Film Posters...What influence does a film poster have?

A film poster is there to attract the film's target audience. There are several conventions of a film poster. These include:
-A large, eye-catching title
-An image either displaying the main caharcter of the film or hinting at the story line
-A release date
-Actors and Producers names
-Sometimes reviews
-Possibly a slogan
All of these elements help to attract the film's key market. For example, a Disney film starring a Princess, such as Cinderella, is going to have bright colours and themes of beauty- this is to advertise to little girls and female audiences. They will use gender specific stereotypes to attract an audience they believe suitable.
A horror film, such as The Shining, will include graphics suitable for a 15+ audience e.g. blood or common phobia items (needles etc). This is to appeal to an audience seeking for a thrill. It will probably also include dark colours to insinuate horror.

On our poster we have aimed to be minimal. As it is a mockumentary, there must be details left to the imagination, this is why a set of legs with socks standing out is key to keeping minimal - it gives key insight into the context of the short film and attracts an audience who is seeking humour with realism.



-KW, HM