When searching for film posters in Google, it is easy to notice a
clear pattern in their design. The majority of posters conform to the below conventions.
The large image and title are very eye-catching for the viewer and the actors featured in the form of the main characters will attract an audience if the actors are big stars. If the film is part of a famous franchise, for example the Halloween movies, the name itself could also attract an audience, as famous film franchises often have large cult followings. The tagline at the top should be memorable and make the film stay in the mind of prospective audience members. The billing block at the bottom of the poster is rarely looked at by viewers, but those involved need to appear on posters. The release date is located in the central bottom of the poster in the midst of the billing block in a larger font to make it eye-catching, so people who see the poster will know when the film is released in cinemas which will increase anticipation for this date. If the film has any star actors in it, their names will often appear above the name of the film. The 'star appeal' of these actors will attract viewers and sell the film. This, however, is uncommon in horror films as they do not often feature star actors.
Another convention in horror film posters is the main antagonist, instead of the protagonist, being featured on the poster. Often, it is the villains of horror films (Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees) who become icons, not those they torment, as they are often just normal everyday people. As a result, the villains can draw more of an audience when seen on a poster as they have distinct identifying characteristics which the main characters do not. However, if the protagonist is played by a big enough star, they will probably be featured on the poster.
TAGLINE |
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MAIN IMAGE: COULD BE OF MAIN PROTAGONIST, ANTAGONIST, OR KEY SETTING
NAMES OF KEY ACTOR(S) AND DIRECTOR |
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MASTHEAD |
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BILLING BLOCK: PEOPLE INVOLVED E.G. ACTORS,
DIRECTORS, PRODUCTION COMPANIES
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RELEASE DATE
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The large image and title are very eye-catching for the viewer and the actors featured in the form of the main characters will attract an audience if the actors are big stars. If the film is part of a famous franchise, for example the Halloween movies, the name itself could also attract an audience, as famous film franchises often have large cult followings. The tagline at the top should be memorable and make the film stay in the mind of prospective audience members. The billing block at the bottom of the poster is rarely looked at by viewers, but those involved need to appear on posters. The release date is located in the central bottom of the poster in the midst of the billing block in a larger font to make it eye-catching, so people who see the poster will know when the film is released in cinemas which will increase anticipation for this date. If the film has any star actors in it, their names will often appear above the name of the film. The 'star appeal' of these actors will attract viewers and sell the film. This, however, is uncommon in horror films as they do not often feature star actors.
Another convention in horror film posters is the main antagonist, instead of the protagonist, being featured on the poster. Often, it is the villains of horror films (Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees) who become icons, not those they torment, as they are often just normal everyday people. As a result, the villains can draw more of an audience when seen on a poster as they have distinct identifying characteristics which the main characters do not. However, if the protagonist is played by a big enough star, they will probably be featured on the poster.
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| Daniel Radcliffe had a large star appeal after appearing in the Harry Potter films, and as a result he was the main focus of poster marketing campaigns for The Woman in Black. |
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