This magazine, Total Film, follows all the typical codes and conventions of both a regular magazine and a film magazine. Firstly, the masthead, which, like in pretty much all magazines, is positioned at the top of the page. The title is in block capitals, using a bold eye catching font which means the reader can immediately identify with this. It is mostly white/silver which connotes goodness, innocence and purity and can be used to represent safety/purity and cleanliness. The masthead is obscured by the main image which emphasises the importance of it. But also, many magazines follow this convention with the belief that the target audience are already familiar with their house style and so can still recognise it when obscured. The house style is important because it gives the magazine an identity and allows an audience to recognise it against other titles. The main image is a mid-shot of the lead actor from Inception, Leonardo diCaprio, he is a well known actor and so the audience would be familiar with him and be very likely to have seen him in other popular and successful films. This means the image would act as a draw to encourage his wide fan base to purchase the magazine and thus find more out about this and the other movies, making them more likely to go and watch. The image is usually the USP of the magazine as it attracts most of the attention and so is the main element that advertises and promotes the magazine.

The layout of this magazine is also conventional with slight unique parts to it. For example, they have put coverlines on either side of the main image but also put some in the centre which doesn’t usually happen, but works as it still attracts your attention without drawing away from the main image. Also the colour scheme uses three main colours which is conventional and maintains a professional look by defining the house style and stops it looking too crazy.

Masthead/Title – this is the name/logo of the magazine and usually has at least the date near it, also usually the issue number and the website.

Main/Central Image – this is the large image featured on the cover which is usually from the main/biggest story from the magazine, in this case it is the lead actor from inception. Usually this image will slightly obscure the masthead which highlights the importance of the image. It is common that the main image model is using a direct mode of address to engage the audience but I have also found especially for horror films, the actor, like in this case, will be looking past the camera as if there is something frightening behind.

Film Title/Main Coverline – For film magazines, the main coverline is usually the title of the film featured in the cover story. Like so, this is usually very big and stands out to attract the audience’s attention.

Mandatory elements – every magazine will have a barcode with a price etc. Usually placed in the bottom corners or top right.

Tagline – the magazine will usually feature a tagline which will be above or below the masthead. This is to grasp the reader’s attention and make them want to know more.

Featured stories/coverlines – these are other stories featured on the front cover which will be in the magazine, usually the ones which will be more popular and likeable.

Colour scheme – the magazine will usually feature a colour scheme relative to what the film is like/genre. E.g. the colour scheme here is very cold using blues, silvers and whites which reflects the themes and atmosphere in the film, but there is also a use of red which contrasts well and helps it stand out. Usually colour schemes will have three main colours so as not to get too busy on the screen.

Fonts– most of the fonts, especially titles and prominent coverlines, will be big bold and eye catching, but the fonts will differ throughout the cover to determine between stories.

Puff – this is used to attract your attention to another feature story, usually contains exclusive content. This stands out from the rest of the page, but still fits in with the layout and theme, and usually looks like a sticker has been put on the cover.