Paranormal Activity

Title block The title block is positioned in the bottom central 1/3 of the page in which the text is based underneath the main image. The title is written in a text that is larger and in a different colour compared to the other text on the poster, although it is not bold it is capitalised, suggesting an intimidating tone which again is fitting to the horror genre which enables drawing the audience’s attention. Likewise the use of red text against a black background has the same captivating effect as reverse out (white text on black background). The use of red also suggests danger, particularly as this is a horror/thriller film, the distorted text which appears to have been ‘smudged’ creates a sense of curiosity. The blurriness of the red title reminds the audience that the film is based on video footage.

Tagline / reviews The slogan “what happens when you sleep” directly talks to the audience as it makes them question what does happen during the night as any activity that occurs is often unknown to them due to them being asleep. This slogan may encourage audiences to view the film because they are intrigued to find out happens to these characters. Similarly, through “Don’t watch it alone,” tells the consumer that this film is of the horror genre and that watching it alone will be frightening. Audiences expect a horror film to entertain them through fear and by including a positive film review on the poster suggests that this film is a success through using phrases such as “scariest movies of all time” and “it’s hard to ignore the imprint it leaves.” The critics, ‘Bloody Disgusting’ specialise in reviewing horror films so by including this suggests that the film is a success as it has received a praising review from these critics. Furthermore, by suggesting that “you will be affected” and “nightmares are guaranteed” feels like the film is challenging the audience to see whether attending the film will psychologically affect them and “guaranteed” suggests that the film will meet the consumer’s high standards.

Colours The colours used in this poster consist of four colours; black, white, red and blue and each of these can be associated with the horror genre. Firstly, using black is a typical convention of the horror genre as this is associated with the unknown and provides a sense of danger as itis often linked with the theme of death. The use of reverse out (white writing on a black background) creates a ghostly feel in which this is relevant to the supernatural plot line. The use of red for the film title connotes the idea that the characters are in danger. Finally, the colour blue in the text and the blue shade across the image not only highlights the night vision of the camera but suggests a cold and chilling atmosphere which is often associated with the supernatural and ghosts.

Central photographic image The image used in this poster introduces an audience to the two main characters and the setting. From the rule of thirds, the eye is drawn to the female character who is pointing to a mysterious figure at the door and it is this that highlights that the supernatural will play a role in the film. From first impressions, a sense of normality is created as the setting appears very ordinary and modern and therefore this is more relatable to the audience. Similarly, the characters seem young in this image as they do in the trailer so they can be seen to reflect the young target audience that the film is aimed at. The choice of using an ordinary house as a setting is a convention of the horror genre as something with this normality is portrayed with an unexpected twist. The bedroom in this image would usually be associated with comfort and safety however the darkness and mysterious figure creates a sense of fear and danger. Furthermore, the image appears quite grainy to reflect how the events are being filmed on a video camera; combining this with the time in the corner it makes the image gain verisimilitude. Using the time in the corner reflects how the events are happening at night and again, this is a convention of horror as events often happen in the darkness to add to the unknown and eerie atmosphere.

Page Layout The layout of this poster is fairly simple but attention is drawn to the main image in the centre, particularly the two characters. This is because the poster is fitting to the rule of thirds, meaning that the eye is drawn straight to them. From looking at these two characters, the consumer then sees the female character pointing and this directs the consumer’s eye to the mysterious figure at the door. The organisation of the text is kept quite structured in that the consumers eye follows the flow of how the text has been positioned this could be linked to flow of the film reel which reminds an audience that Paranormal Activity is based on video footage.

Advertising The Paranormal Activity poster offers a demand service that encourages potential audiences to demand the film if it is not playing in their area. This is because the film was a low budget horror meaning that it was not shown in all cinemas. By doing this, it may be easier for the producers to see how successful the film will be as they can see who and where their audiences are. Similarly, the films website is also advertised where the films trailer and other information can be found to entice audiences.