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The masthead is presented at the top of the frame in a central position. This is a general layout convention of magazines and means that the masthead is the largest text in the frame. It is presented in the signature uppercase sans serif font. However on this particular issue, the masthead is presented in orange and appears to be on fire. This is a typical convention of Empire magazine to adapt the masthead to the film it is promoting. This reflects how successful and well-established the Empire brand is that it can adapt its masthead and still be recognisable to the TA. It also indicates, of course, the brand’s determination to both pay homage to the films featured and to fully communicate their importance. The name of the magazine itself is significant and indicates the success and status of empire and the way in which it is the film magazine, the most dominant one. There is also a link to film, as there are cinemas with this name. The bold, solid appearance of the masthead indicates the solid success of the brand, whilst the use of uppercase indicates a male readership. The distinctive, sharp-edged appearance of the ‘m’ suggests the magazine’s sharp engagement with and criticism of film. It is no nonsense and to the point and won’t give its readership anything other than the truth. The image of Hellboy is placed over part of the masthead. This shows that the magazine is so well-known that even with part of the masthead covered the TA can instantly recognise the front cover as an empire front cover. This reflects the strength of Empire’s brand identity. This could also suggest that the magazine sees film as the most important thing, that the magazine’s passionate about film and that their chief aim is to celebrate and discuss the films. The image itself gives the audience a clear insight into the narrative of the film, as we can instantly tell Hellboy is an action film. This is clearly reflected through his facial expression and body language, which makes the image appear as if it’s been taken just before an action scene in the film. His body language and facial expression instantly tell the audience that he is not to be messed with, and that the film will be full of action and fight scenes as he ‘brings hell’. This is because we see Hellboy making a fist with his hand combined with a menacing look in his eye telling the audience that he will be the unconventional hero that saves the day. The presentation of Hellboy as unconventional is further reflected through his name and appearance. The fact he has devil horns and comes from hell suggests to the audience that he must be evil. However, this contrasts with his role as a hero. The sell-lines are Alongside the Like other empire front covers, the layout of this front cover is basic and not filled with too much information. This allows the audience to focus on the successful blockbuster featured on the front cover and for the image to fully dominate the frame. It also suggests that as the magazine and their brand identity is so well-established and the brand is known for always providing information the audience desire, it doesn’t need lots of sell-lines as the TA will buy it anyway. It could also indicate the selling power of the film featured on the front of this magazine and the fact that the audience can be lured in simply by the mag fully showcasing one great blockbuster. This could also link to the way in which males, the core target audience of this magazine from a gender perspective, respond to visuals. This is further reinforced through the puffs, such as ‘First look!’ This informs the TA that this issue will be up to the usual standard of presenting first look information that they can only retrieve by purchasing the magazine so would instantly grab the TA’s eye on the newsstand. It also helps to reflect the personality of the character Hellboy and gives the audience an insight into what to expect from the film The sell-lines are presented in an uppercase sans serif font. Their presentation is very simple but allows them to stand out on the page. This suggests that as the sell-lines focus around such successful and popular films that they don’t need a fancy presentation style for them to stand out and grab the audiences’ attention. The use of direct address also suggests that this film will put the audience right in the action. This is further reinforced by the title of the film and main sell-line, which suggests to the audience that Hellboy is some sort of superhero, as both make reference to a golden army led by hell boy. The main sell-line also refers to the film as ‘epic’, which could indicate a heroic character completing a task that is grand and monumental. Like most magazines, the mode of address used is informal and friendly. This is because it allows the audience to build a relationship with the magazine. In the case of Empire, magazine readers will see the magazine as made personally for them; with ‘First look’ information about the hottest film around that their TA would be dying to know about. This issue uses direct address to draw in the audience and inform them that the magazine wants their input. This will help to portray the magazine as personal and exclusive for them

Front cover 2 hellboy

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Page 1: Front cover 2   hellboy

The masthead is presented at the top of the frame in a central position. This is a general layout convention of magazines and means that the masthead is the largest text in the frame. It is presented in the signature uppercase sans serif font. However on this particular issue, the masthead is presented in orange and appears to be on fire. This is a typical convention of Empire magazine to adapt the masthead to the film it is promoting. This reflects how successful and well-established the Empire brand is that it can adapt its masthead and still be recognisable to the TA. It also indicates, of course, the brand’s determination to both pay homage to the films featured and to fully communicate their importance. The name of the magazine itself is significant and indicates the success and status of empire and the way in which it is the film magazine, the most dominant one. There is also a link to film, as there are cinemas with this name. The bold, solid appearance of the masthead indicates the solid success of the brand, whilst the use of uppercase indicates a male readership. The distinctive, sharp-edged appearance of the ‘m’ suggests the magazine’s sharp engagement with and criticism of film. It is no nonsense and to the point and won’t give its readership anything other than the truth.

The image of Hellboy is placed over part of the masthead. This shows that the magazine is so well-known that even with part of the masthead covered the TA can instantly recognise the front cover as an empire front cover. This reflects the strength of Empire’s brand identity. This could also suggest that the magazine sees film as the most important thing, that the magazine’s passionate about film and that their chief aim is to celebrate and discuss the films. The image itself gives the audience a clear insight into the narrative of the film, as we can instantly tell Hellboy is an action film. This is clearly reflected through his facial expression and body language, which makes the image appear as if it’s been taken just before an action scene in the film. His body language and facial expression instantly tell the audience that he is not to be messed with, and that the film will be full of action and fight scenes as he ‘brings hell’. This is because we see Hellboy making a fist with his hand combined with a menacing look in his eye telling the audience that he will be the unconventional hero that saves the day. The presentation of Hellboy as unconventional is further reflected through his name and appearance. The fact he has devil horns and comes from hell suggests to the audience that he must be evil. However, this contrasts with his role as a hero.

The sell-lines are effective in drawing in and appealing to the desires of the TA. The TA love classic films and big blockbusters. This is reflected through the sell-lines which advertise articles featured on films such as global, box-office hits like the hobbit and Indiana jones (abbreviated to ‘Indy’, mode of address that all film buffs will recognise!) This will appeal to the reader ship and make them want to buy the magazine as they know that the best movies of the year are featured in this issue and they’ll receive exclusive information if they purchase the issue. Alongside the ‘Hellboy’ main sell-line, the audience are told that they are being given a ‘first look’ at this film. This will be enticing, as it insinuates that they will be the very first person to receive this exclusive information about the top films.

Like other empire front covers, the layout of this front cover is basic and not filled with too much information. This allows the audience to focus on the successful blockbuster featured on the front cover and for the image to fully dominate the frame. It also suggests that as the magazine and their brand identity is so well-established and the brand is known for always providing information the audience desire, it doesn’t need lots of sell-lines as the TA will buy it anyway. It could also indicate the selling power of the film featured on the front of this magazine and the fact that the audience can be lured in simply by the mag fully showcasing one great blockbuster. This could also link to the way in which males, the core target audience of this magazine from a gender perspective, respond to visuals. This is further reinforced through the puffs, such as ‘First look!’ This informs the TA that this issue will be up to the usual standard of presenting first look information that they can only retrieve by purchasing the magazine

Empire successfully promotes the film Hellboy. The stylistic features used are effective in grabbing the audience’s attention. This is because the colour scheme; red and black, is contrasting so would instantly grab the TA’s eye on the newsstand. It also helps to reflect the personality of the character Hellboy and gives the audience an insight into what to expect from the film

The sell-lines are presented in an uppercase sans serif font. Their presentation is very simple but allows them to stand out on the page. This suggests that as the sell-lines focus around such successful and popular films that they don’t need a fancy presentation style for them to stand out and grab the audiences’ attention.

The use of direct address also suggests that this film will put the audience right in the action. This is further reinforced by the title of the film and main sell-line, which suggests to the audience that Hellboy is some sort of superhero, as both make reference to a golden army led by hell boy. The main sell-line also refers to the film as ‘epic’, which could indicate a heroic character completing a task that is grand and monumental.

Like most magazines, the mode of address used is informal and friendly. This is because it allows the audience to build a relationship with the magazine. In the case of Empire, magazine readers will see the magazine as made personally for them; with ‘First look’ information about the hottest film around that their TA would be dying to know about. This issue uses direct address to draw in the audience and inform them that the magazine wants their input. This will help to portray the magazine as personal and exclusive for them

Page 2: Front cover 2   hellboy

As well as providing sell-lines that appeal to the TA’s film loves, this front cover also provides sell-lines that will appeal to their desires as a heterosexual male. For example, the sell-lines Natalie Portman vs. Scarlett Johansson. This will instantly grab the male target audiences’ attention as they it informs the audience there will be a special article focusing on two of the most glamorous women in the film world. This article would be a favourite among the TA and would make them want to purchase the issue even more. Furthermore, the audience would be drawn in by the puff; 40 Movies that will get you sex. This will appeal to the target audience as it links their love of films with a way of meeting women.