Empire is a British film magazine published monthly by Bauer Consumer Media. From the first issue in July 1989, the magazine was edited by Barry McIlheney and published by Emap. Bauer purchased Emap Consumer Media in early 2008. It is the biggest selling film magazine in Britain, consistently outselling its nearest market rival Total Film and is also published in Australia, Turkey and Russia. Empire organises the annual Empire Awards which were sponsored by Sony Ericsson until 2009 and are now sponsored by Jameson. The awards are voted for by readers of the magazine.

By using the large picture of the Joker the audience knows what the magazine will be focusing on in this issue. The large text reading ‘Joker’ also helps to do this and as it is in a bright green and large font it helps to attract the reader’s eye. The text at the top of the magazine saying ‘The Dark Knight World Exclusive’ this also attracts the reader as they will feel they are getting information only available in this magazine, a great selling point. The left side of the magazine mainly contains information related to the main theme of the magazine, The Dark Knight. The name of the magazine, ‘Empire’ is centred on the cover. It is written in big red text making it clear and easy to see. The bat man symbol silhouette at the top of the cover helps to promote the film and make it clear what it’s about. There is also a quite used that runs across the character making it clear who it is about.

The bottom right of the magazine states what else in featured in this particular issue. It is under the heading ‘Plus’ with a large green cross. this helps to grab the reader’s attention and informs them about what else the issue has in store. There is also a green circle that not only grabs the reader’s attention through the brightness but also because of the text used. It is advertising a feature on the Coen brothers. Big names such as these will help to attract readers.

Empire Magazines main target audience is film lovers from around the age 0f 16 upwards of both male and female genders. The magazine aims to promote and review films and interview those who star in the films and I believe it successfully provides these services. Overall I think that this magazines successfully targets a specific audience and by using many different techniques the magazine also attracts the attention of the reader, this may be through using different font types and colours for example. Analysing this magazine cover has helped me greatly to write and design my own magazine front cover. Personally I really like the use of one large main picture used in this magazine. I though it helped to catch the readers eye and to make the intentions of the magazine clear. I will be hoping to use pictures to this effect when I make my own magazine cover.

by charlie brown.