Film Poster and Magazine Research

Film Posters Generic Film posters usually have certain criteria which they follow for all genres and type of film. The poster should be as eye catching as possible to reach as many potential viewers. It should be genre defining, a clear indication of what the film is like. The title of the film is generally displayed in large font. Credits of the Actors/ Director / Production companies are listed, often at the bottom of the poster. Usually an indication of when the film is to be released, either a date or 'coming soon‘. There must be a focal point to grab the audiences eye. Generally is some type of tag line promoting the film.

‘Snatch’ Film Poster Stars of the film Introduction to characters Large font of film title Tag line for film Website for promotional influence Writing and directorial credits Release date

Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels Film Poster The poster uses a long quote/ review of the film from the Evening Standard, it highlights the fact it is a British movie, with similar style to other acclaimed crime films such as Reservoir Dogs. This helps to tell audiences what to anticipate from the film. The title of the film, the font colouring emphasizes the playful style associated with the unconventional take on the crime genre. The cast list is shown in a yellow font at the top of the film, in smaller print suggesting it may not be a particularly star filled cast. The main image is of Vinnie Jones’s character wielding the ‘two smoking barrels’ referencing the film title. With the notorious ‘hard man’ on the poster it suggests to the viewer the genre of the film ‘Have a butchers’ – Cockney slang which is fluent in the film is used to advertise the movies website Production company listings

Conventions of Film Magazine covers Buzz words -used to entice the audience 'free, exclusive, only' etc Main image should reflect the target audience for the magazine, generally an image from an upcoming film which is expected to have a large following. Masthead – the main title for the magazine will usually be the largest text on display House Style/ Graphics – many magazines have certain colours or themes for original style / identity Anchorage text is the text which overlaps the main image relating to the main article There are usually a mix of fonts for different topics advertised in the magazine. Often no more than 3 different fonts used.

The Dark Knight – Empire Magazine Film Title Heath Ledger as the star. Special stories about other actors and films to entice readers. News of other films to appeal to a greater range of audience. Catchy line and pun for comical effect.

Public Enemies – Empire Magazine The Masthead/ title The main focal point/image of Johnny Depp in Public enemies holding a sub machine gun. It’s a classic crime genre image, an old school noir type figure. A small pun to entice audiences to the genre of the film Other films to pull in audiences to purchase the magazine.