The purpose of a magazine cover -
The sole purpose of a magazine cover is to advertise a film. The way in which magazine companies do this is through a series of codes and conventions, all aimed to catch the audience's attention and ultimately get them to watch the film they are advertising. These codes and conventions that magazine covers abide by are the following -
Masthead - This is normally located at the top of the cover and is the biggest font size on the page. The purpose of a masthead is to identify the company and reflect the audience it caters for. Some examples are 'Empire' and 'Vogue'.
Image - The main image is usually a mid shot and is designed to express what the film being advertised is all about. It usually features the main character of the film and aims to reflect the genre.
Colour - A variety of harmonising colours are important to capture the audience's attention.
Buzz words - These are the words designed to catch the audiences attention such as 'free' or 'exclusive'. This entices the audience into buying the magazine.
Anchorage text - This is text which usually overlaps the image. This could be a quote or some kind of insight to what is inside of the magazine. Once again this entices the reader.
Banner - This gives more context to the magazine and provides an insight into what is inside.
Barcode, date, issue number - These are necessities for the cover of the magazine, every issue must require this.
Masthead - This is normally located at the top of the cover and is the biggest font size on the page. The purpose of a masthead is to identify the company and reflect the audience it caters for. Some examples are 'Empire' and 'Vogue'.
Image - The main image is usually a mid shot and is designed to express what the film being advertised is all about. It usually features the main character of the film and aims to reflect the genre.
Colour - A variety of harmonising colours are important to capture the audience's attention.
Buzz words - These are the words designed to catch the audiences attention such as 'free' or 'exclusive'. This entices the audience into buying the magazine.
Anchorage text - This is text which usually overlaps the image. This could be a quote or some kind of insight to what is inside of the magazine. Once again this entices the reader.
Banner - This gives more context to the magazine and provides an insight into what is inside.
Barcode, date, issue number - These are necessities for the cover of the magazine, every issue must require this.
Analysing real magazine covers -
A photo of a character from the film is often used in a magazine cover to try and entice people to see the film as they are drawn to the character and make-up and costume. The use of the character of the mad hatter will entice people to come and see the film as they are excited by the wild colours of the outfit and bright make-up, which not only highlights the face, but also shows small bags under they eyes as if the mad hatter has got something to hide from the audience.
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A staged action shot often replicates the genre of film and the way the film comes across to the audience. This is a clear example of this as the action within the photo shows the power relationships in the film and the prominent characters who will be the main protagonists. This shot is also commonly used in horror magazines to show the main killer and give the audience a glimpse into the horror film.
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