Film Magazine - Conventions

Film magazine covers follow conventions that are similar to those of general magazine covers. From looking at various magazine covers and doing research online I have comprised a list of codes and conventions that are used on the majority of film magazine covers:

• MASTERHEAD - These feature on all magazine covers and are usually placed at the top centre of the page, telling the audience which magazine it is. It should be the largest text on the cover and often is in bold capitals and colours so that it can stand out and be more eye catching for the audience.
• IMAGES - Magazine covers always include a main image that will take up most of the space on the page. The main image will usually be a mid-shot, but can vary in shot types, and it should also reveal what the film is about (e.g. a still of a lead character taken from the movie). Film magazines for big films that include Hollywood stars will most likely have them as the main item on the page and use them as a selling point for the movie. Sometimes, other small images are included on the cover to show other movies or interviews with movie stars.
• BUZZ WORDS - These are words that catch the audience's attention, as they make the magazine stand out from the rest. For example, using words such as 'exclusive' make the magazine seem like it is the only one with the exciting and complete inside story that no other magazine has.
• ANCHORAGE TEXT - This type of text will tell the audience what stories will appear in the magazine. For example, short, snappy titles that reveal what will be inside the magazine, or quotes taken from interviews inside of the magazine. It will be far smaller than the masterhead but is quite large on the magazine cover and may overlap with images.
• BANNER - This gives overall information about the magazine and what can be found inside.
• BARCODE, DATE, ISSUE NUMBER, PRICE - These are elements that are included on the front cover of all magazines. The date and price will appear very small, but still bust be included for the audience to see.