Film poster typesL/O: to be able to identify different types of film posters and consider
questions that film posters create amongst an audience
Starter • Explain the difference between these posters. Think about purpose.
And these….
Teaser posters• This poster contains basic information to tease the audience. It often
does not indicate much about the plot, but may have a picture of the stars, the name of the film and release date.• Sometimes there is also ‘expert’ quotes or ratings
• Bigger the film, less info (audience can fill the gaps) esp sequels• More enigmatic (more mysterious to draw audience in, so they want
to find out more)
Teaser posters
Main poster• This contains information about the production personnel, the stars,
tagline, website, social media, and the distributors.• Production = who involved in making of film• Distribution = who financed, marketed and released the film
THE MAIN BITS• Who is TA and how have they targeted that particular audience?• How does the poster signify the genre/subgenre?• What does the written text communicate?• What clues are to the narrative? (what about the story is being
revealed?)• What are the narrative enigmas?
Character posters• To highlight or feature the main actor or actors • When actor is USP (unique selling point) of the film• Often more in rom coms, comedy and dramas
3 types of posters• Teaser• Main• Character (can be teaser or main)
Consistency • Consistency is
important in the marketing of films• Between posters and
other posters• Trailers and posters
• This is for familiarity for the audience• So they can recognize
the film and the ‘brand’
• Keep this in mind, you might create 2 posters for your task!
Key ConceptsGenre Narrative Representation Audience Media Language
Is the subgenre clear?
What are you trying to tell the audience?
What are the enigmas?
How do you represent your characters and places?
Who is the poster aimed at?
How do you create meaning for audience?