I have chosen to analyse a film magazine cover from Empires edition featuring the film ‘Star wars - Rogue one’ which was released in 2016. The cover I have chosen has been released 6 different times, with the only difference being the main focal image changing. I have gathered 3 of the 6 covers released to discuss their traditional, conventional features which follow a pattern often seen on over magazine covers. These features often relate to the film itself aiding the promotion of the product.
The masthead is placed at the top of the page behind the main focal photo, in bold white capital letters. The 3 different photos represent different characters within the film, each character has potentially been used to attract a variety of readers. All shots used are medium, close ups which reveal the character's whole identity including their costume and any other props they may be holding. The main focal image slightly overlaps the masthead, ‘Empire’ may have chosen to do this because their brand name is more recognisable than the characters in ‘Star wars; Rogue one’ meaning it needs less promotion or recognition compared to the film.
‘Empire’ may have chosen to vary the main focal photo to attract a wider range of audiences, the first magazine cover reveals a female character looking fearless and independent. She is probably around the age of twenty and may have been selected for the front cover to attract male attention alongside feminists or appeal to a female audience. As often sci-fi films are traditionally viewed by a more male audience. On the second cover ‘Empire’ have chosen to use a young male actor, his body language of his arms folded may represent he is rebellious and outgoing. This may appeal to a young male audience who are adrenaline junkies and potentially a female audience who find this character attractive. On the third cover ‘Empire’ have chosen to present a older male character holding a weapon. He may have been chosen to appeal to a older audience as they might look up to this character and admire what he is doing for his age in the film. By appealing to a wider range of audiences the more likely the magazine will be bought and the more likely the film will be watched.
All three front covers feature a puff to the right hand side of the main focal photo, offering an exclusive read on ‘Star wars’. It is a bright yellow colour and in a shape of a circle, this is because it is easily recognisable and often the first thing the reader may see. ‘Empire’ have chosen to place the puff alongside the photo as the reader is automatically drawn to the image so anything around it in a bold colour will be read. A skyline features along the top of the cover and reads ‘What a year! Our huge review of 2016’ this written code is particularly engaging to a reader as it informs them that inside the magazine it will sum up the year of 2016 film successes. The written codes alternate between a yellow or white colour, potentially to stand out more. The colour yellow in particular connotes energy and happiness reflecting what the film may entail.
The background of the cover reveals some sort of intergalactic satellite, the image is enhanced using CGI and appears larger than what it would normally look like. This technical code, alongside the mise-en-scene of the characters spacesuit costumes and hi tech props confirms the sci-fi genre. This technical code also stands out to readers who will tend to watch sci-fi/ action films.
Overall I believe this magazine will interest a wider range of readers due to their clever ability to present the magazine a number of times with different characters, each aiming to attract a contrasting reader.
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