The main image is of actress Megan Fox, she also known for her beauty as have been voted ‘sexiest’ female in the world in many men’s magazines. In the image she is posing in provocative way. Megan Fox is kneeling, topless only skin-tight leather trouser, which show her full body figure. The image appeals to male target audience, as they would find her attractive. The image re enforces stereotypes of women being an object for men to gaze over and that sex sells. In the main image you can see Megan Fox’s tattoos and messy hair, which shows she not just a ‘pretty face’ she has a darker wilder side which appeal to male readership. The main image is unconventional usually; the main image is a male character from the film, while the main image is the Megan Fox and not her character, in the film she is promoting. They are trying the sell the magazine issue through her sex appeal rather then promoting the film through her character. The main image relates to the mail sell line, the describe this magazine issue as the “hot issue”, describing as “hot” which is slang word for what man would call a good-looking women. The image relates to literal meaning of hot as Megan Fox is wearing minimal clothing she is could be feeling the heat. The main image does not suggest anything about the narrative of the film, as the image of her Megan Fox not her character, which goes against the typical codes and conventions of a normal magazine. As the main image is of Megan Fox and not a character, there is no symbiotic link between the film poster, and the magazine image.
The magazines image long shot breaking the conventions of a film magazine, usually the shots are mid shot. The image maybe a long shot instead of mid shot as the image is of a female actress and not a character, with a long shot, it shows are minimal clothing which would attract male target audience to buy the magazine. The main light is coming from the white background making the main image stand out. Her face as less lit compared to her top half of her body, this drawing the audience to fact that see is topless, attract the male target audience.
The masthead says ‘Empire’ as the magazine is called ‘Empire Magazine’. The name Empire suggests power and domination as if the Empire is the best magazine and only film magazine worth reading and far superior to any other film magazine. The size of the masthead takes up the upper section of the magazine. ‘Empire’ is written in a large bold red font. The typography is eye catching but simple. The simplicity and use of the colour red reflects Empire magazines target audience which is men. As men prefer images and, and text which is minimalistic and basic. The colour red connotes danger, strength and power which the male target audience can relate to as they are ‘macro’ masculine. And like films elements of danger, strength and power in them which empire promotes. The masthead creates brand identity the same font colour and size is on every front cover in the same position at the top of the magazine.
The main sell line which grabs the audiences’ attention first read “The Hot Issue… Megan Fox.” This relates to the main image which is Megan Fox. The sell-line reflects the interest of the target audience as many readership would fine her attractive. Underneath the sell line there is tagline which says “one on one with Hollywood with the most wanted women in Hollywood” this lure the target audience, as tagline suggest they are the only ones going to be able to read this interview. The largest font for the sell line is “Megan Fox” allowing name to the main image. “the hot issue” and “Megan Fox” are in the same colour and same font, the magazine are suggesting Megan is “hot” On top of “Megan Fox” in small bold writing says “transformer’s 2” relating to the film Megan is acting in, however that is the only time the film is mention showing the sell-line are focusing on Megan Fox and not transformers the film or her character in the film.
The first smaller sell line include “Three sizzling Exclusive” “Wolverine, Star Trek Angel and Demons. The sell line is placed in the bottom left hand side corner, so it does not distract from the main image and main sell-line. The sell lines reflect the interest of the target audience as they would these films. They also have three related images showing characters of films which feature in the sell lines. The mode of address lures the target audience, using the word “ exclusive” this suggest the TA will not be able to get the information on the films anywhere else but in this issue of Empire. The font is of sell line small and is the same size as the front as “the transformer’s 2”. This does not distract from the main image and main sell-line.
The second smaller sell line is on a banner in right hand over slightly covering the master head. “Tron rebooted” The selling relates to action film Tron. This again doesn’t distract from the main sell line image and sell line.
The colours used in the sell line are blue white black and grey with the pain and simply fonts which would appeal to a male audience. When the sell lines are focusing on the film they use blue and white which are brighter colours lure to TA to the sell line. The main sell line is in grey which makes it stand out against the white background.
The layout of magazine is image heavy which appeals to male who response more to visuals. The layout is very effective as they have large image of one the most attractive women, semi nude on the front which would make the TA by the magazine. The front cover does follow convention as most main images and sell lines focuses on the film and sow a character from the film, while this magazine focuses on Megan fox and the main sell-line only briefly mentions transformers the film and mainly focuses on Megan as an actress.
