G324 FILM MAGAZINE COVER CONVENTIONS

CHECKLIST: DECONSTRUCTING YOUR FILM MAGAZINE

• TOPLINE ABOVE TITLE a strip of typeface listing content, making the edition seem packed, bursting with exciting information
• MASTHEAD /TITLE with a tagline sometimes that reinforces the brand or tells the reader what the magazine is or who it is aimed at
• CENTRAL IMAGE features the main splash and is vital in enticing the reader /cinema goer. The image usually features the film's protagonist who is in close-up or midshot, making eye contact with the reader. It must relate to the film trailer and the film poster as part of a synergistic whole to promote the film and sell the magazine. The image conveys the film's genre instantly. Denotations, connotations?
• SECONDARY IMAGES feature on the front cover to promote other features in the magazine, usually anchored by a coverline.
• ANCHORAGE refers to the way in which images are captioned. Anchorage fixes the meaning of an image, making sure that a reader understands its significance.
• COVERLINES lure a reader into purchasing a magazine by listing the articles within. Why are they of interest to the target buyer? Are different audiences addressed? What language and presentational devices are used in the language of your coverlines? The left third of a magazine cover is vital for sales because of the way in which magazines are displayed crammed on newsagents' shelves. The title must stand out in a display of dozens of competitors. The start of the masthead is important here, as are short cover lines that are easy to read. This is the reason that they are decked. Coverlines start with a 'kicker' in a bold font with an explanatory line.
• MODE OF ADDRESS refers to the way in which the magazine communicates with the reader. Direct address (You, imperative verbs) creates immediacy and an intimacy with the reader. Link this to the eye contact of the central image (if there is a direct gaze).
• PUFFS are devices that draw attention to specific items / features in the magazine, such as exclusives, latest news, give-aways. They are often rounded and placed top right or top left to catch attention. They are usually in a bright contrast /accent colour. They may use flashes such as 'New', 'More', 'Exclusive'.
• PUGS are like little ears placed at the top right or left hand on the cover. They feature promotions or exclusives.
• BARCODE, PRICE, EDITION, QR CODE placed strategically to give essential information without interfering with the aesthetics, they include month, year, links to websites
• USE OF COLOUR Comment on the way that colour sends a particular message: what might it signify? Is there a main colour palette and an accent colour?
• FONT How does the choice of font convey a specific meaning or carry connotations?
• MAGFORUM site on film magazines