Students created original film posters and reviews as part of a post-production coursework assignment. This tested their creativity and understanding of genre conventions. Adobe Photoshop allowed manipulation of images and text. The challenge was in promotion and distribution with limited resources. Careful selection of images, text, colors and fonts aimed to intrigue audiences and match the drama genre of the short film.

1. Written by Jonas Mondua. Q2

2. As part of our coursework, students were permitted to create an
original film poster and review alongside their main product, as part of
post-production.
This not only tests ones creativity but enhances understanding of their
chosen genre as well as the codes and conventions that are recognised
with it.
Adobe Photoshop CS6 allowed students to manipulate original images,
and carefully selected texts and fonts in order to create a meaningful,
and persuasive poster and review. Again, this section of the entire
course reveals whether or not the rationale behind the chosen genre
and narrative is understood alongside its codes and conventions.

3. The whole idea of completing a film poster and review is for
promotional purposes. In our position, as an independent production
company, promoting our final product will most definitely prove to be
difficult. This is due to the lack of professional resources, companies
and money that we are simply unable to afford.
The most challenging aspect is not found in producing a creative film
poster, as we have easy access to Adobe Photoshop CS6, where the
manipulation of images and fonts are supported by professional
layouts and tools to create an aesthetically pleasing poster. The
challenging aspect all comes down to distribution. How is our niche
going to be notified of the film poster, let alone the short film itself.

4. My initial intention for my review was to first
draw the readers’ attention to the image. It’s a
rather peculiar shot that raises a number of
questions such as, “what is she looking at?” and
“why is she in a white room?”.
As a result, the readers would hopefully feel
pressured into reading the review. Again, like
most reviews that tackle the same genre of a
‘drama’ the layout of the text has been stripped
to its bear minimum. This is a way of allowing the
reader to be emotionally drawn into the content
of the review and not its presentation.
It goes without saying that presentation plays a
vital part in the long run, however that can only
attract your potential readers for a short amount
of time.

5. The 5 W’s:
This section
includes the run
down of the
main people who
were involved as
well as when the
readers can see
it.
Ins and Outs:
Consists of any
extra content that
could not only
educate the
reader on the
product but to
also persuade.
Bold image:
Identifies the genre
and main protagonist.
Clear vital
information:
Conveys the
necessary details
that aids the
audience a bit about
the narrative.
The ultimate
decider:
Informs the reader
if the product is
worthy for them to
see.

6. Creating the film poster to my short film was a
demanding process. One that had me uncertain
of what image that I should place as the enticer,
but still hold all the connections relevant to my
film.
For me, this image that I took with a canon 5D
Mark 2, not only conveyed the genre of a drama,
but also speaks clearly of the narrative- which is
what all potential audiences are generally looking
for.
Again, like most drama posters, very little is given
away. My layout follows the same intentions that
I had for my review. I only wanted the bare
essential to be published- intriguing the audience
into wanting to find out more.

7. Cast:
Many film lovers
tend to watch
certain movies
because their
favourite
actor/actress is
starring in it.
Responses:
An instant reaction
to the final product.
Relevant
Information:
Includes names of
those who played a
key role and it also
reveals the release
date.
“Trustworthy”
Responses:
Indication of what
to expect.
Bold Image:
Identifies the genre
and gives insight
into the narrative.
Bold Title:
An insight into
the narrative.
Restrictions:
Limits are set
according to the
BBFC in relation
to the genre and
content shown.

9. The main colours used within both my poster and review were:
Black
Dark
Grey
Light
Grey
White
• These four colours, in which two are primary colours, formed the basis of my artistic vision
for my ancillary.
• On either end we have the two extremes- black and white. This foreshadows a conflict or
problem that will occur within the plot of the final product.
• In-between the two extremes we again have both extremes of the colour grey.
Intentionally, this was done to balance out the overall visuals of the ancillary, so that the
poster and review do not come out bleak and tediously dull.
• The most important factor is that these colours ultimately set the tone and mood of the
short film before the potential audience have seen a second of it. Therefore, it prepares
them subconsciously.

10. Poster Title
Evidently, the fonts used here are both the same, however the presentation of both of
them differ. My intentions weren’t to add as many random fonts as I could but solely to
stay true to the genre and narrative and to reflect that through my chosen fonts.
Review Title

11. Official Website:
Official Twitter Page:
Official Facebook Page:
These websites were added onto the final copy of my film poster. It invites potential consumers
to find out more about what went into pre production, production and post production- via
videos, images and journals.
Furthermore, it allows my production company to sell related merchandises on our website,
therefore we will be making a larger profit overall.

12. Ultimately, every step taken in creating both the film poster and film
review was decided alongside my vision of the final product. I ensured
that every possible connotation was consistently imbedded within the
film review and poster- with a persistent link to the short film.