THE MAGAZINES IMAGEA COMPARISON BETWEEN BRANDS

IN CHARACTER?

THE HISTORY OF ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Using google images I have found a range of covers for the magazine. The first issue was published on February 16th 1990. It is apparent from the magazine covers I have seen and those shown here that Entertainment weekly has always marketed to a younger audience. There are colourful tag lines engaging main images and the stylistic theme almost always suits the films genre.

WHY THIS IS UNCONVENTIONAL?Issue number 1150 shown above is similar to other film magazines because of the image. Movie magazines have always appealed to their target audience by demonstrating their dedication to the film rather than the actors and other behind the scenes factors. The reason the issue which shows the fear inducing character of ghost face is unconventional is because of the light blue splash, the visual of the pink stars around the emotionless face diminishes the horror of the Scream 4 film. Also the tag lines on the header obstructs the image portraying the face as a brand rather than a faceless killer who makes the Scream films terrifying for viewers.

ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

The Masthead is bold and easy to recognise.

The sell lines are positioned in a way which doesn’t distract from the image.

The use of a close up emphasizes the callousness of the character of ghost face.

The magazine has kept its brand image.

The changes in font for the header means some articles may appear less important.

The slash is too large and this means the content seems less diverse.

The red background isn’t deep enough to have immediate connotations of horror.

The magazine has sacrificed the films image which prevents them from attracting a new audience.

THE HISTORY OF HORROR HOUND

Horror hound was produced in 2005 and is an official long running fanzine. This has restricted their marketing however this has lead to the establishment of a unique brand which interests the niche market which it is aimed towards. Typically the final images they have chosen for their front covers have been artistic and memorable. Subsidiary images are always on the left column. The layout has remained unchanged the colours are often bright to highlight the madness of the horror.

WHY IS THIS UNCONVENTIONAL?The sell lines are placed where the banner line is normally found. The image is most prominent and because it is horror specific the brand image often links in with the films style and themes etc. There is less text surrounding the splash than is normal and the font mirrors that which may be used in horror films for titles, credits etc. There is no obvious setting and the villain is portrayed in a fiery blaze. It would be conventional to show the protagonist of the horror on the cover or the face of a character who’s motives and true character is abstract within the film. Even though it is conventional to present the actors in character technically the character of ghost face is unknown.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES The sell lines and images are all clear and effective.

The masthead is impactful and the black ink around the title complements to the horror style.

The advertising for scream 4 ‘The return of ghost face ’interests the niche market because unlike entertainment weekly it focuses on the horror genre rather that the other elements such as a star cast and comedy script.

The coverlines aren’t presented successfully to engage different audiences.

The print used for film logos is used for the sell lines. This is appropriate for a fanzine. Nonetheless it could be a disadvantage as it is providing information that can be found online.

The artistic covers mean the audience may not recognise the characters or films being advertised.