Survey Results and Analysis

Question 1-
The most popular result on the survey was a close-up for the shot of the cover star, closely followed by a mid-shot, therefore, I will use one of these as they also follow convention.

Question 2- 
The majority of my demographic agreed that I should portray my protagonist as a vulnerable, weak character, which fits in with the storyline of my trailer, therefore I will try to create this effect when creating my magazine cover.

Question 3-
The most popular colour scheme was blue and grey, as blue has connotations of loneliness and is associated with mental wellbeing and instability. Grey also seems very eerie and creepy, therefore it will successfully convey a mystery genre.

Question 4-
A simplistic layout is the most popular response, therefore, I will use a stripped back layout, so the cover is not too overwhelming, and the audience can digest all the information being showed.

Question 5-
Some frequent suggestions for portraying a mystery genre were using low-key lighting, grey clouds/shadows and using eye contact and scared facial expressions.

Question 6- 
The predominant response to this question was to have a group shot of my main characters in the poster, therefore, I will take photos of all of them while on location and they are in their costume to give the audience an insight into the film and also their relationship, also to create synergy between my products.

Question 7-
An image to text ratio of 75:25 was requested by my demographic, therefore, the main focus of my magazine cover will be the imagery, and I will select the fonts and text to compliment the image.

Question 8-
The most popular colour scheme for the poster was black, white and red, as red has connotations of danger and fear.

Magazine and Poster Audience Survey

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'Shutter Island' Magazine Cover Analysis

Feature Article Photograph-
The long shot allows the viewer to become familiar with the character. The costume indicates that he is fairly serious as he is in a smart, professional looking coat, shirt and tie, however, a more laid-back side is portrayed as his top button is undone. The low angle shot conveys the characters high status and superiority connoting that he has a lot of power and authority. The uses of high-key lighting from above creates harsh contrasts and shadows on his face, creating a mysterious feel and therefore portraying the genre successfully. The background is cloudy and misty which enhances the sense of mystery as it creates an eeriness. Additionally, the blue colours uses connote sadness and loneliness, suggesting that the protagonist is vulnerable or in danger.

Masthead-

The masthead is in a bold, recognisable font which creates a clear brand image and therefore it can be positioned behind the feature article photograph but still stand out. The white colour contrasts with the rest of the page and therefore attracts attention. The font is fairly basic and therefore easy to read, meaning when viewers glance at the magazine they will know the genre and contents of the magazine immediately. This is heighten by the word 'total' as it makes it clear to the reader this magazine is just about films. The positioning of the masthead is also effective as it is directly behind the cover stars head which is where the audience would be naturally drawn to look at, meaning they are likely to read it.

Cover Lines-

The cover lines are a red font which connotes danger as it is a symbol of blood. Additionally, the font is bold and in block capitals to highlight its importance, however, it has a distressed look to convey the mystery genre.

Plugs-

The plugs also use a red colour to create uniformity and therefore establish a house style. They include information about what is inside the magazine, helping to promote it, without taking away attention from the feature article photograph. Contrasting colours are used to ensure the writing is all legible and user friendly.

'Inception' Magazine Cover Analysis

Feature Article Photograph-
The feature article photograph is a long shot of the protagonist with a slight low angle, conveying power and authority. This is reiterated by the choice of costume as he is in a suit and the fact he is holding a gun which imply he is powerful and in control. The background of the image is very busy and hectic, which mirrors the exciting, thrilling elements of the mystery genre. It also has a futuristic, technological feel, which entices viewers as it feels current and modern. The blue colours used highlight the sense of masculinity portrayed in the image, again making the character seem strong and powerful. Finally, the lack of eye-contact suggests the protagonist is superior and untouchable, as it creates a slight distance between the audience and him. 

Masthead-

The masthead is a very bright red colour which gives it prominence on the page as it is very eye catching. The boldness of the text compliments the powerful mode of address given off by the feature article photograph, establishing a strong house style. The font has very harsh angles, making it edgy and unique, therefore appealing to a young demographic as it feels modern and interesting. It is positioned behind the feature article photograph, as it is a well recognisable brand, this technique gives the image a 3D effect.

Puff-

The puff uses the success of a previous movie to promote this one, which provides the audience with a sense of familiarity and anticipation, therefore encouraging them to watch the film.

Cover lines-

The main line of the cover line is a bold red, this connotes danger, therefore conveying the mystery genre. It also matches the colour scheme of the rest of the front cover, establishing a house style. It references other well known films in the line 'The Matrix meets 007', again creating familiarity and allowing the reader to connect with and understand the film.

Plugs-

The plugs are positioned at a canted angle which creates a distorted feel, this enhances the mystery genre. They are written in a bold font and the first lines are in block capitals to draw attention to them.

'Gone Girl' Magazine Cover Analysis

Feature Article Photograph-

The colours used are very cool toned and clinical, which are commonly associated with mental wellbeing, therefore connoting sadness and loneliness, provoking emotion in the viewer. The combination of a birds eye view shot and a long shot of the protagonist make her seem exposed and in danger. Additionally, her blank facial expressions connote vulnerability and death. The theme of death is also apparent through the rest of the mise-en-scene, including the table filled with medical equipment beside her, the tag on her foot and the metal bed that they are lying on. This all establishes the mystery genre as it makes the reader intrigued about what has happened to her. Additionally, the male who appears to be her partner intensifies the sense of mystery as he appears to be possessive and his entirely black costume connotes evil and danger. There is binary opposites used between the two costumes as she is in white which connotes purity and innocence, whereas he is wearing very dark, harsh colours. 

Masthead-

The white colour of the masthead contrasts with the picture, making it eye-catching and engaging. Additionally, the sans-serif font has fairly relaxed, laid-back connotations, which create an informal house style. The word 'weekly' is included in the title to encourage readers to read this magazine each week and make it appear as a well-established brand. Additionally, the masthead is superimposed, so it is positioned under the image, also to suggest it is a recognisable brand, as well as making the feature article photograph the most dominant part of the cover. The actual name of the magazine 'entertainment' has positive and encouraging connotations, as it implies that it will provide amusement for the reader.

Cover line-
The cover line is used to anchor the polysemy of the feature article photograph, as it has an ambiguity surrounding it, leaving the viewer unaware of why the protagonist is in the situation. It is written in a bold, sans-serif font which makes it clear to the reader that it is the title of the film. The fact it is written in block capitals helps to intensify it and highlights the significance of the words. The white font creates a strong house style along with the rest of the cover as it matches the writing of the masthead and plugs that are flush left. There is also yellow and blue colours used which match the plugs and the cool tones of the feature article photograph.



Plugs-
These plugs are successful in fulfilling their purpose of promoting the contents of the magazine and encouraging the reader to read the magazine. They follow conventions by being flush left and follow the same colour scheme as the rest of the front cover to create a strong house style and brand identity.