This document discusses film posters and their purpose and conventions. Film posters are used to advertise films and work with trailers to promote and sell films. They typically include the film title, images of main characters, taglines, and information like release dates and cast. Thriller film posters commonly use dark colors and lighting, mysterious images, and serious character expressions to create intrigue. They aim to hint at the narrative and leave audiences wanting to watch the film to learn more.

1. FILM POSTER RESEARCH

2. WHAT ARE FILM POSTERS?
➤ Film posters are used to
advertise a film and work in
conjunction with the film
trailer to sell the film. They
can often use the same style as
the film or film trailer as they
work as one brand, they are all
used ultimately to sell the
film. When audiences go to
the cinema or take public
transport they can see the film
posters advertised which may
entice them in and make them
want to watch a film.

3. EXAMPLES

4. GENERIC CONVENTIONS OF FILM POSTERS
➤ Billing block
➤ Title of the film
➤ Main image
➤ Eye catching
➤ Names of the cast
➤ Tagline
➤ Main characters shown
➤ Reviews, ratings and
recommendations
➤ Exhibition info
➤ Release date

5. ANALYSING GENERIC FILM POSTERS
➤ This film poster has a main title which tells the
audience clearly as to what the name of the film
is. This is bold and in capitals and put in white
which contrasts against the dark blue background.
➤ A colour rule of three is used with light blue, dark
blue and white being the main colours.
➤ The images used show the main characters.
➤ There is a tagline used to make the audience think
and it gives clues as to what the film is about. In
this film poster, the tagline ‘His twin sister is
coming for the holidays and it ain’t pretty’ is
used.
➤ The release date of the film is shown with
’11.11.11’ written clear in bold. This date that has
been chosen and the way it has been written
makes it easier for the audience to remember.
➤ A billing block is also used in the poster to credit
the people who helped the creation of the film in
some form whether it was the actors, production
companies or costume designers.

6. ANALYSING GENERIC FILM POSTERS
➤ The top of the film poster states the
actor’s name which is stereotypical.
They are usually stated and are
usually placed at the top of the poster
with the titles being at the bottom.
The names are usually of big stars
and so it entices audiences in.
➤ The title stands out and is eye
catching as it is bold, in capitals and
in white. The tagline follows this.
➤ There is an image denoting a close
up, point of view shot of the main
character who directly addresses the
audience.
➤ Other conventional features used are
the billing block and the release date.

7. CONVENTIONS OF THRILLER FILM POSTERS
➤ Dark backgrounds
➤ Enigma codes
➤ Colours such as red, white and black
➤ Bold title which can often be rough
looking
➤ Main focus on the image
➤ Characters scared, sad or serious
➤ Attention to mise-en-scene and characters
with location and people usually
combined
➤ Low key lighting to create a mysterious
atmosphere
➤ Release date
➤ Billing block
➤ Actor’s names

8. ANALYSING THRILLER FILM POSTERS
➤ This psychological thriller film poster mainly uses
colours such as red, white and black which is
stereotypical. Black connotes death, red connotes
danger and evilness and white connotes innocence.
➤ There is a central image used which creates enigma
and mystery as a part of the actor’s face has been
cut out showing another version of him connoting
how the actor may not be who we think he is.
➤ There is low key lighting used, especially for the
background which looks like a sky. Pathetic fallacy
is used as the sky is gloomy and represents the
film to be gloomy as it is a thriller.
➤ Conventions are used where the actor’s names,
release date, billing block, tagline and film title are
shown. The title of the film matches the image
which is another convention of thriller posters.
The title is slightly rough and stands out. The
tagline also creates an enigma, especially when it
says the man has something to hide. This makes
the audience want to watch the film to find out
what it is he has to hide.

9. ANALYSING THRILLER FILM POSTERS
➤ This film poster uses low key lighting and uses
shadows and overlays images to create enigma. It is
hard for the audience to tell who the antagonist and
protagonist is as the lighting is dark.
➤ Colours such as black and white are used keeping the
poster professional but also conforming to the thriller
genre.
➤ There is a tagline, billing block and release date used.
The actor’s names are also used.
➤ The central image plays a big part in telling the
audience what the narrative is about. As the images
here are combined, it creates enigma (Roland Barthes)
as to what the narrative could be. It adds mystery.
➤ Another convention of thriller posters is to combine
location shots with characters to give hints about the
film. This is used in this poster where the characters
are mainly in the foreground and a beach with a small
tree is used in the background.
➤ The film title is bold and stands out, catching the
audience’s eye. This is one of the main things that
stands out on the poster. The font is simple and easy
to read and a sans serif font is used which makes the
poster look modern and sleek.