Film Posters Research.

Research into Film Posters.

Overall, film posters are posters that are used to promote and advertise a film, in order to increase the ratings/income. Before a film is released, the studios/promoters usually print 3/4 different types of posters that vary in size and content for various domestic and international markets/audiences. The posters usually contain an image that is included in the film, this gives the film a selling point as the audience are encouraged to watch the film as they've had a taster on what the film is about.

Film posters in this generation usually include a photo of the main character, this reaches out to a greater audience as the main character may already have a fan base which the poster will reach out to and advertise the film, giving it a wider audience. The posters usually include the release date of the film informing the audience of when the film will be available for them to watch, which may build suspense and give the audience time to spread the word. Film posters also sometimes include ratings given by critics, e.g. the guardian. This lets the audience know that other people have rated it a good film etc, giving the audience more reasons to watch.

(The following examples all have something in common with our film, 'Saving Grace,' they are all of the Thriller Genre).

Some examples of some popular film posters are:

1. Taken 

In the centre of this film poster is the main character, which is very typical for popular film posters. The title 'Taken' is in very clear orange writing which juxtaposes the dark background, which suggests that the film itself is actually dark also. Also in the centre of the poster, is the most memorable quote from the film, which gives the poster a unique touch, as the audience will read it and be persuaded to watch the film simply by looking at the film poster due to the quote from the film.

2. Black Swan

This film poster also shows the main character, which lets the audience know who the main character is and catches the attention of her fan base. The photo of the main character has had everything blurred apart from her facial features, which could indicate that they are a key feature in the film, it also intensifies her eyes making it stand out to the audience. Due to the dark colours of her facial features, it juxtaposes to the rest of the poster, for example the background is white. This could suggest to the audience that the main character is an evil character in a light/pure setting.

3. The Silence of the Lambs

This poster is very much like the other two, including contrasting colours which makes the audience ask questions to themselves. The attention on the poster is mainly drawn to the moth on the characters lips, suggesting that this will have great significance during the film at some point. This poster also intensifies the woman eyes, this suggests that something is wrong with the character, which creates curiosity for the audience, making the film more popular. 

The Image below is the main idea for our film poster, for 'Saving Grace':

Our film poster also includes a photo of the main character, however this doesn't include celebrity influence meaning there won't already be a fan base. The poster is very simple and draws all the attention to the main character and the title of the film. The poster also includes a quote from our short film, similar to the poster from the film 'Taken'. "Have you ever woken up not knowing where you are?", this makes the audience ask themselves that question, meaning that more people will be persuaded to buy it due to their curiosity.