The document analyzes and compares the posters for the films Scream 4 and Taken 2. The Scream 4 poster uses typical horror film conventions like red color and a murky background to convey mystery. It features three main characters to identify with the story and uses minimal text. The Taken 2 poster also keeps the layout simple with large margins between the image and text. It features Liam Neeson holding a gun to show he is prepared, conveying mystery through his expression and dark clothing. The font and colors are straightforward and synonymous with the thriller genre. Both posters effectively use images, text, color, and layout conventions to intrigue audiences about the films' stories in under 3 sentences while

1. Week Posters for films similar in style and content to your production (minimum of 2
examples)
Research should include analysis of codes and conventions of these two types of
12
This week I will manage and research
my two ancillary task below is my
research and other findings:
products including layout, style, colour, typeface, text and images.
The Scream 4 poster only has 3 characters as the main
focus. The position of the characters reflects the
importance of them within the story line and is a point of
identification as the audience of the previous films will
The layout of the Scream poster is very simplistic recognise the actors. The low angle mid shot helps show
the use of one main image creates a sense of the anxious expression on the main characters face. The
mystery which draws audiences in. the use of main characters are placed on top of an image of the
minimal text is effective in the fact that it edges infamous scream mask which many people will be able to
potential viewers to see what the film is about by identify with, the effect used which has slightly distorted
watching it rather than reading a lengthy pre- the image gives an airy feel which gives a touch of
insight. The text used has been layered in anticipation. The low lighting adds to mystery conveyed by
accordance to the importance as the text which is the effects on the background image This adds to the
used to lure audiences is at the top and the release anticipation exhibited by the caption above the image
date and location of the film is at the bottom by the “New decade. New rules”..
use of colour catches the readers eye.
The text used is kept minimal the only informative text about
the storyline is “New decade. New rules” this tells the
audience that the fourth film will be better and more thrilling
than its predecessors, and as the theme is horror more
The Scream 4 poster uses typical codes and dramatized and hair-raising. The title of the film uses the
conventions for horror films with the use of colour, same font as previous editions this helps the film reach to
by using the colour red the designers have already previous audiences. The separation between each letter
instilled an idea of a gory murderous film as well as helps draw attention to the name of the film and allows the
the murky grey used for the background image theme of the film to run clear to the audience. Other
which gives off a sense of mystery these all relate relevant text is in a smaller font which does not draw
to the genre of film due to their connotations. attention away from the images or larger text.

2. The layout of the “Taken 2” movie poster has
followed the conventions of similar media The main character of the film is positioned to the
products, through the simplistic layout. The right of the gradient used this helps convey the
positioning of the image and text allow for themes of mystery and unknowingness. The eye
maximum effect as there are large margins level camera angle helps the audience absorb in its
between the two main aspects. The entirety Liam Neeson’s body language as well as it
positioning of the film credits follows that of focusing on the prop used . It also gives an insight to
other similar media products. Because of the the movie and extents in the strap line used
previous edition of the film the choice to uses “…there coming for him” this in addition to the
a unpretentious layout is ok because the film prop (gun) conveys the idea that he is prepared.
already has a fan base who will be familiar Although a mid shot the expression on Neeson’s
with the storyline and actor. face is identifiable the stress from the fact “…there
coming for him” is clear to see and would promote
viewers to watch the film. The dark clothes work by
Neeson illustrates a strong statement and may give
The layout of the Scream poster is very simplistic the suggestion of invincibility.
the use of one main image creates a sense of
mystery which draws audiences in. the use of
The use of a sans serif font gives a blunt and
minimal text is effective in the fact that it edges
“straight to the point” look to the text, the fact
potential viewers to see what the film is about by
watching it rather than reading a lengthy pre-
that no frills have been used links closely with
insight. The text used has been layered in genre. In addition to the colours used which are
accordance to the importance as the text which is synonymous to thriller and action films stand out
used to lure audiences is at the top and the release against the dark background. The red used may
date and location of the film is at the bottom by the be significant to the idea blood may be shed
use of colour catches the readers eye. during the film and the white which is the colour
of the actors name my highlight the fact he does
not die. In general the combination of colours
help convey the theme of an action packed
thriller film as these are colours generally used in
similar media products.