4 types of film and magazine front covers
Picture of main actor
This shot tends to be a headshot of the main character within the film. This is used to draw people to the film as if one of their favourite actors or actresses are on the cover of a magazine they are more likely to pick it up. If they buy it they are also likely to read into why this actor is on the cover meaning they will learn about the film they are in and, as stated before, if it is their favourite actor or actress they are more likely to go and watch the film.
The main actor in costume
Similarly to the picture of just the main characters' face the picture of the main actor or actress in the film is a good way of promoting the film as if the actor is well respected then people may pick up the magazine to see what film they are in which means a larger amount of people are likely to go and see it. Having the character in costume as well can also be a useful way of attracting people to pick up the magazine and then see about the film as it gives the reader an idea of what the film will be like. For example with the magazine cover shown above the emphasis is on the suit and the action which immediately shows to people what character the actor is playing. If the suit looks interesting then people are also more likely to look at the magazine as not only does it have their favourite actor on but it also looks exciting.
A 'staged' scene from the film
Having a staged scene from the film as the magazine cover is effective as it gives a good idea of what the film is going to be like to the audience as well as, such as with the poster shown above, including the main actor who is well known and will interest more people. It is also a good method of advertising the film as it can show something that is a teaser for the film. For instance the magazine cover above shows Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) with injuries on his face which would indicate that he had been in a fight of sorts. This would be good promotion for the film as people may then want to go and see the film to find out why the character looks like he does on the cover. For this cover they would want to see how he got the injuries on his face.
An actual scene from the film
The final type of picture we may use is the actual scene from the film which, like the staged scene, would be a good way of giving a teaser of what the film would be like and will entice people to read the magazine to find out about it and then go and watch the film. The Captain America magazine cover above does this very well as it shows the three characters in a fighting stance with an arm hitting Captain America's shield. This will entice their audience to watch it as fans of the films will want to find out who it is and to do so will have to go and watch it.