Alternative Movie Posters or AMPs are big news in 2024. Whilst they’ve probably existed – in one form or another – as long as films themselves, their popularity has skyrocketed over the last ten or fifteen years. And it doesn’t show any sign of stopping.
What’s an AMP?
So what exactly do I mean when I say AMP? Well, first things first, AMP does have a few different meanings. Firstly, it may refer to fan-made art – these can vary a lot in quality, anyone can have a go – but they are borne out of passion and some of the best posters I’ve EVER seen belong in this category.
Secondly, it can be the work of commercial illustrators commissioned by a company to create limited runs that can sell out minutes after being released if the artist is known to and beloved by collectors.
Thirdly, many major film studios have caught on to this trend and now many productions work in partnership with artists to produce AMPs to sit alongside the main official poster.
But why do people like AMPs so much?
There’s a few different reasons for why AMPs are held in such high esteem. One reason is that everyone loves a collectable – limited editions are very appealing to a lot of people – and in the modern world they are easy for artists to share and fans to buy.
But the bigger reason – or at least the reason I love them – is that they allow such free rein for creativity. While the mainstream official posters are often restricted by a set of rules including which actors must appear on a poster and what size images and typography must be – AMPs can do nearly anything! Their design choices can be completely story-led and this can lead to brilliantly fresh and exciting designs.
So with this in mind, I’d like to share just a few of the AMPs that have got me excited recently – and that I love even more than the original official posters.
The Thing
This masterpiece is actually what inspired me to write this article. Whilst the original poster by Drew Struzan is pretty iconic (and comes with a great story about how he created the whole thing in 24 hours, without having seen the film), the way this AMP by Scott Wool captures the insidious nature of the thing and its assimilation of everyone, starting with the sled dog is just so atmospheric and creepy. It grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go!
Original poster by Drew Struzan
AMP by Scott Wool
Killers of the Flower Moon
The original poster for Killers of the Flower Moon creates a sombre mood with its imagery of the two leads and textured background becoming a splatter of blood but for this story of greed, I think Matt Needle’s design does it even better. The simple sepia toned image conveys the era effectively and the bright slash of a river of blood tells us everything we need to know.
Original poster by LA
AMP by Matt Needle
Suspiria (2018)
Honestly, the original is pretty damn good. The eyes looking out of the splashes of blood, the pulpy typography – there’s a lot to love. But Sara Deck’s design for Mondo just has this magnetic quality that pulls me in – this beautiful use of a limited colour palette, the richness of the illustrated style, the figure’s intriguing pose. A masterwork.
Original poster by LA
AMP by Sara Deck
The Fabelmans
Time for something a bit lighter! This AMP is actually one from the studio produced for the Chinese market (I think!). The original does have its own sense of magic, but I really love how the child-like imagination and power of film comes alive in the Chinese version. It’s got this beautiful sense of movement in it and you feel you’re about to go on a journey.
Original poster by Bond
AMP
The Handmaiden
Another official poster – this time from the incredible Empire Design! There are lot of brilliant options for this tale of lust and deception but I hadn’t actually seen this gorgeous embroidered effect one until recently. And I love it! The unusual colour palette and style draw you in and then you find yourself poring over all the story details laid out like a tableaux. Just stunning.
Original poster
AMP by Empire Design
The Birds
Of course, I can’t help but feel some affection for the original – it’s so charmingly quaint – especially the sidebar with Hitchcock telling you how scary it’ll be! But just wow, this remarkable update from Amaury Filho! The bold colour combo of red and green and the contained crush of birds are so powerful and it gives me a queasy feeling. And I love the details such as the red scratches on her face. Brilliant.
Original poster
AMP by Amaury Filho
Her
Both of these posters utilise similar eye-catching colour palettes, but this AMP from Ash Mackenzie illustration just flies! It encapsulates the love between the characters but also their separation – Theodore solidly on the ground and Samantha ethereal and airborne. It powerfully captures the essence of the movie and I don’t want to look away.
Original poster by Squared Design Group
AMP by Ash Mackenzie
Past Lives
Past Lives is such a powerful film with so much emotion beneath the surface that I knew there would be some amazing alternatives to the official poster. The original is kind of lovely, Greta Lee has this brilliantly expressive face that seems to hold so many emotions at once, but look at this alternative! Nora getting swept (or dragged?) away into landscape that’s blurred into abstract blue murkiness. The artist (who I’m afraid I don’t know) does a magical job of bringing those deep-rooted feelings to the surface.
Original poster by BLT Communication
AMP
Just to say, I could’ve written this article ten times over – that’s how many fantastic AMPs there are out there! What do you think of AMPs? Do they suck you into Pinterest too? Any faves you’d like to share? Let me know in the comments!
For graphic design services for your film or TV project, drop me a line at adam@strelka.co.uk.
