Conventions of Posters and Magazine Covers

As a group we have chosen to produce a poster and a magazine cover to advertise our production. I have researched into the various conventions of both of these.

Posters

• Masthead - this is the title of the film. it needs to be big and eye catching for the viewer. It tells the the audience the name of the film and often also hints at the narrative.
• Tagline - this is a sentence that gives a little extra information of the narrative. It can be a quote from the film or just a general comment.
• Release date - this is essential on the poster for the viewer to know exactly when the film will be available to them if they wish to see it.
• Main image - the main image on the poster should have strong significance to the narrative of the film. It gives viewers an opportunity to get a sense of what will happen throughout the film. It may be of one or more main characters, simply be a shot form the film highlighting the location, or maybe a significant object or image from the story.
• Directors - the directors of the film may be mentioned on the poster as some viewers will see the film based on who it is directed or produced by.
• Billing block - this includes the most important people involved in the film for example director, production companies, editors, actors and more.

The Conjuring - Poster

Magazine Covers

• Masthead - Rather than the title of the main film being featured, the masthead is the name of the magazine. This is usually very large and bold at the top of the page to highlight exactly what the reader is reading.
• Main image - On a magazine cover the main image is of the main film that is being featured in that particular issue. This image is always of one or more of the main characters in that film. This draws the readers in if it is a powerful image that they are a fan of.
• Main cover line - This states the title of the main film being featured so the audience are aware of what they can expect to be reading about. It should be bold and eye catching for readers to make it as clear as possible.
• Cover lines - These tell readers what else will be included inside the magazine so they know what to expect when they're buying. They they introduce the other smaller stories that can be read.
• Strapline - This is a short sentence indicating what about the film will be included in the magazine, for example it may say something like 'exclusive interviews with cast members' so that the reader can know what kind of things to expect when reading the article inside.
• Barcode and price - The price is important for the reader when purchasing the magazine.

The Woman In Black - Magazine Cover