This document discusses common conventions used in horror film posters. It explains that posters typically feature the main characters, especially their facial expressions, to invoke fear or shock in viewers. Images of weapons and blood are also often used to signal danger. Cryptic messages, strange characters, and references to secrets or the unknown aim to spark viewers' interest and curiosity. Fonts, colors, layout, and other design elements are deliberately chosen to attract attention and fit the film's tone. Overall, horror movie posters employ frightening imagery and mystery to sell the film by triggering viewers' emotions.

1. Research of film posters
Chloe King

2. GENERIC CONVENTIONS
OF FILM POSTERS

3. Typical mise-en-scene of horror film
posters
Either the antagonist or protagonist (or both) is
shown to help sell the film with well-known
characters or actors.
Direct mode of
address to
draw the
viewer in and
make them
feel as though
they could be
the next
victim.
Blood –
Symbolises
danger and
mortal threat,
so is used to
imply that such
violence or
gore will be
present.
Protagonist’s
face is shown
to depict
emotions
such as shock
or fear to
invoke the
same
response
from the
viewer.
Antagonist’s
face can be
covered by a
mask or difficult
to see – Triggers
a fear of the
unknown.

4. Weapons are shown to
trigger fear of harm to the
characters or even the viewer
themselves – In many film
franchises the weapon is
used in each film (e.g.
Chainsaw, knife, etc.)
Straight jackets often
associated with insanity
and confinement. This
hints at the plot of the
film enough to spark
interest whilst still being
subtle.
Strange, cryptic messages suggest
supernatural and possibly demonic
ties to the film. They are used to give a
sense of mystery as they are
unreadable.
A dirty, deranged character can make
the viewer afraid and still morbidly
curious about them. The keys here
also suggest that the film contains
secrets which the characters must
‘unlock’, piquing their interest in the
film.

5. Text size and font
Red is often used as it symbolises
blood and danger to make the title
stand out more and seem more
dramatic.
Release date/’Coming soon’ – Font is small but in a
different style and/or colour to the rest of the text
so it is easily noticed .
Title text coloured and styled to fit
the tone of the film (Deliver Us From
Evil positioned to look like it reads
‘DEVIL’).
Tag-line is often in the same or a very similar font to
the title, smaller and sometimes in another colour
so it doesn’t take up too much attention.
Credits text is very small so barely noticed at all.
Font is simple and white generally.

6. Shot types
High angle shot –
Looking down on
the characters as if
observing them
(fear of being
watched
unknowingly).
Medium long shot – See most of character’s
body and that they are wielding a weapon,
gives the viewer a more justified reason to
feel fear.
Close-up – Shows
character’s facial
expressions. Seems
more like the character
is staring at the viewer
(direct mode of
address) which makes
them feel uneasy.
Low angle shot –
Character is
towering above the
viewer, looks more
intimidating and
powerful which
induces fear.
Long-shot – See character’s
whole body and what is
happening to them, induces
fear of this being done to the
viewer.

7. Information and credits
• Intro of one or two sentences – lays
out a rough setting or informs reader
that it is based on actual events.
• Producer/Director/Actors – Relates
the film to the person’s other
successes.
• Title – The name of the film, will be
related to the plot of the film in
some way.
• Tag-line – A more obvious hint at the
plot and the threat facing the
protagonists.
• Cinema dates and presentation
options – When/how it can be seen.
• Credits – Actors, literary references,
linked organisations and film studios,
etc., production logos.
• Social media pages/tags – How to
find out more online.

8. Layout/structure
• Short intro to the film and the producer at the top
in small font.
• Main actors names above title.
• Title in the largest text, often stylised to fit the
theme of the film
• Main image of the poster in the very middle of the
page, often surrounded by/fading out to black.
One or two main characters are shown and rarely
any surroundings (in this case the ground is shown
because of the Latin phrase scrawled down).
• Tag-line positioned somewhere below the title in
smaller text.
• Credits at the very bottom, followed with
production logos and sometimes social media
pages and tags.
• Release date close to the bottom of the page near
the credits, sometimes in a different colour to the
other main texts.