Here, you are able to see a selection of film posters which I have researched into. By looking at examples of film posters, I have been able to state what the conventions are.
Considering the fact that I have looked at the teaser trailer for (500) days of summer, I felt it appropriate to have a look at the rest of the promotional package for this film. Whilst researching into the film posters for this film, I came across many film posters. I decided that I would analyze this poster because it has more going on, hence I am able to decide on what the normal codes and conventions of a film poster should be.
The idea of the picture being one of the lead roles of the play, who is also well known for playing Cameron James in "10 Things I Hate About You" is so we get tempted to watch this film because of him being in it. He has been described by The New York Times as being "one of the hottest young stars in the indie firmament" which would suggest that the genre of this film is also indie - creating a certain Mis-en scene and feel using the location and clothing (which has been seen within the film and teaser trailer).
The front cover of this poster relates to the idea of the film, as it is a montage of the 500 days that the character of 'Tom Hansen' spent with the character of 'Summer'. The fact that there are different pictures which have been taken from the film can help to suggest the story line of there being a lot of different locations included and also emotions.
The idea of the guy looking down at the shirt suggests that these are actually snippets from the film.
After carefully analyzing this film posters and also looking at the other examples above, I have come to the conclusion that a film poster should include:
- The film title
- The actors/actresses names who are starring in the film - either at the top, bottom or next to their picture
- Should include a still picture from the film or the picture should be relevant to the subject of the film
- Should include any nominations or awards that the film has received at the top or bottom - near where the actor and actresses names are
- They should also give the audience some direction as to when the film is being released
- The use of a tag line e.g.: The Boat That Rocked which at the bottom reads "setting sail may 2009". The "setting sale" part relates to the idea of it being set in the middle of the ocean.
- Should be seldom suggestive of what the genre of the film is. Could use colours, font, mis en-scene (such as the clothing, make up and hair in the pictures) and also the look - simple or busy.
- Age certification should be displayed - usually in the bottom right corner of the poster.
Note (according to wikipedia):
There may be several versions of a film poster for one film - as it can vary depending on country, size of poster and also the content of the film.
Which, could mean that the poster is one of the first things made (after a rough cut) which can be based on what the film includes, however, if they add in a new/different scene then that could effect the film poster due to the different meanings.
Different types of a film poster:
- Teaser poster: gives off some idea about the film.
- Character poster: using the poster to promote some of the actors who are in the film.
- Motion poster: a new style of poster which is animated.
