F I L M P O S T E R

K E Y C O N V E N T I O N S O F T H E  

I C O N O G R A P H YThe most effective movie posters are iconic, presenting the themes in the film using imagery and 'showing rather than telling.

Whether it's a close-up of a character or item that’s a major plot point, or a simple graphic, to establish the film’s plot; This combined with an eye-grabbing design can be an incredibly effective way to gain attention and create interest immediately.

C R E A T I N G A N I N C E N T I V E

Many of the best modern film posters use pictures that put the viewer in the middle of a scene from the film, creating tension and a major incentive.

The Inception poster uses this strategy as it puts viewers in the middle of a scene from the film that can only be explained by seeing what occurs before and after it. As a result, the curiosity created by the poster translates into ticket sales.

S Y N E R G YMost effective film posters will have synergy with the rest of the film to set the feel and atmosphere of their film.

For example, in this 'ET" poster we can clearly see that it is a 'sci-fi' and the fonts, images and actors become prominent and key throughout the movie. 

Furthermore, the colouring promotes this synergy as this blue and black theme runs throughout the movie and upon seeing the poster we can immediately anticipate the atmosphere and themes to come. 

R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S A N D R A T I N G SOften posters feature recommendations and ratings from journalists and critics.

Reviews help to sell the film and draw an audience in, especially if the review isfrom a prestigious company or magazine as people may view their opinion as trustworthy, and therefore want to see the movie.

E Y E C A T C H I N G

The overall purpose of a film poster is to attract viewers and ticket sales, thus it must be eye-catching enough to hold someone's attention.

This poster for the 'Imitation Game' is very effective as the close up on Benedict Cumberbatch is large and eye catching and further fans of Cumberbatch will recognise him and be drawn in immediately.