Film Magazine Cover Analysis and The Magazine Industry.

The main image is of the two characters standing one behind the other to give the cover depth. The female character is looking at the reader which instantly engages the reader and our male character is looking away giving another addition of depth to the cover. The female is standing with crossed arms and facing straight towards the target audience, this shows that she is a stronger character and enforces that she is our main character. They are also standing in front of a city backdrop which obviously shows where the film is set.

The text is basic in colour at white for the film title, yellow for the magazine title and black for the subtitles. The title entertainment is covered up by the film magazine image, this is because the title is obviously well known and therefore attracts attention not only to the main image but to he title behind it. Again it gives the magazine depth with the “entertainment” behind and the “Divergent” in front of the image. The text for entertainment is bold with very little letter spacing. Divergent is the very opposite to the entertainment title with bigger letter spacing and thinner letters over all, it makes the film look more sci fi, futuristic and modern.

From the magazine cover we can see the genre which from the main image and from the title I can suggest that is probably a Sci-Fi, this s because it is pure white with thin letters and big line spacing. It makes it look futuristic and slick therefore leading me to think that it is in fact a Sci Fi film. I also think from the main image that it cold be a romance film because the two characters are standing very close to each other. They could be standing in any position on the cover but they are standing just in front of each other. Finally I think that it will be a thriller as well because of the clothes they are wearing. If it was just a romance they would be in normal clothes but because she is wearing cargo trouser with what appears to be knifes in them I think there will be some thriller elements in it.

The language is also very basic and an easy read, therefore I feel that it is also based at a young adult that is looking for an easy read that informs them about the film.

The character is positioned in the centre to show he is the main character in the film. The facial expression of the subject is worried conveying that the film involves danger. I assume he is the protagonist.

List of other films featured within the magazine which is quick and easy for the audience to read.

The headline has been edited with images of buildings giving the magazine depth of field. Also telling us that the location of the film is crucial.

The word ‘mind-blowing’ is effective and he red makes the skyline stand out.

The cover line uses enticing words such as ‘ultimate’ and ‘mind-blowing’ which attract the reader and make them interested to read on (purchase the issue)

• Publisher: Bauer• Price: £3.99• Published: Monthly 12 times a year.• Target Audience: As Empire Magazine has now been running for 25 years it may

have a varied target audience form 15+ to 50. Also depending on the type/genre of film appearing in the magazine my influence the buyers for that issue. However all the films feature in the magazine are blockbuster films , main stream which have a wide audience.

• Typical content – there are various interviews with actors/actress/directors etc. through the magazine, heavy focus on the feature film, there are various sections within the magazine looking at what's in cinemas, reviews of films out now and other article’s relating to the feature film

ANALYSIS • Generally Empire magazine will feature very masculine themes on

the front cover, this is because Empire’s target audience is males and films are not necessarily a feminine interest.

• The images they use will be of the actor/actress in character, so in their costume. This will make the magazine and the content more authentic. This is a positive attribute as complaints towards the media most of the time include that too many features are on celebrities and their lifestyles. Which is also not a male interest.

• Empire have also created a very distinctive look for themselves as they stay within a red to white colour theme. This will help their readers find the magazine on the shelf, and will also create an eye catching and memorable front cover.

• Publisher: British Film Institute• Price: £3.95• Published: Monthly (12 times a year)• Target audience – As Sight&Sound magazine has been running since 1932 it is likely

to have a very large audience, however the films that are feature are as main stream as those that are featured in Empire and Total Film.

• Typical content – the magazines typical content is interviews, behind the scenes and reviews of feature film and other films in the magazine

• Publisher- Future Company• Price £3.99• Published monthly • Target audience – the films featured in Total Film Magazine are very similar to

Empire as they are mostly main stream films that have wide audiences. Also the actors help to add to the target audience as a use of ‘Star appeal’.

• Typical content – there is a large focus on the feature film in that edition and emphasis on star appeal, however there are various reviews and other larger 2 page-spread or more reviews on other recent/upcoming films. Also there is a article that links closely with the feature film in that issue.

• Publisher : The Church of London • Price: £6-£30 • Published – 6 times a year • Target audience – Little White Lies can be seen as a collectors item, the covers are

unusual , pop art style. However, depending on the type/genre of film featuring in the magazine that week such as ‘Black Swan’, the target audience could change.

• Typical content – Various chapters within the magazine, commonly discussing the feature film in first chapter, in this edition of magazine in chapter 3 the magazine refers back to feature film to discuss theme inspired by the film. There is also recent film reviews and a variety of adverts to show new and upcoming films, in chapter 5 of this issue it also discusses film culture

• Publisher – Future PLC • Price – £4.95 • Published – Every four weeks • Target audience – The magazine cover the topics of Sci-Fi and fantasy , therefore

the magazine has a niche market as not everyone likes fantasy and Sci-fi films. However many of films that are on the front cover are the magazine would be classed as “blockbuster” films. Also there have been various TV programmes such as Doctor Who which as a large international audience.

• Typical content – the typical content of SFX magazine, as the name states Science-fiction. Most of the films that are featured ion the magazine have futuristic or Sci-Fi, as in this issue there are films such as ‘Man of steel’ , Star trek and The hunger games. The magazine has also had features of hit Sci-fi TV series such as Doctor who and Primeval.