Contents Page Analysis

Contents Page Analysis

One code and convention of a contents page is the colour scheme. The house style colour scheme for the NME is red, black and white. Also, the pictures used on this contents page are quite bold rather than bright which connotes the bold genre of music: soft rock and alternative. The use of bright red on the contents page allows the important information stand out to the audience. The page numbers of the features presented with pictures are also in the house style bright red colour to contrast against the black text and white background. Another code and convention of a contents page is the masthead. The masthead on the NME contents page is in the house style font, colour and is the biggest text on the page in order to stand out. This house style font is then continued through out the contents pages as well as others. Below the masthead is the issue date of the magazine. This reminds the reader of the issue they have bought. The rest of the contents page is separated into three columns almost, to make it easier for the audience to read and make sense of. This also helps the audience to understand which anchorage text goes with which image. Each image is accompanied by a pull quote, page number and the anchorage text (information of the image) to encourage the audience to read the full article. The artists in the images all have serious expressions and wear smart, simple clothes to connote their genre of music and to show they take their music career seriously. Most of the images are mid-shots to clearly show the facial expressions and allow the audience to easily identify the artists. Despite not being the main cover feature, the article on Miles Kane is situated in the top center third of the mise-en-scene to show it's importance, when in fact the feature of David Bowie is the main cover feature but this is situated on the left of the mise-en-scene. The three columns are then split into four parts which are then sectioned off by thin lines. In the bottom center section of the mise-en-scene are the other 'Plus' features. All that is shown is the titles of the articles and the page numbers, in a way enticing the audience to find out more by reading the articles. This section of information is much smaller compared to the others, showing they are less superior and should be read after the main features. All of the mise-en-scene is covered leaving no white space or gaps showing that the magazine will also be full of information for the audiences’ enjoyment. A banner promoting a subscription offer takes up the bottom right hand corner of the mise-en-scene. This banner is coloured bright read to immediately attract the audiences' attention as it stands out from the black and white on the page. The large capitalised text is clear to the audience making sure they don't miss the information too. Usually, a typical magazine has an editor’s letter on the contents page making an informal connection between the audience and the magazine as they use phrases such as 'don't miss' and 'check out'. However, the NME doesn't provide an editors letter to show a high minded, formal approach to its subject. The NME expects its opinions to be taken seriously by its audience.