Film Magazine Front Covers Analysis (Ancillary Task 2)

Film Magazine Front Cover Analysis

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Conventions of Film Magazine Front Covers (Ancillary Task 2)

Just like film posters, magazine front covers also need to be alluring as this is the decision of whether the audience purchase the product or not. Here are the codes and conventions of film magazines.

Images:-

- Main focal image in the centre, that is relevant to represent the film which is the main feature in the article. This helps to promote the film

- The target audience are often attracted by the star persona that is published on the front page to grab the audiences attention, which is also a part of the promotional package

- The main image helps the audience acknowledge who this magazine would interest, by the mode of address, the layout and style of the magazine

- Barcode at the side, top or bottom so people can buy

Typography on the Cover:-

- The Masthead (title of the magazine)

- Sell Lines/ Puffs (to help sell the the magazine, maybe includes price, free gifts inside, or chances to win)

- Strap Line/ Blue Strip (a promotional band which runs across the top or bottom of the magazine)

- Lead Story (is bold and emphasised by size, relates to the main focal image to help promote

- Fonts are used to help represent the product being sold

- Size of font also helps which ideas that are needed to be emphasised to help promote the chosen product (film)

Colours:-

- Bright colours wold most likely portray a happy film such as a comedy, where as dark colours would usually represent darkness, so a horror or thriller. This helps the audience decide whether they would be interested in the film, if they prefer that particular genre and theme

- Most magazines use a maximum use of five colours so that the cover is not too over crowded and confuse the eye

- Chosen colours relate to costumes or atmosphere used in the film 

Film Poster Analysis

Film poster analysis presentation

View more presentations from jade freeman.

Conventions of Film Posters (Ancillary Task 1)

All film posters are used as a promotional tool. The existence of them is to encourage the film to sell and encourage people to want to view the film. There are many codes and conventions to help do this.

• Film posters need to be eye catching, alluring and absorb the viewers attention

• They usually have a focal image, which can be one person in the centre or a group of main characters

• The main image often consists of the main star persona which is a unique selling point, which encourages fans to see the actor or actress in that particular film and help promote it

• The audience can also understand what type of genre the film will be, just from looking at the star persona. For example, Will Farell and Zach Galifianakis are automatically associated with comedy, so you would assume the film would be a comedy film if these two actors were on the poster

• A large title which is bold and striking so the audience are immediately aware of the films name and can also help to spread by word of mouth

• Depending on the target audience, colours, costumes, gender and atmosphere intended to be created will be decided upon the genre of the film

• The age certification is often displayed to help attract the appropriate target audience

• Release date previewed to make the audience aware of when they can see the film

• Directors and production companies may also be shown to help as another part of the promotional package

Inspiration for my Teaser Trailer

When I was thinking of ideas for a horror themed teaser trailer, I knew that a forest would be a great location as they are stereotypically known for being derelict, quiet and quite sinister in the film world, so therefore decided to build my story based around a forest area. Around the time of the beginning stages for my initial thoughts and story board processes, I had seen the Alton Towers advert (advertising a ride) several times which gave me inspiration for my teaser trailer. I liked the idea of the ghost girl look and wanted to build on this. I then began to look at different nursery rhymes and which could embed dark meanings. I first thought of 'Jack and Jill went up the hill' so that I could pay on the 'tumbling down' bit. Although I then thought of 'Ring O Ring of Roses' which I briefly knew was written about the plague.

When I chose this nursery rhyme I thought I would use several children instead of one person as people are familiar with groups of children walking in a circle singing to it. I also used younger children as I thought it was ironic as they subvert the traditional happy and angelic stereotype of children. This is also why I painted their faces in white and black to add to the atmosphere.

Going back to the nursery rhyme which has connections to the plague I wanted the title to have something about being contagious in it. So I came up with 'Contagion.'

I would also like to try and see what a coloured filter over the top of my trailer would look like and if it helps heighten the atmosphere.