Ancillary Product Research - Conventions of a Magazine Cover

A magazine cover is designed to fulfill a similar purpose to a film poster in that it promotes a film. Well renowned film magazines such as Empire probably target a more specific demographic than film posters, which can be viewed by any type of person. Though they are able to see the cover, the film would probably be better promoted if the person picked up the magazine. This is something film fanatics are more likely to do.

Conventions of a Magazine Cover

Main or focal image
Magazine covers are predominantly filled with a main or focal image to catch the attention of the viewer and encapsulate the essence of the film. The main or focal image will usually be of a character who holds prominence within the narrative, for example the protagonist or antagonist. Occasionally the image will be more cryptic in order to build up anticipation surrounding the film. However, films that are promoted using magazines are normally 'blockbusters' produced by conglomerates. Therefore it is likely that the film is well known and speculated anyway.
Frequently the image will be in the centre of the magazine, with the less eye catching elements placed around the edges.

Example of a focal image - Daniel Craig as James Bond, promoting Spectre (2015)

Typography
The typography used to introduce the viewer to the film usually relates to the genre or character of the film. It is usually large to catch the attention of the reader and demonstrate that this part is what they want the reader to see. The typography differs depending on the element of the magazine.

Magazine cover promoting Ant-Man (2015)

In the magazine cover shown above, Ant-Man is written in large text to show that it is a significant part of the magazine. The text is almost stencilled, perhaps an attempt to mirror the robotic and computerised characteristics of the character. The choice to write it in capitals not only reflects the importance of the text but the brazen personality of the trailer.

Masthead
A masthead is the name of the magazine. It is usually in large typography and is in bold, so the audience can see what magazine they are reading. Normally it is placed at the top of the poster, like in the one below:

Masthead - Cineaste

Slogan
 Most magazine covers have a slogan which sums up the magazine - usually its prestige, or values. This can sometimes be hyperbolic - for example "world's best". The one below for 'Little White Lies' magazine is truth and movies; the juxtaposition of lies and truth is effective. Slogans are sometimes referred to as selling lines.

Little White Lies Magazine - Slogan: Truth and Movies

Barcode and Edition

Magazines are commercial products - they need a barcode so that they can be purchased. This is usually placed discreetly in the corner of the magazine. The edition/issue tells the reader what edition they are buying, so they can make sure they are up to date. This is especially useful if they have a magazine subscription e.g May 2015.

Cover lines 

Cover lines on right

'Puff' on right

Cover lines are summaries of the articles in the magazine. The cover line for the feature article is almost always larger because the editors of the magazine feel this is the story that is going to make people want to buy the magazine. If encompassed into a circle, these are often called "puffs".

Tag

A tag is a word or phrase that may also be called a "buzz word". These are sometimes hyperbolic and help in the selling of a magazine by classifying something as "Exclusive" or "free". The reader will want to feel privileged in buying the magazine. Sometimes the tags are paired with free gifts to attract the reader to the magazine further.

Layout

The layout of a magazine is often rather formulaic. The magazine can be divided into thirds which can determine the place of different elements. 

Left third:  Contains the main feature of the magazine (usually an exclusive interview or article) 

Middle third: Contains the main or focal image of the magazine cover.

Right third: Usually contains more cover lines

Top line

Sometimes there is a line which introduces and leads into the main image and cover line. This can create more suspense, and is usually placed at the top of a magazine. Additionally, as we read top to bottom, it can impede the immediacy of the main image and typography.

Banners

These are normally positioned either at the top or bottom of a poster. They tell the reader what is included in the magazine that may have been left out of the cover lines, for example "posters and more!". As they are placed in order to accommodate the main features of the cover, they are usually quite ambiguous, making the reader want to see what is inside.

Colour Scheme and House Style

A magazine usually adopts a colour scheme which depends on what is on the front cover. For example, if it is promoting an action horror film which stereotypically has a larger male demographic, they may choose to use a predominantly blue colour scheme as this is stereotypically a male-orientated colour. Often the colour scheme is in keeping with the house style of the magazine. This is the traditional typography and colour it employs as part of its brand. Occasionally they may have to deviate away from this if it means promoting the film better. 


Magazine promoting Spectre image from https://pocketmags.com/total-film-magazine/october-2015
Magazine cover promoting Ant-Man from https://www.uniquemagazines.co.uk/Total-Film-Magazine-Subscription-p645 (past covers section)
Magazine cover promoting Elle http://www.newsstand.co.uk/140-TV-and-Film-Magazines/13994-Subscribe-to-CINEASTE-Magazine-Subscription.aspx
http://www.newsstand.co.uk/140-TV-and-Film-Magazines/8798-Subscribe-to-LITTLE-WHITE-LIES-Magazine-Subscription.aspx
Magazine cover for Hobbit from http://www.elvenesse.net/images/EmpireHobbit.jpg
X-Men magazine cover from http://www.gotceleb.com/anna-paquin-empire-magazine-cover-march-2014-2014-01-28.html