Film Magazine Analysis

Total Film

The layout of this front cover compliments each aspect of each detail involved. There hs only been a small number of colours involved. For example, the white title fits in well with the name of the articles and also what the female actress is wearing in the picture. The yellow writing that has been used in a bold font also compliments well with the background and the white lettering, since these are the only colours that have been used, the black background has more of an impact as does the main image of the two characters. There is nothing to distract attention away from the main focuses on the magazine front cover. The way the picture as been positioned adds to the feel of the front cover, the dramatic pose and the expressions used makes the viewer want to pick up the magazine to see wht its about, it captivates interest straight away. The number of different sized fonts, although all in the same sort of font, adds a different sort of appeal to this front cover. It brings the whole front cover together but still allows it to grab the viewers attention. Overall, a successful front cover, one I hope to produce during the process of making one for my trailer.



Empire

This film magazine is totally different to ‘total film’ front cover. Firstly, this magazine cover doesn’t really have a background, instead it has an image which takes up the whole background. Of course, this image is very well known so will immediately draw attention to this magazine. The red border adds impact to the picture as this is where the eye is immediately drawn too. It almost makes this picture appear clean-cut, this compliments the title of the magazine which has been included in large red lettering, which, again, contrasts well with the image and is extremely attention grabbing. The next thing that grabs my attention is the white title at the bottom of the page, only three words long, it grabs the attention of the viewer straight away and makes them want to read on-which is of course the aim of a front cover. The bit of writing at the top of the page compliments the rest of the cover and adds a bit more character to the overall look of the cover. However, a sticker has been added which doesn’t really fit with the rest of the cover, its hard to understand why exactly it has been placed there. It doesn’t fit with the colour scheme, it doesn’t particularly bring anything to the cover but it ca be argued that it stands out and makes the viewer want to no more aobut what exactly its trying to advertise. I feel overall, although quite a mysterious cover which makes the viwer want to read on, I think that it doesn’t let anyone else no about what else is actually in this magazine. If they aren’t into star wars they aren’t very likely to want to read this magazine thus, this cover, only appeals to a specific target audience.

Overall

After looking at both of these covers I have discovered the way that I want to portray our film trailer. I think that the ‘total film’ magazine cover was the more successful one in grabbing my attention overall. I like the way they have included one image as I feel this is a great way to present the film and it doesn’t confuse the viewer too much either. I find if there is too much going on it gets confusing. The titles were also kept simplistic, an easy to read font and indeed a clear colour scheme all added to the successful appeal of this cover. Although I did like the ‘empire’ front cover, I don’t feel it succeeded in grabbing all audiences attention. It may very well have articles inside to suit everyone’s taste but this wasn’t portrays on the front cover which is, after all, the main thing that grabs the viewers attention. I feel where ‘empire’ was lacking, ‘total film’ made up for it, which has made me come to the conclusion that ‘total film’ is indeed the better and more successful magazine cover.