Magazine Cover Summary

I have enhanced a lot of my knowledge during analysing these magazine covers. I have learnt that the main images used are the main focus of each magazine and anchor the headline of that cover. However depending on the context of the image the camera techniques differentiate. For example Empire used a medium shot as there is only one movie character. However long shots can also be used if there are group of cast members on the cover. E.g. Total Film magazine uses a long shot on the cover because not all 3 cast members will be seen fit on the cover, so therefore a medium close-up would have been inappropriate. The main image on both the magazine covers I analysed are placed in front of the masthead, this is done to deliberately create the effect that the movie character/s is coming to life. This is very conventional although some main images on magazine covers are usually placed behind the masthead or below it. The majority of the main images I have analysed have actor looking directly at the camera to grab the reader’s attention.

The mastheads of each magazine convey conventions as they contrast from the background of the magazine cover to grab the reader’s attention and placed on the top of the page. The main headline of each magazine cover is the main feature of the magazine. It usually anchors the main image and can be used as the unique selling point (USP) of the magazine. For example Total Film magazine uses has all new interviews with the New Moon to persuade the reader the buy the magazine as no other magazine would contain the exclusive information. This takes advantage of the hype of the upcoming film

In order to grab the reader attention the colour schemes of the magazine covers consist of bright colours to contrast from the background. Both magazine’s I have analysed have dull backgrounds, in order to make everything else on the page appear more superior. Various magazine covers use secondary images to give the reader an idea of what else to expect in the magazine. They are not as big as the main image because they are not the main feature and to be able to use more than one secondary image. For example Empire magazine has 3 secondary images of artist on the top of the magazine cover. However Total Film magazine has only one on the pug as the main image sells the magazine as well. It also features 2 free poster giveaways as a promotional method to influence customers to purchase the magazine.

In conclusion the knowledge I have gained from analysing magazine covers I can use to convey conventions of other magazines and to have a USP for my magazine. To convey conventions my group plan to use a medium close-up of the main protagonist Steph as our main image. It is essential that my main image anchors the headline because it can be used to identify the character in the main image. We have decided that our magazine will be priced at £3.99 as it is the same price as both Empire and Total Film, which have a similar target audience.