Analysis of conventions within film posters

1. +
Codes and conventions of posters

2. +
Key Image
A majority of film posters will contain an
image which audiences will craft their
opinion of the film on. These images
will either be stills from the film or from
a photo-shoot.
Either way the image will have a
certain type of iconography which
will reveal the film’s genre and
key characters.
Immediately we know the
main character and based
off objects within the shot
e.g. a gun, we can
assume that the film is a
type of action.
By the black
background and slightly
blurred character shot,
we understand that the
film will contain aspects
of a horror film.
The significance of the
main character is
highlighted by the light
shining upon him and the
dominance he has on the
poster. You can assume the
genre is a type of
adventure suggested by
the crossbow and the
shrouded figures in the
background.

3. +
Title and font
Almost every film poster will have the film’s
title on it. The only exception is where the
film is part of a series that is so well known
that a title is not needed.
Specific font will be used to represent the
films genre.
The font is rather broken
and seems to be in
disarray, highlighting the
comedic element of the
film yet also the context
the film is based on.
The font is rather
sophisticated, and this fact
alone gives us the
inclination that the film will
maintain a serious tone
throughout, indicating the
genre of drama.

4. +
Actors name and Director credits
Most of the time the directors and/or actors name is visible
upon the film, especially if the director/ actor is well known
within that genre of film or well known in general. In doing
this, not only does it add credibility to the film but it increases
the size of the possible audience.
Lights Out is produced by
James Wan, a celebrated
director in the genre of
horror. From the poster we
know he was responsible
for the widely acclaimed
‘The Conjuring’. By
including this on the poster
it increases the size of the
audience the film will
entice.
Doctor Strange himself is
played by Benedict
Cumberbatch, a hugely
successful actor. Coupled
with supporters actors
such as Chiwetel Ejiofor
and Mads Mikkelsen,
people viewing the will not
only be drawn in by the
films concept but also by
the actors within the film.

5. +
Tagline
Most film posters will be branded with a tagline,
emphasising the genre of the film or a key theme
that will be maintained throughout the film. They
aim to be memorable, through either being funny,
dramatic or referencing an earlier film in the
franchise.
“An unexpected journey
she probably wont
remember” – A comedic
reference to the first film
and directs focus onto the
main character.
“There’s a new war next
door” – Emphasises the
key plot that will be
maintained in the film, but
again a reference to the
first film in the franchise.