Research into the conventions of Film Posters

Film posters will often clearly give away the genre of the film, using elements such as colour, font and the main image. It will always attempt to present its Unique Selling Point to make it seem original and unique from other films. This could be done by focusing on the involved actors, the plot or the setting. They are often displayed inside and on the outside of cinemas, and elsewhere in streets, on billboards and in shops. It could also be used on websites, in newspapers and on packaging. This allows the film to reach the largest number of audiences prior to release.

Posters usually have a single dominant image in the centre of the poster, usually including the cast and showing the star actors, or presenting the location and setting of the film. They can also use iconography to present the film without directly stating what it is about. The posters can use a close up of a character or object which is crucial to the plot. They will often allude to the personality/genre of the film through the type of facial expression which is displayed on the characters face. Other mise-en-scene elements such as costume and lighting can also be used to suggest themes which will be apparent in the film featured on the poster. Technical codes of photography such as shot type, angle and focus could also be effects used to achieve this. Similarly to a film magazine cover, this is to persuade and encourage audiences to go to view the film either in cinema or to purchase a DVD.

The title of film is typically placed at the top, or at the centre-bottom of the poster, in the largest and most appealing font. The font used in the title will often to be used to represent and suggest to the genre, meaning it will appeal directly to audiences who are typically interested in that genre.

Taglines can be used to emphasise a point about the film, as well as possibly hinting towards what the films plot contains. Taglines will aim to be memorable, a catchy, so that audiences can easily remember it, and consequently also remember the film.

Usually the director and producer of the film are displayed, especially if they are highly recognised, and could be used as a selling point for the film. This is also applicable to featuring the actor’s names on the poster, as they could also be used to persuade audiences to view the film.

After a film has been screened to critics, posters can be created to include quotations of positive reviews, ratings and recommendations. These quotations after often from firms such as ‘The Telegraph’ and ‘Empire Magazine’ as people will trust their opinions, due to them being established businesses. Reviews can be essential in the promotion of a film; therefore including them on a film poster will help to enhance the effect that they can have. Awards that the film has achieved can also be featured on a film poster in a similar way. If a film is nominated, or has won an award, it conveys that the film is worth watching due too it being a well-received film. Star ratings can also be showcased on a film poster.

The date of release is shown on posters, so that audiences can plan their viewing of the film. Posters can features different types of dates, either showing a specific date/month, or using vague suggestions such as ‘coming soon’. This is all to create anticipation for the film’s release, causing the audience to feel excited when they eventually get to watch the film, and to make it feel worth the wait.

On most film posters there is also small print information which contains additional information about elements such as soundtrack, certificate rating, screenplay, Production Company, producers and directors. This information is very small as to not distract away from the main and crucial information.