‘Sight & Sound’ Analysis
Sight & Sound is a specialist film magazine that targets film students/academics specifically. This is determined by the simple, yet effective style of presentation of the front cover. The masthead itself stands out against the vivid yellow background in simple, classical and alliterated typography which again justifies its target audience of film students who will seek a simple magazine with studious content. The connotations of ‘Sight & Sound’ fall neatly into place with the film genre so it is in fact a pun, since you need sight and sound to consume a film. Furthermore, the exact same typography is used for the three strap lines which create an identity and house style for the target audience to identify with.
The colours used on the front cover are bright, intense and dazzling with the use of yellow, orange and black, which contrasts the simple layout of the magazine in return making it visually appealing. Arguably, the colours used may appeal to a more male audience than females. In addition, this value may be reinforced with the central image of a male hence it under represents the gender make up of film students.
A conventional puff is used just below the ‘Sound’ where it states ‘The monthly film magazine.’ The use of ‘the’ makes it seem as though this is the ultimate, the one and only film magazine which offers ’85 films reviewed’ as stated by the pug on the top left hand corner. In conjunction, the puff and pug work well together to create a unified magazine which adds to its uniqueness. In result, the magazine front cover serves its purpose by attracting its potential audience.
Another factor which determines its target audience is the use of an institution just beside the puff; ‘British Film Institute’ which connotes a sense of formality rather than being a magazine read for leisure and entertainment.
The central image sure is the focal point as the pose by Woody Allen is so unusual and closed off, although it does look at the audience directly. The image is placed more to the right of the page giving alternative space for strap lines on the left and is a medium-close up shot. Since the image represents an established director rather than a young actor (Empire) also dictates that the magazine is aimed at a more academic audience, where it may explore technical proficiencies rather than celebrity profiles. The medium close up shot of Allen shows him with his hand covering his lips and the right hand side of his face connoting that he is in deep, serious thought. This may reflect his success as a director where his ideas have been exceptional and irreplaceable. Furthermore, his black framed spectacles give a hint of professionalism. Sight & Sound have also steered away from typical conventions of a film magazine by representing an older person. This is unusual as it doesn’t conform to social values that elderly people, in this day and age, have less prestige and more nuisance. Nevertheless, it uses this image to suggest his experience and wisdom by being involved in the film industry for so many years. This also appeals to the target audience as it gives them an insight into the world of film.
To juxtapose the image are three strap lines using the same typography of the masthead. With these, secondary images are absent placing all attention to the central image. The strap lines again connote the academic side of film and determine its target audience.
Sight & Sound also uses additional conventions to aid the effectiveness of the magazine front cover. By using “plus” offers that little bit extra to the audience that any other film magazine is unable to offer.
However, it is noteworthy that there is no female or ethnic minority representation limiting its potential audience. The incorporation of the above would undeniably attract a much larger audience.
In conclusion to this analysis, Sight & Sound have followed many magazine conventions making it visually appealing. It offers that little bit extra with the use of the pug, puff and ‘plus’. It also has a hint of exclusivity where it represents an elderly person and uses a simple layout with contrasting vivid colours making it stand it so much more. It serves its purpose well by attracting its target audience.
Sight & Sound is a specialist film magazine that targets film students/academics specifically. This is determined by the simple, yet effective style of presentation of the front cover. The masthead itself stands out against the vivid yellow background in simple, classical and alliterated typography which again justifies its target audience of film students who will seek a simple magazine with studious content. The connotations of ‘Sight & Sound’ fall neatly into place with the film genre so it is in fact a pun, since you need sight and sound to consume a film. Furthermore, the exact same typography is used for the three strap lines which create an identity and house style for the target audience to identify with.
The colours used on the front cover are bright, intense and dazzling with the use of yellow, orange and black, which contrasts the simple layout of the magazine in return making it visually appealing. Arguably, the colours used may appeal to a more male audience than females. In addition, this value may be reinforced with the central image of a male hence it under represents the gender make up of film students.
A conventional puff is used just below the ‘Sound’ where it states ‘The monthly film magazine.’ The use of ‘the’ makes it seem as though this is the ultimate, the one and only film magazine which offers ’85 films reviewed’ as stated by the pug on the top left hand corner. In conjunction, the puff and pug work well together to create a unified magazine which adds to its uniqueness. In result, the magazine front cover serves its purpose by attracting its potential audience.
Another factor which determines its target audience is the use of an institution just beside the puff; ‘British Film Institute’ which connotes a sense of formality rather than being a magazine read for leisure and entertainment.
The central image sure is the focal point as the pose by Woody Allen is so unusual and closed off, although it does look at the audience directly. The image is placed more to the right of the page giving alternative space for strap lines on the left and is a medium-close up shot. Since the image represents an established director rather than a young actor (Empire) also dictates that the magazine is aimed at a more academic audience, where it may explore technical proficiencies rather than celebrity profiles. The medium close up shot of Allen shows him with his hand covering his lips and the right hand side of his face connoting that he is in deep, serious thought. This may reflect his success as a director where his ideas have been exceptional and irreplaceable. Furthermore, his black framed spectacles give a hint of professionalism. Sight & Sound have also steered away from typical conventions of a film magazine by representing an older person. This is unusual as it doesn’t conform to social values that elderly people, in this day and age, have less prestige and more nuisance. Nevertheless, it uses this image to suggest his experience and wisdom by being involved in the film industry for so many years. This also appeals to the target audience as it gives them an insight into the world of film.
To juxtapose the image are three strap lines using the same typography of the masthead. With these, secondary images are absent placing all attention to the central image. The strap lines again connote the academic side of film and determine its target audience.
Sight & Sound also uses additional conventions to aid the effectiveness of the magazine front cover. By using “plus” offers that little bit extra to the audience that any other film magazine is unable to offer.
However, it is noteworthy that there is no female or ethnic minority representation limiting its potential audience. The incorporation of the above would undeniably attract a much larger audience.
In conclusion to this analysis, Sight & Sound have followed many magazine conventions making it visually appealing. It offers that little bit extra with the use of the pug, puff and ‘plus’. It also has a hint of exclusivity where it represents an elderly person and uses a simple layout with contrasting vivid colours making it stand it so much more. It serves its purpose well by attracting its target audience.
posted by Pip at 8:55 AM
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