Research Ancillary - Film Magazine Covers and their Conventions

Film magazine covers are designed with the same purpose as a film poster; to promote a new films release.

Typical Magazine Cover Conventions include: 

• Colour Scheme: this convention is an important aspect of a magazine cover and the colour scheme often relates to the film it is promoting. The use of colour will also provide an indication of the films genre. Bold and bright colours are commonly used to catch the audiences attention, making it rememberable. However, the use of bright colours could also suggest the genre of the film it is promoting; for example bright colours such as yellow have connotations of joy and cheerfulness so would more likely to be used to promote comedy films rather than genres which have a more serious tone. Due to the fact that my magazine cover ancillary product will be promoting an upcoming horror thriller film, I will need to ensure that the colour scheme I use reflects this particular genre. Ways in which I could do this is by using colours specific to this genre (such as red and black, connoting death and danger), although I could also experiment by desaturating colours in order to create a more ominous effect. 
• Focal Image: similar to a promotional film poster, a film magazine cover also has a focal image placed in the centre of the page which draws the audiences attention. However, in most cases the focal image on the cover of a film magazine portrays the main character, rather than a significant prop or location used frequently throughout the film. This acts as a unique selling point; the use of a famous, well-known cast member will help promote the film due to their popularity/familiarity which will attract the audiences attention. 
• Masthead: this bit of text presents the title of the magazine, and is featured on every issue and copy. The typography should be the same size and font as used in previous issues; the masthead essentially acts as a logo for the magazine so shouldn't therefore be changed. 
• Sell Lines: this acts as a way to encourage the audience to purchase the magazine, which often includes informing them of any competitions that they can enter inside, gifts or promotional offers that the magazine exclusively provides. The cover usually emphasises the price of the magazine itself, making it appear as though it is a good deal for potential consumers. Otherwise known as 'buzz words', sell lines often include the words 'free' and 'exclusive' which captures the audiences attention, making the magazine appear different and unlike any other of the magazine's main competitors.
• Lead Story and Anchorage Text: this refers to any text on the front cover which relates to the focal image/main feature film it is promoting. The lead story is typically the bold, large text which stands out next to the focal image. On the other hand, anchorage text often overlaps the the focal image in support of the lead story and typically includes what the magazine spread for the film will include; this could be a direct quote taken from the interview or article inside. 
• Banner: similar to 'sell lines', the banner also informs the audience of what is included inside the magazine, although this typically includes information on any other articles that feature inside. This text does not relate to the film being promoted on the front cover. 
• Barcode, Price, Date and Issue Number: the barcode is usually placed at the bottom, top or side of the magazine cover and does not interfere with the overall cover design. This is required and enables the magazine to be bought in stores. The price, publication date and issue number is usually situated beside the barcode in a small font so that it does not stand out against the main focal image or text.