Movie Magazine Research

Movie magazines have conventions that are similar to a music magazine which I researched and constructed at AS. It is important that there is a large, bold masthead which is placed at the top in the centre so that it contributes to the visual syntax as the audience is drawn to this first. There is a house style which are selected colours that the cover will use and would be carried on through the magazine so that it's identifiable and recognisable to an audience as well as fonts, this will make it look more professional. Additional information such as a barcode and date will usually be found together, they must be clear enough to read but not too large so that it draws attention away from the coverlines. A main large image will be used on the cover so that the audience feels drawn into the actor/actresses emotions and feels connected with the character they are portraying. This image will usually be a MS or CU so their facial expressions, body language,  costume, make-up, hair style and props can be seen clearly for representation purposes so that the audience gets an idea of the type of film which is being reviewed or advertised. Sometimes smaller images are used to show other issues of the magazine which may appeal to the audience or other new films which are most likely blockbusters. Pugs/starbursts are shapes that may be used to make specific, important information stand out such as a special issue or an actors/actresses name who is particularly famous which may attract more readers/purchasers as they are fond of them. Coverlines are important to provide more information, for example 'Starring...' or 'Oscars Special!' this gives an insight into what else will be included inside the magazine which should interest the potential audience. There may be a tagline underneath the main headline which should be short and catchy  which either describes the film or sums it up in a sentence. Buzz words will catch the audiences attention, such as 'Exclusive' as they will be intrigued due to the fact it's an important issue that will contain big news about upcoming films or reviews. A banner may be placed along the bottom or top which may have a 'Plus' list of what else is to be expected inside or it may feature competitions.