Research into Film Posters.
According to "WebDesignerDepot" there are seven elements to a great film poster; Starting with 'Attention' - for the poster to jump from the wall. To grab peoples eyes as the pass doesn't have to mean flashy graphics and provocative imagery. By almost teasing the viewer with what is shown on the poster, the viewer can be intrigued to the context of the poster, leaving them to find out the meaning by seeing the film.
The second Element of a great film poster is 'Iconography'. This includes 'showing without telling', The use of imagery on a poster with out blatantly saying what the film is about are often the most effective posters. Close ups of the main character(s) giving subtle hints to what the plot of the film consists of, although simple, have great aesthetics.
'Interest' is the third element, much like the element you create an incentive to see the film by creating a puzzling poster (depending on genre of course). Most of film posters these days often put the viewer in the middle of or a strand of a scene in the film. the incentive is that the viewer needs to see the film in order to resolve the situation.
The fourth element is 'Appeal'. To create a desire to see the feature for both fans and non-fans alike. a lot of film posters are quickly adapting to gain the aesthetics of comic books and so, for comic book fans its a warm welcome, but to none fans of comic books its an arty, nice looking and exciting new film poster advertising the latest release. So by broadening their audience they no longer rely on niches to get interest from the public.
Furthermore, the fifth element of creating a great looking film poster is 'Style'. Making sure that the stylistic values of the poster coincide with the style in which the film itself looks is fairly important; after all, the way your film is presented and looks is unique to you. how are you going to gain an audience for your films if it just blends in with the rest? By creating your own look, and taking ideas from others (eg Film Noir) you are able to create films distinguishable to you.
Six on the list is 'Lasting Appeal'. Another way in way the designer can create a great poster is by using formats commonly used for other things (a look that suits other formats). This means your graphics and imagery are just as recognisable on a DVD cover as it is on a large film poster. (one famous example is the 'Jurassic Park' bold but brilliantly recognisable cover/poster design.)
The previous point also links with the seventh and final point, is recognisability. For example, is it a sequel? if so make it obvious that it is. 'The Godfather' is a fine example of this; they seem to have their own logo of the puppeteers hand.
Film Poster Examination.
