Poster Planning

Based on the information and knowledge obtained through analysing existing soap opera posters, I have created a plan for the layout of our own poster display, and an improved plan with specific details and thoughts on what type of techniques would be best from promoting our particular soap.

Detailed Magazine Cover Example

Using a programme called G.I.M.P. (GNU Image Manipulation Programme), I have created a detailed impression of what our TV listing magazine might look like. The images were collected from various websites, and I have added special effects to create a realistic magazine display.

Strengths

• The special effects (eg. the white glow around the celebrities, the shadows behind the shapes and fonts, etc.) highlight certain stories and events, and make the magazine cover more flashy and appealing.
• The use of bright and vibrant colours ensures that the magazine would stand out on the shelves.

Weaknesses

• There is a lot of space around the images and cover lines that could be used up.
• The bar code in the left-third could be smaller to allow room for another cover line.

Improvements

• Add more cover lines and stories to the front cover to add to the business of the page.
• Reduce the size of the bar code and move it to the side to allow room for more important information and TV show gossip.

Magazine Cover Planning

Based on the information and knowledge obtained through analysing existing TV listing magazines, I have created a plan for the layout of our own magazine cover, and an improved plan with colour and specific details.




MAGAZINE COVER PLAN 1

• The first plan clearly shows where each feature will be positioned on the cover
• The quirky shapes around the selling price and cover lines attract attention to the important features and storylines
• The left-third includes the masthead, the selling price, 2 cover lines and the magazine bar code. Keeping this information in this section of the magazine cover is important as the left-third is usually the only part of the cover that is visible when on the shelves.
• The main cover line is slightly slanted, emphasising the confusion and uncertainty of the storyline
• The magazine selling price is displayed twice to show off how affordable the issue really is

MAGAZINE COVER PLAN 2

• A variety of colours have been used to create a bright and attractive magazine display. Using vibrant colours also highlights key features and storylines
• Using question marks and exclamation points engages with the reader by asking them questions and promising them a juicy read
• The bold outlines used around the cover lines contribute towards the business of the page and the colourful display
• The colour red used in the masthead is a generic convention that is traditionally used in existing soap magazine covers (eg. What's on TV, TV choice, Soaplife, etc.)

Soap Opera Poster Analysis

Using media terminology, I have analysed 1 soap opera poster to obtain a clearer understanding of the generic conventions used in soap advertising, and 1 poster promoting a brand new TV series to distinguish the types of techniques that should be used when advertising a new show.

Conventions Found in Trailers Compared to Full Episodes