Review page magazine considerations

It is important to consider the type of magazine our review page might feature in, depending on the film style and appropriate target audience. I have research a few film magazines in order to effectively decide where ours will best appeal to its ideal audience. I have used facts taken from the magazines websites, and written in red whether its beneficial to our film.

Sight and sound -

• Informed and independant film news and comment - Independant film news would be very useful for our short film, as it would not be a hollywood blockbuster and could effectively be promoted by a magazine such as this.
• In-depth interviews with leading film directors - Again could be useful for promoting our film, as the director (myself) is unknown
• Retrospective articles vividly bringing film history to life - Not really applicable as our short film would be a new, modern release.
• Reviews of every new release - Very useful for us, as our film would be a new release.

 Empire -

• Has a 'future films' section informing readers of upcoming film - Could be useful for the promotion of our film before it is released, or for any future work we produce
• Tends to focus more on the promotion of blockbusters, rather than independants - Our short film would be considered independant, therefore it would probably not be featured in a magazine such as Empire.
• Extensive reviews for a variety of media products; games, dvds etc - Again not really applicable as our film is short and independant, with no following merchandise.
• Very prestegious - named film magazine of the year - Getting a review in a critically acclaimed magazine such as Empire would indeed help promote and mainstream our independant film.

Total film -

• An extensive range of reviews, many of which are not mainstream - The fact that many of the feature movies are slightly obscure, could indicate that they like to review a range of film - useful for us because our film is independant and might otherwise not be promoted effectively.
• Also promotes film trailers online, encouraging readers to view new releases - Not applicable to use, ours is a short film, approximately 5 minutes long so making a trailer would be difficult, and not essential.
• Describes itself as a 'modern guide to movies' - Could prove useful to us, as our film is a modern release.

Uncut -

•  Described as 'music and movies with something to say' - Promoting independant film would be useful for us
• Does tend to focus on iconic film and music, with special 'legends' issues - Not applicable for us, our film would be a new indenpendant release and would not have the status required for this magazine.

Review pages

The following are review pages I found that I felt we could draw inspiration from, I like them all for various reasons; layout, colour, copy style etc.

I've analysed this review page previously, as I like its use of oposing colours and composition of images

The use of vivid red borders matching the copy really works for this review page. I also like the quote and starring system shown in the corner, so at a glance the reader can form expectations

The information is organised well on this page, with certificate rating and other appropriate facts listed clearly in the corner so viewers will be more encouraged to visit the cinema. The copy is well organised, in easy to read sections.

The image used here is very interesting, and gives the audience a clue as to the films narrative whilst creating an enigma



I like the use of full page image and large title.





Final poster

Our final poster with the extras added:

• Actors
• Production information
• Awards

(click on image to enlarge)