Movie posters have different purposes, making them a vital part of a movie-making process. Without posters, filmmakers would have a hard time informing the audience about an upcoming movie. Posters carry important messages such as release date, actors, and the targeted demographic, among other things. To meet the intended purpose, there are key elements that every movie poster should have. When done right, they can be as memorable as the movies themselves. Below is a simple guide on creating an effective poster that will be etched in many fans memories for the longest.
Attention
Attention is key when creating a movie poster. If a movie poster fails to grab the attention of a potential fan, it has terribly failed in its intended purpose. A poster shouldn’t do much less than jumping out from the wall and into the eyes and mind of anyone in front of it.
Posters are supposed to stoke desire, interest, and action in anyone viewing them. If this is not the case, consider that poster a failed mission.
Style
There must be something artistic about the poster that should be consistent throughout, even in the film itself. Bold and unique are the two words when it comes to style. Designers of the most outstanding movie posters use style to their advantage to create lasting memories.
Show Without Telling
Posters act as teasers to what the film is all about and characters, among other things. A great movie poster is supposed to be iconic. A fan should look at it an understand what’s being advertised and have the desire to watch the film. This doesn’t have to be done flat out such that the film’s storyline or plot is revealed. A good poster should tell as much about the film effortlessly. An excellent choice of imagery, design, and simple graphics will do the job perfectly.
Should Stoke Desire
A poster should be appealing to both fans and non-fans alike. Fans of certain characters will always be looking out to know what their idols are up to. This is why posters come in handy while advertising an upcoming film. Fans might not care so much about the aesthetic appeal of a poster since they already have a reason to look at it. Still, when non-fans stop to analyze what a particular poster is all about, then it has met if the purpose of creating appeal even to potential fans, which is good news to any filmmaker.
Should Have an Incentive
Give fans a reason to look forward to the release of that particular film by using the right images. If, by any chance, the icons and the abstract images are not doing the job, using a captivating scene will give fans a reason to watch to know more. Create tension and suspense through a captivating scene. If it a sequel, let the poster make that clear. Sequels are the norm with many production companies, and fans know as much. So, a poster for a sequel should also be relatable to the previous one but with outstanding aspects to show the difference.
Whether a small film or a blockbuster, the five elements explained above define what a good poster should do. Of course, much attention should also be given to the general design and artwork if the poster has to meet its intended purpose.