CONVENTIONS OF A FILM MAGAZINE FRONT

COVER

Masthead◦ The masthead is the title of the magazine, which is the element of the magazine

that the audience recognise most. It is a key feature of almost all magazines.

◦Mastheads are normally the biggest text on the front of a film magazine and have to be bold and eye catching so that it stands out to the audience.

◦ The title of the magazine is often short and snappy so that the audience remember the product for future reference.

Main image◦ This is the focal image of the magazine front cover as it will be the main feature if

the issue being released.◦ The image generally comprises of a mid/close up shot of a starring actor/actress of

a film; these are often the protagonist as they act as the ‘face of the film’ and so are instantly recognisable.

◦ The featuring actor/actress is often displayed in character so that the film is recognised, as this will allow the audience to decide whether they want to read the product or not.

Magazine headline◦ The magazine headline is often the title of the film that they are featuring in the

specific issue of the magazine, and this links the main image with the film title. ◦ This shows the main story of the magazine which allows it to appeal to the target

audience.◦ Together these work well in showing the main story of the magazine and help

advertise it further. Another aspect of the headline is that the font of the text is usually typical of the film and this creates a theme.

Cover lines◦ Cover lines that show many other parts of the magazine, although not the initial

selling point of the magazine these help advertise it further and show many more reason for the audience to purchase the product.

◦Usually, these cover lines surround the main image and are on the edge of the cover. The font is typical of the magazine but also conveys to the theme of the magazine,

Tagline ◦ A tagline is normally located next to or below the masthead of the magazine.◦ It generally refers to an element of the genre that relates to the magazine,

appealing further to the target audience.◦ It often is aimed at the target audience of the magazine.

Strip◦ The strip is located at the bottom of the front cover of a magazine, and it contains a

list of items that feature in the magazine.◦ This conveys to the audience that the magazine is full of stories other than that

present as the feature story.

Buzz words◦ Buzz words are usually present with the main image of the magazine, and they are

used to attract the target audience by gaining their attention.

Barcode◦ The barcode is located on the front cover of the magazine, and will often include

the date of release for the magazine as well as the price.