Types of Film Poster
Teaser Poster
The poster contains basic information to whet your appetite. If often does not indicate much about the plot, but may have a picture of the stars and the name of the film. See example here.
Main Poster
This contains information about the production personnel, the stars and the distributors. See an example here.
DVD Release Poster
This comes out when the film is released on DVD and often has all of the above plus short, one line reviews from relevant publications. See an example here.
Character Poster
A film poster that predominantly features the main character. See an example here.
Image Technical Codes (Shot Distances)
Long Shot (of the character on the right)
Very Long Shot (of the character on the left)
Extreme Long Shot (of the character in the centre)
Image Technical Codes (Shot Composition, Angles & Lighting)
Natural Lighting
Image Mise-en-Scene
Setting
The place where the text takes place. The setting of the image will be loaded with meaning for the story. For example;
Inside = Trapped, closed in.
Outside = Freedom, open air.
Time/Period = Places the film in history (or future).
Props
The property of a character. Props are carefully chosen. They should tell you something about the person or people in the image. For example;
A Racing Bike = Fast, sporty, in a hurry.
Unicycle = A show-off, funny, extrovert, performer.
Mountain Bike = Tough, durable, adventurous.
Non-Verbal Communication
Every expression on the face of the people in the poster and every pose (body shape) is there to mean something. Examine the figures and expressions of everyone in the poster. For example;
Facial Expressions = Sad, happy, confident, scared.
Slouching = Lazy, relaxed, good for nothing.
Stiff = Prim, proper, or on edge.
Costume & Make-Up
A costume is what the actors are dressed in and it will signify something about their character. Make-up is whatever is applied to the face and hands to add meaning to the character. For example;
Branded Clothing (e.g. Nike) = Fashionable, sporty, up to date.
Chunky Cardigan = Traditional, old-fashioned.
Ripped Jeans = Alternative, rebellious.
Glasses (small) = Wise, studious
Glassess (thick frames) = Sturdy, old-fashioned, nerdy.
Jewellery = Suggests rich or poor (depends on quality of jewellery).
Make-Up (heavy) - Posing, tarty.
Make-Up (light) - Takes pride & care to demonstrate beauty.
Make-Up (none) - A natural beauty.
Make-Up (effects) - Wounds, deformity, supernatural, alien.
Colours
Colours carry their own meaning. You should investigate why specific colours have been used. For example;
Red = Poison, danger, blood, lust.
Green = Envy, jealousy, coolness, naturalness.
Blue = Boyish, skies, happiness, cold.
Brown = Warm, natural, earthy, dull.
Gold = Affluence (rich), sunny, warmth.
Orange = Bright, sunny, citrus.
Purple = Royalty, rich, velvet soft.
Poster Codes & Conventions
Image
Cropping - Selecting a particular part of an image for emphasis.
Still - A single static image (as opposed to a moving image).
No Perspective - Objects in the image are not in proportion to each other.
Key Image - The main image within a film poster.
Background Image - The image 'behind' the main images in the film poster.
Montage - A composite image combining many different photos/images.
Iconic Image - An image recognised by most people and associated with a single meaning.
Painted or Printed
Depth of Field - Focuses on a certain part of the image. Selective or Deep focus.
Digital Manipulation - The use of digital effects to enhance and change the image.
Low Key Lighting - See above.
High Key Lighting - See above.
Natural Lighting - See above.
Language
Formal Register - The use of formal & official language to create meaning (like talking to a superior).
Informal Register - The use of informal and relaxed language to create meaning (like talking to a friend).
Copy - The actual text used in an article.
Direct Mode of Address - The text refers to the audience as 'you'. Use to engage them in the text.
Linguistic Techniques - Such as the use of puns, slang, colloquialisms, etc. Use to engage a specific audience.
Typography
Anchoring - The use of words to create or add meaning to an image.
Typeface - A font family.
Font Size and Style - Includes bold, italics & underlined versions of the typeface family. Different styles have different meanings. Bigger words are more important. Smaller words are less important.
Specialist Typefaces - More elaborate and eye-catching fonts than traditional serif ones.
Serif Typeface - Usually used for headlines and large text. Letters have extra features added to make them stand out. (bits projecting from ends of lines, etc) Click here for examples.
Sans-Serif Typeface - Usually used for the main body of text. No additional features making them easier to read in smaller font sizes. Click here for examples.
Layout Elements
Tagline - A catchphrase or slogan used to advertise the film.
Credit Block - The text box of actors, directors, producers, companies, etc in a film poster.
Cast & Crew - The actors & production team.
Website - Many posters contain a link to a film website for fans.
Release Date - When the audience will get to see the film.
Institutions - The name of the studio, production company, distributors.
Certificate Rating / Classification - The BBFC classification.
Title - The name of the film, Usually in a bigger font in a prominent position.
House Style - A brand style with common typography, layout, colours. Recognised by an audience. For example, Star Wars poster house style.
Ratio of Copy, Images & Space - The relationship between how much writing, empty space and images in the poster. The ratio will help to create meaning.
Key Language When Writing Your Assignment
Denotation (X denotes Y) - Exactly what you see.
Connotation (X connotes Y) - The meaning of what you see.
Genre - A film style with accepted common elements.
Target Audience - Who is film is aimed at.
Symbolises - Is a symbol of... (representation through symbolisation).
Represents - Presents or portrays something in a particular way.
Unique Selling Point (USP) - Something that makes the film different from the norm. In film, this could be 3D, silent, in colour (in the days of B&W), in surround sound, etc.
