FILM MAGAZINE RESEARCH - ANNOTATION

What are the most common elements of the magazine covers? Why are these important?

Every magazine cover consists of a masthead, date of publish, issue number, main image, main cover line and a unique selling point.These elements are important as they are all used for the purpose of attracting and enticing the target market. The masthead is used so that the market automatically recognise the magazine brand, attracting them to buy the issue is they are previous buyers of the magazine. The main image and main cover-line work with each other to attract the market by giving them an incite to what is inside. Many main images use the element of direct mode of address (visual contact with the audience) providing a relationship between the magazine and the buyers. And lastly, the unique selling point allows the audience to be attracted to that magazine only, as it has something different to all of the others, making the audience feel special, that they have gained something extra from buying that particular magazine. 


Which magazine is best at catching attention of potential readers? Why? 
I feel that "Total Film" has the most attractive magazine cover, featuring Inception. The main feature that I feel works to attract potential readers is the use of colour. The red on top of the blacks and blues automatically grabs the audiences attention, which then leads to focusing on the metallic like font, which is used for the main story line. The use of those four colours portrays a futuristic vibe, giving the impression that this magazine is the most up to date, fashionable and best in the market. 









Is there anything missing from any magazine covers? Do you think there is a reason for any missing features? 
I feel that the "Empire and Entertainment Weekly" are missing originality and creativity as the others consisted of individuality when it came to the main images and fonts etc. I think the reasons for "Empire and Entertainment Weekly" using this method is because of its reputation. Being a well-known brand and popular magazine, simplicity works for these brands, as they don't need extravagant elements to attract their audience. 

Do the magazine covers offer ay information that is not related to the film it is promoting? What is the other information and why is it necessary? 
Yes they do, they are known as other cover lines. They are story lines, which are also featured in the magazine, but aren't necessarily used to attract the audience. The other information consists of other film releases and stories which aren't necessarily in the for-front of the media. The other story lines are necessary as they can be used to attract another audience. 

Will any of the magazine covers help you design your own magazine cover? Which ones and why? 
Total Film is going to help me design my magazine cover as the colour palette has inspired me to do the same for mine. A simple image but to attract the audience i will use a strong colour palette.