FILM POSTER: FORMS AND

CONVENTIONS
EYE-CATCHING TITLE
This is key to attracting the
attention of the viewer. Although
this may not be the first thing
noticed, the colour’s and font used
should connote the main theme or
genre of the film that it is
representing. A bold and
interesting title would also
enhance the mise-en-scene of any
film poster dramatically.
PERSUASIVE LANGUAGE
This could take the form of a tagline or
slogan, or the addition of magazine review
quotes and star ratings. On many film
posters today this form of language would
most definitely be present as this is how
the producers of the film will attempt to
attract their audiences. If a higher star
rating or a positive quote is present on a
film poster, the more likely that a positive
view of the film would be represented.
The same could be said about film adverts
made for television.
PROMOTIONAL FEATURES
It is generally a lot more difficult to place
promotional features on to a film poster,
mainly because the one thing being
promoted is the film itself. However, this
is mainly done through the crediting of
the cast and crew of the film. If the
audience notice a familiar or very popular
actor or director, then it may encourage
them to see the advertised production.
The images of a particular actor within
the film will also have the same effect.
ONE PREDOMINANT IMAGE
This will be the first and possibly the
most important element seen by the
viewer. This is the main anchor for the
page as it should, normally, tie the
text and colours used together to
connote a specific theme or genre. The
image itself, therefore, could be
considered as the main signifier for
the genre of the film and gives the
viewer a small representation of what
to expect within the film.
RULE OF THIRDS
The Rule of Thirds is a composition format
most commonly associated with visual art and
photography. Obviously, a film poster will
consist of an image as this will act as the main
anchor for the viewer. The rule suggests that
an image or page should be separated in to 9
equal sections, created by two vertical and
two horizontal equally spaced lines. It is
suggested that certain compositional
elements would be placed along the lines and
their intersections. Although this is advertised
as an ideal way of producing a successful
image, this rule does not have to be applied
to every film poster created. It is still,
however, something very useful to take into
consideration.
GENRE REPRESENTATION
Genre representation can be achieved in a variety
of different ways. The colours and fonts used being
the most basic form of this. Depending on the
colours used on the page, the viewer would be
able to decipher a specific emotion or genre. Soft
blues and pastel colours, for example, connote a
particularly calming and content mood to the
viewer, whilst sharp reds and dark colours would
connote the feeling of danger, fear or possibly
passion. The image would also count towards
genre representation. The clothing or objects
present on the poster would represent a specific
time period, whether it be the modern day or a
time from the past, the facial expressions of the
people on the poster (if there are any) could
portray the difference between a simple romantic-
comedy and a psychological thriller.