Although many film posters have artistic value (many have become iconic, for example Jaws, A Clockwork Orange, The Godfather and Breakfast at Tiffany's), the main purpose is commercial. They are supposed to promote and generate hype for an upcoming film (especially from the target audience).
Some particular conventions are:
- Film title
- Release date
- Tagline
- Main cast
- Main production team and director
- BBFC rating
- Production companies
- Links to a website or social network
The amount of information included will depend on whether it is a teaser poster or a main poster.
Importance of graphics
Graphics range from the typography of the poster to the kinds of images and special effects used on the poster. It is important to use graphics which make the poster stand out (as they are often seen from a distance)- so bright colours and big, bold fonts. It is also important to use iconography associated with the genre- for example a horror film poster would typically be dark, with lots of shadows, and use images such as dripping red blood, a full moon, supernatural creatures or sinister silhouettes. Linking the poster to a genre is useful in attracting the right audience. The audience will be interested in something which they are familiar with and they will know they are buying into something they will enjoy.
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| This is clearly a horror film poster |
Where would you see a film poster?
Film posters are not just pinned to a wall- they can be found in a variety of locations and are generally strategically placed in order to attract the right audience. For example, because women stereotypically enjoy shopping, a billboard outside of a retail complex may promote a romantic comedy, which are normally targeted at women.
Types of film posters you may see include:
- Billboards
- On the sides of buses
- Bustops
- Underground stations
- Public transport
- 3D cutouts in cinemas
- In magazines
- Online (pop-ups, social media)
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| Different film posters used to promote Spectre |
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