the main cover line is of a magazine and becoming engaged into the story. The main sans serif style, in contrast to the masthead. The use of a image is positioned in the centre and everything else is sans serif font makes the cover lines more appealable to the revolving around the image, as she is the central focus of younger members of the target audience. The white colour this issue. The image is a medium close up of the artist and used makes the cover line stand out and eye-catching as it denotes a professional photo shoot look as we notice from contrasts with the red colour of the background Unlike the model’s body posture and the way she is positioned, other cover lines that I have looked at, this one does not looking from her shoulders sideways. This relates back to specifically relate to the cover image. This could have been the genre and target audience of the magazine, appealing to done to emphasise the focus on all the features in the slightly older women who are interested in fashion. The magazine as oppose to just one. Positioned on the right model’s pose also relates to the story cover line as the artist hand side of the page, without distracting attention from embarks onto a new chapter of a life and denotes the image or covering it up. Each word of the cover line gets confidence as well as a vulnerable side to her. The model’s bigger in size making the cover line attractive and eye facial expression connotes a sexy and seductive feel as she catching to the audience who will be excited to read a looks to the camera. Laura Muvley’s ‘male gaze’ concept can feature that will help them transform their own image. be applied to this image as women will look at the photo and aspire to look like the artist, whilst men will want to Target audience: The typical readers of this magazine would look at her. The model’s makeup of red lipstick fits in within be affluent young/middle aged women of a middle/high class the cover’s colour scheme as a whole and her dress is also (A, B, C1 group of the socio economic group) who are of a red colour, which connotes fire and sex appeal. The interested in the world of fashion and beauty dress worn by the model also exposes part of her back, Layout: The layout of the front cover follows the rule of the which further emphasises the ‘male gaze’ that has been thirds, the left hand side of cover lines and barcode, the created by the image. main image in the middle, and the remaining cover lines Cover lines: The cover lines of the front cover all vary in making up the right hand side of the page. By using clear terms of size and colour. The cover lines positioned on the columns, it gives the page a clear and professional look as left hand side of the page are of a smaller sans serif font in a everything has been designed and placed in a particular way, brown colour, contrasting against the ocean blue background relating to their target audience of middle/high class women. colour. These cover lines appear to be of less importance Barcode: the barcode has been positioned on the bottom Colour Scheme: The main colours used in this cover are red, than the ones on the right hand side. The cover lines left corner. The barcode, price and date are all merged brown, blue and white. The colours used create a simplistic featured all relate to similar topics, including body and together in the box where readers can easily find them all look for the cover, which makes the main image of central health, fashion and real life stories. From reading the cover at the same place. The barcode hasn’t been hidden or focus. The use of red makes the front cover look feminine lines, it is evident that the magazine places huge focus on disguised in such way. attractive and bold whilst appealing to slightly older women fashion and beauty, which is the main genre of the magazine. who appreciate fashion.
  • 2.
    Masthead: The mastheadhas been written in a bold sans Main image – positioned in the centre, as it is the clear main focus point of the page. Male figure does not have serif font that has been positioned on the top of the cover. direct address with the audience and by him looking away, the image creates a tense atmosphere and leaves us The use of the colour red makes the masthead eye catching with the feeling of the unknown, as if the man is in deep thought about something. Dressed in black suit and memorable for the audience as although it appears connotes the sense of him holding authority and power which is further highlighted by the man’s body posture simplistic, the choice of colour and font makes it iconic. In and face expression. The main image appears to be the cover’s focal point as the cover lines have been addition, the sans serif font suggests that the magazine aims positioned around him and written in a slant angle towards him. As a film magazine, the main image emphasises to appeal to a slightly younger audience who are interested characters of the film as oppose to the actors/actresses themselves. Therefore he has been dressed and given in the film industry regarding the latest films out. Although props to hold as if he a character from a film. In this case, the male figure is holding a gun, which denotes crime the head of the male figure in the cover image is covering a and authority. part of the masthead, the reader is still able to identify the Website: The website address for the magazine has been magazine’s title because of its layout and memorable title. included, placed on the right hand side beneath the This could have been a choice made by the editor who felt masthead. This is a common feature of covers as it confident that the masthead was iconic and memorable for encourages readers to keep updated with the magazine its readers. ‘The Dark Knight Returns’ is placed above the and find out more exclusive information that perhaps masthead, acting as a strapline for the magazine. However in wasn’t featured in their printed issues. For this genre of this cover, it is advertising a new film that is soon to be magazine it is important for them to create and build an released. online community through cross media convergence as Selling line/USP: relates to the genre of the magazine and new films and information about the film industry is makes it clear to the reader what the magazine is based on, always being released and therefore it is a way to keep advertising itself as the ‘world’s biggest movie magazine’. readers regularly updated. Unlike other selling lines I have observed, there is not much Cover lines: are positioned on the left and right hand emphasis on this one as it does not particularly stand out in side of the page around the cover image. The titles of comparison to other conventions of the front cover. various films including ‘Toy Story 2’ and ‘Batman 3’ Main cover line:is written across the main image in form the main heading whilst the sub-headings order to grab the readers’ attention. The font is of a sans describe the feature. They have been written at a slant serif style appealing to its younger target audience as angle, pointing towards the male figure that holds the well as being bold. The cover line is advertising the film authority giving them an artist look. The bold black font “Inception’ of which readers will see and make is of a sans serif font to appeal to its young audience connections with the film itself. The use of red makes the and look modern. The angled text also relates to the cover line eye catching and stand out from the page as it background images of buildings from an aerial shot. contrasts well against the dark colours of the male’s Pug: The pug has been designed to look like it has been clothing. It also complies with the overall colour scheme stuck on the front cover like a sticker after the of red, white and grey. The producer of the film is also production stage. The gold colour used signifies the mentioned above the cover line in the form of a sub- importance of ‘The Movie Event’ advertising the chance heading. The size of the cover line reflects the emphasis Barcode: Has been positioned on the bottom right hand corner of the for readers to get an insight into to event. The placing of the issue has on this film, using the film’s protagonist as cover, as this was the most efficient and suitable place for it. As the the pug on top of the main image creates layers to the the main image. The cover line beneath ‘Inception’ barcode is not of huge importance for this cover, it has been cleverly cover and makes it eye catching for the audience. relates back to the film, as it appears to be a critic’s tucked to the corner, not particularly standing out. The weapon that the opinion on the film having watched it. male figure is holding slightly overlaps the barcode.
  • 3.
    Layout: In comparisonto the previous magazine cover I Masthead: the typography of the masthead is of a bold Skyline: Typical convention of film magazines as it advertises analysed, the layouts of both are very similar which may be sans serif style, with the word ‘Total’ inside the letter ‘F”. films that have not been exclusively mentioned as a feature in a due to both of them being of the film genre. Both magazine This adds an artistic touch to the design of the masthead as cover line. The use of white complies with the colour scheme as covers use one main central image as the focal point, usually well as informing readers of the genre of the magazine. The well as making it stand out against the background. to advertise that particular film. The positioning of cover lines use of the sans serif font makes the magazine more are also similar in the two covers, the main cover line written appealable to the younger target audience, giving the across the cover image whilst the other headlines placed on magazine a modern and less formal image as we typically the left and right hand side of the page. The clear and un-busy associate film magazines with a perhaps older target style of the front cover makes all features eye-catching audience. The colour white contrasts well against the green background making the masthead bold and eye- Selling line: advertising the magazine as being the ‘ultimate catching to the reader. The red used for ‘total’ also works movie magazine’ to its target audience. Including this well against the white as it draws our focus to the beneath the masthead adds a USP to the magazine. The use masthead. The masthead has also been made to look of the white colour contrasts well against the background almost 3D by using a bevel or emboss on Photoshop. In and catches the readers’ eye. A selling line was also used in comparisons to the previous covers I have analysed, the the previous magazine cover I analysed which was of the masthead has been placed on top of the main image as same genre. opposed to being overlapped by the main image. The editor may have decided to do this as they felt that the masthead Main image: has been placed in the centre of the page, as it is held more importance than the main image. Beneath the the focal point of the magazine. The image relates to the main masthead is the magazine’s selling like that advertises the cover line, advertising the film ‘Charlie and the Chocolate magazine as the ‘ultimate movie magazine’ positioned on Factory’. The image is of Willy Wonka, the protagonist of the the right hand side. This is a typical convention that I have film and is a medium close up shot of the character. The image observed whilst analysing front covers. has direct address, making the reader feel engaged with the character. The character appears to have a look of secrecy Pug: A small red pug has been designed to look like it has from looking at his eyes. The use of the colour purple is been stuck on the front cover like a sticker after the significant in the main image, as the eye colour of the production stage. The pug has been made to look almost character has been edited to match the colour of his glove. 3D from the bevels used on Photoshop. The red colour The purple connotes mystery and relates back to the narrative used enables the pug to stand out from the page even of the film - Willy Wonka owning a chocolate factory. The though it is relatively small in comparisons to other pugs I costume that the character is wearing connotes fun and have observed. The pug advertises the magazine excitement. reviewing all the latest film and DVD releases which further supports it’s selling line of being the ‘ultimate movie magazine. Thus giving the reader a certain expectation from the magazine.
  • 4.
    French edition of‘Premiere’ film magazine Unlike the other film magazines I have observed, the date, the priceand the issue numberof the magazine has is of British actor ‘Robert Pattison’, Main image been included on the cover. Positioned on the skyline of the cover in order forthe centre of the cover. The unusual pose positioned in readers tomasthead is of a serif style be able to notice it. The typography of the of holding his hand upon reflects histhe magazine. The reflecting the sophisticated feel of quirky personality Main cover line: Positioned beneath the character’s face as it relates to the main and may relateused connotes elegance and purity,be white colour to the main cover line if it were to with Barcode: unusual place to position the image. Unlike the other film magazine I analysed, the film title is in a smaller size font translatedhighlights adding an important look todenotes to English. The clothing he is wearing it. The barcode but the small size of it makes it not grey the as the main part of the cover line in this magazine is the ‘ultimate summer preview’. In supremacy and power he has, further emphasisedtop of masthead is conventionally stretched across the by stand out to much amongst the other features essence the main feature is about a variety of films as opposed to advertising the one. ‘handpage like most genres of magazine. However in the in the pocket’ pose looking uptight. In comparison The large bold sans serif font makes it appealable to the target audience of the of the cover page. to the other filmthe ‘Total Film’ front cover, the actor comparison to magazines I have analysed, the magazine. A smaller cover line also relates back to the main image; advertising the here is not dressed in dominant feature of photographed masthead is not the any character and is the cover as actor who plays the character in the main image. Positioned besides the face of the as himself. Thisis all drawn towards the main the feature the attention could be due to the fact that image. male figure in a white bold font to catch the readers’ attention. isAlthough the head ofthe actor as covering the ‘e’ in the of an interview with the male is opposed to advertising areaders will be starringread and recognise masthead, new film he is able to in. The image has directmasthead due to theiconic structure. The layering of the address making its reader feel engaged with the magazine and involved. (Linking to the Uses and in the the main image over the masthead was also done Gratification theory).that Iuse of direct address also “Empire’ magazine The earlier looked at. This could creates a mood toto further emphasise theappears to have been done the feature as the male importance look serious and in male figure. The cream background and power of the deep thought. that has been placed behind theacross the centre of the The main cover line is written image enables it to stand out andwithout detracting any attention awaythe main image catch the readers’ eye, as it becomes focal pointactor. The sans serif and bold typography3D. from the of the cover and the image almost looks of The colour scheme of cream, pink and black reflects the the cover line appeals to the younger target audience typical audience of this magazine of which we presume that the magazine attracts. The use of the pink for the to be young females aged who will want to read an actor’s surname makes it eye-catching and connotes a interview with one of their favourite actors. The use of girly feel to the magazine whereas the use of the black such colours adds simplicity to the design of the cover and white adds sophistication and a stylistic touch. It and makes the different features of the page clear. The also complies with the overall colour scheme of the cover contrasts with the previous film magazines I have front cover. Beneath the main cover line are sub- looked at, where both had busy style backgrounds as headings that give the reader an insight about the part of the image scenery. The layout of the cover also feature that is to be covered by the magazine. is of a simplistic and basic nature. In doing this, the Overall, in comparison to ‘Total Film’ and ‘Empire’ magazine that hand The other cover lines are placed at the bottom I have cover looks clean and stylistic whilst looking corners of the page. The ‘+’ symbol used suggests that analysed, ‘Premiere’ magazine does not appear to dissimilar to other film professional. The layout is similar to the two-film the magazine has many more features for the readers, magazines and adheres conventions that are typical of film magazine magazine ‘Total Film’ and ‘Empire’ in that it follows the including the layout structure and use of one main imageto readfocal attracting readers to buy the magazine as the all these rule of thirds, conventionally of most magazines. The point. An obviousexciting features. be the fact that the cover is in French difference would positioning of the cover lines at the bottom hand and if it were to be translated to English, the magazine could fit amongst corners of the page as opposed to the the bottom right The barcode has been positioned on sides of the the other film magazines in the British film magazine market. However image -corner of the cover. It other magazines -feature of hand in comparison to the is a conventional further the magazine would target perhaps a younger age audience. emphasises the image being the focal point. most magazine covers.