FILM MAGAZINE CONVENTIO

NS

THE MAIN IMAGE:• The main image always dominates the frame on

a film magazine cover. It is usually an image of an actor in character promoting the film. The shot can be a long shot, medium shot, medium close up or close up. Extreme close ups are rarely seen. Close up Medium close up Long shot

THE MASTHEAD:• The masthead is always in the biggest boldest font and placed

at the top of the frame. This makes the masthead stand out and make the name clear to the audience. It will create familiarity for the audience as it will always be the same, audiences like familiarity and it will encourage them to buy the magazine.

THE PUFF:• The puff also features on a magazine front cover and is usual

placed at the top/middle right or left hand side of the frame. It normally includes a sell line offering a quiz or information on new films being released.

Masthead

Puff

BANNER/SKYLINE:• A banner is conventional placed at the bottom of the frame and a

skyline at the top. They once again promote the magazine and can feature text such as ‘world exclusive’, the magazine slogan or images. Images mainly feature to make the film magazine more aesthetically pleasing.

SELL-LINES:• Sell-lines can be found all over the magazine, promoting what is

inside and they are conventionally in a column format. They are used to lure in the audience; if the audience see a sell-line promoting a film they like it is highly likely they will buy the magazine.

Skyline

Sell-lines

BARCODE/DATE/ISSUE NUMBER/PRICE:• These parts of the magazine are usually in the smallest font

and in the least prominent place as they are not important. • The issue number reflects how well established the

magazine is. For example, if the issue was 504 then the person is more likely to buy it, rather than if the issue number was 12.

• The date often accounts for the time period the magazine is intended for purchase. i.e ‘February 2014’ or ‘November 28th-December 5th’

Date, issue number and price

Barcode