Research Into Similar Products: Empire Magazines - close up shots

There aren't many EMPIRE magazines which have the cover star in a close up or medium close up, so I decided to make a blog post dedicated to some of the magazines with the cover star simply in a close up (or medium close up) shot!

I love how the Empire masthead is white, almost part of the clouds and murky sky itself, and of course you can't not look into Tom Hardy's eyes with the direct address; often the very fact the cover is of a favourite actor is enough to reel the audience in to buy it! Sometimes you dont need the fancy fonts or clever ideas. Sometimes all you need is the face. Also, a close up/medium close up is often more engaging since it's easier to see the character when you walk past the magazine in a shop. And when you talk to others, you're talking and engaging with the face most of the time, not their whole body.

I love this cover; it's so simple, not even any cover-lines. I love how 'The Godfather' is so small, it's as if Empire is confident the audience will just know what film it is merely by the character's face. I love the use of a black and white filter and use of gold in the masthead, adding more age and drama as well as complimenting the tagline 'The Greatest Movie Of All Time'. In this case, the iconic character is all Empire needs to reel the audience in.

Most of the Tron Empire covers do have the characters alone and in a medium close up, and I especially love the contrast of cyan blue and black, complimenting the cover star's blue eyes and make-up. The use of direct address also pulls the audience in. Sometimes just the use of colour and a captivating character is enough to draw the audience in.