Post Production Feedback: Film Magazine

For the magazine front cover, I interviewed a selection of students between the ages of 18-25. The were a mixture of both male and female student and some of the people questioned were media studies students; their opinion was important to me in that they can answer the questions in a more technical fashion. I also questioned those with a background in media, so they have a basic understanding. I also questioned those with no experience in the subject at all, this way I can avoid any bias answers and recieve the perspective of simply a fan of film.

Here, I will state what questions were asked, whilst presenting examples of answers.

Looking at the front cover, would you say its overall appearance looks professional?

" If I weren’t mistaken I would think it’s already in publication!." 

"It bears resembelence to popular film magazines out there now which makes it look professional."

"I like the fact that it is a film magazine which specialises in one particular genre and also the idea of creating a sub-genre special edition is very creative"

"By following the codes and conventions you have created an original and authentic magazine cover which could be mistaken for something professionally made”

What sort of target audience would you say the cover is aimed at?

“Looking at the main image I would say that this magazine could appeal to both male and female audiences but in terms of colours and fonts, it would be much more appealing to a male reader as the use of lime green is usually seen as a masculine colour against the backdrop of the main image”

"It is clear to me that this magazine is aimed at a male target audience as it features movies that have a strong male following, for instance male audiences of Grave Encounters will be more likely to want to see this film due to its familiarities"

"The films and actors mentioned would suggest that it is aimed at a male target audien...ce. This is also supported by the simple layout and bold colours which are used."

"This magazine is obviously aimed at a male who is interested in film, because there are interviews inside with mainly males who are associated with the movie industry. Also, the film reviews include mainly films that appeal to males."

What do you think of the name ‘Film Freak’?

“It’s humorous, clever and fun and instantly signalled to me that while it may be a horror film magazine it could be interpreted as a magazine for all film enthusiasts”

“I loved that it’s able to mock the horror genre and the readers who are film fanatics with a love for horror films”
Does the content appeal to you?

“For fans of the supernatural genre it will be a treat as it will contain all the behind the scenes gossip, pictures and interviews from the actors. It will also make me want to see The Unwanted more as it shows it’s being showcased as one of the best supernatural films out this year”

Do you think the Masthead and Sell-lines are effective?

"I love the masthead. It stands out to me the most and draws me in as it is different and interesting. I love the way it still maintains it’s horror conventions such as the use of spooky fonts (in this case a blood splatter font)2

"The masthead is very interesting as incorporates the horror genre within the font whilst still making it accessible to a mainstream audience”

" The sell-lines are simple, and this helps to engage the male readership."

"I love the use of lime green font amongst the eerie backdrop as it really makes the masthead and sell lines stand out"

 Do you think the image has a professional or amateur look about it?

"You could say part of it’s appeal is that it does look rather amateurish which could be related back to the style of filming for the trailer”

"You are instantly being hypnotized by those terrifying eyes which show a soul less demon. Trying to achieve an authentic look would be very difficult but the fact that you cannot see the entire face adds a mystery and fear"

 Looking at the image, what film would you say is being promoted?

"I would say a demon possessing a human”

“A story about someone who has possibly died coming back to life looking for answers”

“You could even mistake it for a gothic horror as the old fashioned effect on the main image has a Victorian feel”

In what areas do you think I could have improved?

"The picture could be seen as too scary for a magazine!."

“I feel as though the image is too vague and doesn’t really give an indication as to what the story may be about”


"The decision to release a ‘Supernatural Edition’ may exclude some fans of horror films as this particular issues primarily focuses on only one sub-genre, meaning there might not be enough variety to satisfy the reader”


Do you think I have accurately followed the codes and conventions of a magazine?

“Yes as all the elements compliment eachother for instance the sell lines do not interfere with the main image