'Sky HD' double page spread, pages 20 and 21 in the magazine 'Buzz'.

This is an advertisement I found in the Tv listings magazine 'Buzz'. Its advertising Sky Channels.
This is not a particalarly eye catching advert. The background is a picture of stars in space. The main slogan at the top centre of the page says 'Enjoy the Latest Movies in sparkling HD this Christmas!' The modifier 'sparkling' catches the readers attention as we relate sparkling to shiny new expensive good quality things. There are 5 pictures of films underneath this slogan and a picture of the actual sky box itself. The advert uses persuasive language such as 'perfect gift for the family' and 'perfect movie experience', these phrases excite readers and push them to want to purchase the item. The advert uses a long phrase ' There's nothing like settling down to watch a movie with the family at christmas, axpecially after all the chaos of shopping and entertaining.' Sky creativily portrays the channel Sky as a stress relief to enjoy with your family, this again draws readers in making them want to purchase it.
Underneath is the more factual information about what you get and the offers that come with the purchase. At the bottom is all the terms and conditions (what the readers shouldnt know) in VERY small font, almost too small to read!
The colour theme of the advert is navy and red, which are the colours of the Sky Channel Logos like Sky Sports, Movies etc. I like how the adverts and logos etc link together using colours as the readers will find it easier to remember the company and its product if it has a prominent colour theme. For example everyone associates McDonalds with the colour yellow, and kit kat red.
I particularly liked that the heading is bold and white so it stands out against the darker background therefor easy to read. This is something I will consider when making my double page spread as it needs to be clear, although not boring! I like the stars on the page as they link to the company name 'Sky', I could take this in consideration when producing my advertisement. Lastly I like how there are not too many pictures, and that the images themselves are in 3D so it almost looks as though they are coming off the page. I think this is very eyecatching and i'd like to use this in my advert.

Codes and Conventions

This advert follows the typical codes and conventions of Advertisements as its eye catching in some ways, it includes slogans and phrases for the readers to remember. The font is bright and bold and it includes attention grabbing images. It also has the information you actually need like the costs and offers. Although this advert is suitable I think there is slightly too much writing on the page as personally I wouldn't have the time to read it all and I dont think a lot of people would ither. Its difficult because its information readers actually need to know but dont neccesarily want to read ... so I cant really critisize it. Sky is a very popular company across the UK, It's not advertising a new TV channel so doesnt really have the demands an advert for a new channel would have. My advert has to expecially grab readers attention as my TV channel is completely new and never heared of before. I'll have to create slogans and phrases that people will remember as well as including colours that pop but also link with my website and logo.
Looking at this advert has helped me to plan what I want my double page spread to look like. I've taken into consideration that it needs to be bold and bright but also informative.

Research into Double Page Spread Adverts

To produce a double page advertisement in a magazine about my TV channel I’ll need to research into existing adverts to ensure I know the typical codes and conventions that make it work.
Firstly I’ll need to ensure I use a simple layout as I can’t overcomplicate the advert because if it looks cluttered people won’t even attempt to understand what it’s about, they’ll simply turn over the page. I should also use one or two pictures as opposed to many!
I need to ensure that I stress the positive benefits as this is a golden rule of advertising – 'stress benefits not features'.
I should also ensure that I use suitable and attention grabbing colours and images as this is what attracts the readers. Without colour my ad will not only be noticed less but people will also perceive it as being bland before even reading it.
Double page spreads need to pop! As they are often skipped.. It needs to be colourful, to the point and good enough for everyone to remember! A slogan could be used so that readers remember whats being advertised for example.. Sky- 'Believe in better', Boots - 'Feel Good', McDonalds -'Im loving it'.

The Codes and Conventions of Newspaper Advertisements

To complete my coursework I have to produce a newspaper advertisement for my TV channel. As research, I have researched what would be considered as the codes and conventions of newspaper advertising.
Most print advertising use of a brand name or logo. Logos are often immediately recognisable as being associated with a specific brand, e.g. McDonalds 'M’ or the coca-cola logo. This ensures that people are aware what the brand is and know exactly what they are advertising.
Slogans are also common amongst newspaper advertising; these are mainly short and memorable phrases which allow the advertiser's message to sink in. Some examples of slogans include 'Beanz Meanz Heinz', 'Have a break, have a Kit Kat’ and ‘I’m loving it’.
A relatively common convention found amongst these advertisements is that some (but not a lot) factual information about the product/service is provided; this can be a variety of details. In the case of a TV channel, it would normally be details of some shows being aired on the channel, as well as the number of the TV channel on free view, sky, etc.
Most advertisements also use persuasive techniques such as persuasive language, celebrity endorsement, desirable images, and striking colours.