FILM POSTER RESEARCH

WHAT ARE FILM POSTERS?

➤ Film posters are used to advertise a film and work in conjunction with the film trailer to sell the film. They can often use the same style as the film or film trailer as they work as one brand, they are all used ultimately to sell the film. When audiences go to the cinema or take public transport they can see the film posters advertised which may entice them in and make them want to watch a film.

EXAMPLES

GENERIC CONVENTIONS OF FILM POSTERS

➤ Billing block

➤ Title of the film

➤ Main image

➤ Eye catching

➤ Names of the cast

➤ Tagline

➤ Main characters shown

➤ Reviews, ratings and recommendations

➤ Exhibition info

➤ Release date

ANALYSING GENERIC FILM POSTERS

➤ This film poster has a main title which tells the audience clearly as to what the name of the film is. This is bold and in capitals and put in white which contrasts against the dark blue background.

➤ A colour rule of three is used with light blue, dark blue and white being the main colours.

➤ The images used show the main characters.

➤ There is a tagline used to make the audience think and it gives clues as to what the film is about. In this film poster, the tagline ‘His twin sister is coming for the holidays and it ain’t pretty’ is used.

➤ The release date of the film is shown with ’11.11.11’ written clear in bold. This date that has been chosen and the way it has been written makes it easier for the audience to remember.

➤ A billing block is also used in the poster to credit the people who helped the creation of the film in some form whether it was the actors, production companies or costume designers.

ANALYSING GENERIC FILM POSTERS

➤ The top of the film poster states the actor’s name which is stereotypical. They are usually stated and are usually placed at the top of the poster with the titles being at the bottom. The names are usually of big stars and so it entices audiences in.

➤ The title stands out and is eye catching as it is bold, in capitals and in white. The tagline follows this.

➤ There is an image denoting a close up, point of view shot of the main character who directly addresses the audience.

➤ Other conventional features used are the billing block and the release date.

CONVENTIONS OF THRILLER FILM POSTERS

➤ Dark backgrounds

➤ Enigma codes

➤ Colours such as red, white and black

➤ Bold title which can often be rough looking

➤ Main focus on the image

➤ Characters scared, sad or serious

➤ Attention to mise-en-scene and characters with location and people usually combined

➤ Low key lighting to create a mysterious atmosphere

➤ Release date

➤ Billing block

➤ Actor’s names

ANALYSING THRILLER FILM POSTERS

➤ This psychological thriller film poster mainly uses colours such as red, white and black which is stereotypical. Black connotes death, red connotes danger and evilness and white connotes innocence.

➤ There is a central image used which creates enigma and mystery as a part of the actor’s face has been cut out showing another version of him connoting how the actor may not be who we think he is.

➤ There is low key lighting used, especially for the background which looks like a sky. Pathetic fallacy is used as the sky is gloomy and represents the film to be gloomy as it is a thriller.

➤ Conventions are used where the actor’s names, release date, billing block, tagline and film title are shown. The title of the film matches the image which is another convention of thriller posters. The title is slightly rough and stands out. The tagline also creates an enigma, especially when it says the man has something to hide. This makes the audience want to watch the film to find out what it is he has to hide.

ANALYSING THRILLER FILM POSTERS

➤ This film poster uses low key lighting and uses shadows and overlays images to create enigma. It is hard for the audience to tell who the antagonist and protagonist is as the lighting is dark.

➤ Colours such as black and white are used keeping the poster professional but also conforming to the thriller genre.

➤ There is a tagline, billing block and release date used. The actor’s names are also used.

➤ The central image plays a big part in telling the audience what the narrative is about. As the images here are combined, it creates enigma (Roland Barthes) as to what the narrative could be. It adds mystery.

➤ Another convention of thriller posters is to combine location shots with characters to give hints about the film. This is used in this poster where the characters are mainly in the foreground and a beach with a small tree is used in the background.

➤ The film title is bold and stands out, catching the audience’s eye. This is one of the main things that stands out on the poster. The font is simple and easy to read and a sans serif font is used which makes the poster look modern and sleek.