Wednesday 6 February 2013

Film Poster in Popular Culture

Film posters as an item for product exhibition are a way for audience's to become engages with film releases which may perhaps be by their favourite directors, an anticipated release for example.  Global synergy of mass media conglomerates enables studios to distribute their items on a scale as never before, through merchandising of products related to the film - such as simply my owning of 'Frankenweenie's' Victor's plush toy WITH bendable limbs. The film poster simply reflects the product it has released, aiming to intrigue an audience without suggesting too much of the plot.  It allows a sense of community as these items allow the building and expansion of fan bases amongst audiences, simply such as the placing of large film posters on your bedroom wall, to purchasing a T-shirt featuring your favourite character.     

Going back to Tim Burton's spectacular stop motion, black and white animation; 'Frankenweenie' was very effectively distributed with it's merchandising through Disney, created a vast range of products for its audience.  This style of poster is a 'character poster', usually one of many released featuring each an individual character of the film, containing a basic image or design without revealing too much information such as the plot, theme, and characters. I find the poster artistic, this one in particular shows Sparky, the main, animal character who is soon brought back to life by Victor - the black and white colour palette enhance the gloomy, dark nature of the film and gives audience an expectation.  The bright green choice of colour for titling however completely contradicts this dull nature of colours and composition, adding excitement and life to the poster.  This contrasting use of titling is almost striking and effective, it could imply that the film is perhaps very suitable for a children audience and is not so dark - which is soon discovered after watching the film.


Not only is the poster format used simply as a poster which can be sold and stuck on walls; this format is also used in popular, contemporary forms such as clothing items.  Merchandise such as T-shirts, memorabilia, iPhone/ Mobile cases, stationary, toys - the list is endless - media products can be easily exploited to create products that are easily manipulated in a variety of forms.  One poster design can lead to the creation and expansion of a variety of products.  It's not just a poster.


A film poster has a large influence over the release of the film - a simple 'teaser poster' can suggest hints on what is to be expected from the movie's release.  It is not aimed to completely burn a plot - but to engage an audience.  The poster is seen, and adapts according to the genre, style and overall film.  It sets expectations to an audience who will judge straight away according to what a teaser poster they will have seen implies, film trailer in itself put aside - a poster has a large impact on suggesting casting, plot and overall genre.  A thriller genre poster for example will vary in colours - experimenting with aspects of mise-en-scene such as light; conventions would imply dark lighting, and minimal clues to not give away the plot.  Large influences of posters such as album art by bands does not simply be used for album art - but can be used as posters by fans who favour a certain band - such as Two Door Cinema Club's 'Tourist History' album art which is often being used to sell as posters.  

Film posters are also used as an advertisement of the cast featured in the film; this was usually highlighted when film first began.  A lover of a certain actor or actress may see their name on an upcoming Hollywood blockbuster; and will instantly view the film regardless of genre preference or even it's reception.  This is taken to advantage to the way that film as a product is distributed especially through the forms of posters where large font and titling can highlight a loved actress's appearance.  

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