Composition and structure in film posters
A poster is often the first glimpse into the visual world of a film, and as such its composition can be just as important as that in the film itself. Great composition and structure plays a key role in storytelling as it directs the audience’s attention in a way that is visually appealing and makes clear sense.
Using varying techniques it can instantly convey information, mood and subtext – guiding us to intuitively hone in on the deeper meanings and themes present in the plot.Read More
Face value: Using character photography in film posters
Despite the rise of social media campaigns, interviews and trailers, the poster is still usually our first glimpse into the world of a film. A great film poster for a great film can become iconic in the years following a film’s release, sparking the rush of excitement and anticipation we felt when we first saw it.
At its best, a film poster captures our hearts and minds, propelling us into the film’s narrative and satisfying our very human need for stories. To fulfil this need, a poster will usually feature a character (or characters) that we can relate to or empathise with.Read More
Near or far: Texture and depth in film posters
Have you ever seen an image from a restaurant that looks good enough to eat? Or a photograph of a holiday destination that looked as if you could just step into that world? If you’ve ever responded to the turquoise blue waves that looked as if they could lap out of the picture and around your feet – then you have witnessed the power of texture and depth in design.
In a film poster, great imagery uses these elements to draw the eye, trigger our emotions and create a clear identity for the movie. Additionally, they can convey subtextual elements of the narrative and subtly (or not) suggest plot points.Read More
More than words: The art of typography in film posters
Typography is often overlooked when discussing design, especially for something as visual as a film poster. But although there are usually few words on a poster, how these words are displayed can have a significant impact on the reader.
Well-chosen typography adds emotion, drama and personality to a poster, and can ultimately make your film more memorable and watchable in the mind of your intended audience.
Perhaps words aren’t so cheap after all.Read More
Colour me curious: The language of colour in film posters
How does colour affect our mood? We’ve all heard about the effects of blue light on our sleep patterns and there is evidence that many ancient cultures believed in chromotherapy (colour therapy) to promote healing for various ailments.
But did you know that modern scientific studies have found that the colour red can raise the heart rate, affecting performance? Or that colour blue can calm us down? There were dramatic decreases in crime after blue streetlights were set up in Glasgow, Scotland in 2000 and Nara, Japan in 2005 for example.Read More
Why you can afford a designer for your indie film poster
So you’ve made your film. You’ve scraped together the budget. It’s taken blood, sweat and tears. You’ve taken your time on the script. Pulled an amazing team together. You’ve put crazy hours into your shoot days. You’ve struggled through post. And finally, finally, the story that has been living in your head is a reality – ready to wow audiences at festivals, by streaming or on DVD. Or even with that elusive cinema release.
You’ve worked hard. You’ve done so well. But now you need to sell your film. Perhaps literally, or perhaps in the sense that you need people to pick your film out of thousands of others to watch or to programme. The question is ‘How?’Read More