Post 37d - Conventions of Magazine Spreads

From my analysis of both mainstream and independent film magazines I have found conventions within both which will be transferred into my group's film review. These conventions are usually followed to entice the reader's attention and the prompt and boost hype of the film to make the audiences want to go see the film. The transferability of some of these conventions won't be easy due to the fact we chose an independent film magazine for our review spread, thus some conventions only within the mainstream features will not apply. I also used THESE TWO SlideShare to research the conventions.

• Image: Is required to present the main character/s to the audience. In larger magazines this may include multiple characters or even a scene, whilst in smaller magazines this may be a medium long shot or medium close up of the main protagonist in a shot to represent the genre of the film. Also can be a teaser.

• Font: Font size and colour will depend on the size of the magazine, but black and smaller font is general convention. However if the theme of the review is more related to a specific genre, e.g horror, then the font may change to represent the genre better; such as red font and a different style of font.

• Quotes: These will either be from an actor or director which can sum up the film; give some of the plot to entice the audience; be an exert from the review itself etc.

• Masthead - This is the banner/text, usually in the top left hand corner which tells the reader which magazine the review is in and acts as branding to identify to the audience and make a connection.

• Release Date: Will usually be at the end of a review unless in a seperate part of the page before the review which has key details. 

• Rating of the film: Can be in the form of a 5 Star system, or simply numbers for categories. It tells the reader whether or not the film is critically acclaimed. This will always be at the end of the review.