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
