ASHLEY KYLLIE I.

APLON
GRADE 9 LOVE
T. L. E
 Learning Objectives

Identify, define and explain the Consider how audience and genre
1 function of each of the key features 3 characteristics play a part in the
of a movie poster. construction of movie posters.

Interpret the visual and written Apply this knowledge to deconstruct

language used in film posters to and critically analyse a range of
2 understand how they convey themes, 4 movie posters, commenting on their
moods and position audience response. purpose and effectiveness.
What are movie posters?

Movie posters are promotional tools

designed to capture the essence of a film
in a single image and text, enticing
potential viewers to learn more about the
movie and, ultimately, to watch it.

They serve as the first point of contact

between a film and its target audience so
their design elements are carefully chosen
to appeal to that audience and convey the
film's genre, tone and key selling points.
Why learn about them?

Understanding the language of film posters

can help us develop critical thinking skills,
enhance our appreciation of film as an art
form and help us become more discerning
viewers.

While the elements of film posters can vary

depending on the style and genre of the
film there are a collection of features
commonly found in most film posters. Let’s
take a look at them...
 key
features
of a movie poster
 Analysis
questions
Title
What does the title
suggest about the genre
or theme of the movie?

The title of the movie is How does the font choice

and style of the title
usually prominently contribute to the overall
displayed at the top of tone of the poster?
the poster. It's typically
in a large, bold font to Does the title evoke any
catch the viewer's specific emotions or
expectations for the
attention.
viewer?

Consider specific word

choice and connotations.
Analysis
questions Tagline
What feeling or mood does
the tagline convey about
the movie?
A short, catchy phrase
How does the tagline or sentence that
complement or contrast accompanies the title,
with the title? often positioned below
or above it. The tagline
Does it use foreshadowing aims to encapsulate the
to suggest any themes or
events?
theme or mood of the
film and intrigue
Consider language features, viewers, enticing them
word choice and to learn more.
connotation.
 Analysis
Images questions

What elements or
characters are depicted in
the images, and what do
Photographs, they reveal about the plot
illustrations, or graphics or setting of the movie?
that visually represent
key aspects of the film, How do the colours,
such as characters, lighting, and composition
of the images contribute
settings or significant
to the mood or
scenes. These play a atmosphere of the poster?
vital role in conveying
the genre, tone, and Do the images accurately
storyline of the movie. represent the genre or
tone of the movie?
If so, how?
Credits Some movie posters
include the release date
or the film's rating (e.g.,
PG-13, M or R) to inform
viewers when and
Feature credits for key where they can see the
people involved in the movie and who it’s
production, such as the appropriate for. This
director, lead actors, and information is typically
production companies positioned discreetly
are usually located at within the design.
the bottom of the
poster and are usually
smaller in size compared
to the title and images.
Release Date
 Movie posters may Other Text
include logos of
production companies,
distributor logos, or icons
indicating awards or film In addition to the title
festival selections. These and tagline, film posters
elements add credibility may include other text
to the film and make it such as quotes from
seem more reputable or reviews, plot summaries,
prestigious in the eyes or endorsements from
of viewers. critics. These texts
provide additional
context and help shape
the viewer's
Logos & Icons expectations.
Activity

Label each of the following features on the

sample film poster. Then, discuss with a
partner why they might have been selected
and how they create interest and intrigue.
Title
Tagline
Images
Credits
Release date
Logos and icons
Other text

Drag and drop a sample image into the frame then delete this instruction.
 focus of

analysis
What might I analyse?

Analysing a film poster helps us improve our

understanding of visual language and the ways
in which people or organisations communicate
ideas visually to an audience. It also helps us
practice forming interpretations of texts. This
analysis is often linked to broader key concepts.
Let’s look at some of them...
 Themes or Ideas Representation

How does the poster convey information How are certain individuals, groups or
about the film's plot, characters, or identities portrayed in the poster? Do
themes? How do these convey broader they rely on stereotypes or tropes?
ideas about human experience? What power relationships are suggested?

Genre and audience appeal Context

What genre conventions are evident in

What cultural, social, or historical factors
the poster? How do they appeal to the
might have influenced the creation and
target audience? How might they
reception of the poster and/or film?
influence audience expectations?
Other Visual Conventions

Remember, you can also discuss any of the

other visual language features we’ve learnt
about during our study of still images
including symbolic codes and technical
codes. Let’s quickly revise some of these!
Activity

Brainstorm as many visual language elements

as you can.

Split them into symbolic codes (or content)

and technical codes (or construction).

Look at the sample image to remind you.

Then, check your answers using the

following slides.

Drag and drop a sample image into the frame then delete this instruction.
 Symbolic Codes
Body Language Props or objects
The non-verbal communication cues expressed Items within the frame that can have symbolic
through facial expression, posture/stance, gesture, meaning (consider the connotations of particular
gaze, bodily orientation and proximity. objects) or can help to reveal information.

Appearance Lighting
Lighting can be used to show different moods, to
Elements such as age, physical features, gender,
draw attention to certain things or to convey
ethnicity, clothing etc. of the actors or characters.
symbolic meaning.

Setting Colour
The background and/or location whether generic
Colours can convey particular ideas, moods or
(e.g. beach, outback, mountains) or specific (e.g.
emotions, depending on how they’re used.
cities, countries).
 Technical Codes
Camera shots Composition
How the elements are arranged within the frame.
The distance from the camera to the subject e.g.
Consider size, foreground, background,
close-up, mid shot, long shot.
centralisation and marginalisation.

Camera angles Leading lines & framing

Visual lines that lead the eye of the viewer in a
The angle of the camera in relation to the subject
particular direction as well as how the frame
e.g. high angle, low angle, eye-level shot.
dictates what we see and don’t see.

Proximity Juxtaposition
The distance between two or more subjects being The deliberate placement of objects or subjects
photographed and how they are placed in relation close together or in a side-by-side position to
to each other. present a contrasting effect.
 considering

genre
and audience
Target audience

Target audience refers to the specific group of people

with shared characteristics who are most likely to be
interested in a particular product or service.

In the context of film marketing, the target audience

for a movie is the demographic or segment of the
population that filmmakers and distributors aim to
attract and engage with their film.

When identifying the target audience of a film poster,

you might consider:
 Age Location & Culture

Are the primary viewers likely to be children, Where is the audience located geographically? Is
teenagers, young adults, adults, or seniors? the film aimed at a specific ethnic/cultural group?

Gender Lifestyle

Is the film targeted towards a specific gender, or What are the interests, hobbies, values, and
is it intended to appeal to all genders? attitudes of the target audience?

Socioeconomic Status Personality & Preferences

Are the viewers likely to be adventurous, creative,

What income level, education level, or occupation
intellectual, or conventional? What types of
is the target audience likely to have?
movies do they typically enjoy?
 Look at the following film posters and identify
Activity who you think the target audience might be
based off the clues in the each poster.

Drag and drop sample images into each of the frames then delete this instruction.
 Genre

Genre refers to a category or classification

of texts characterised by similar elements,
themes, styles or narrative conventions.

In the context of film, genre helps

audiences understand what to expect from
a movie by indicating its tone, content, and
storytelling approach.

What are some common film genres?

 Activity
Working in small groups brainstorm a list of conventions of one of the following film genres.
Consider elements that might be visually represented in film posters such as settings, characters,
objects, colours, font styles etc. Then, research to find three film posters to illustrate. Be prepared
to share your findings with the class.

Science fiction Horror

Western Romance

Adventure Mystery
 let’s

practice
 Activity

It’s time to demonstrate your knowledge of film poster

conventions and visual language!

Working with a partner, choose one of the following film posters

and one of the following questions.

Then, annotate your movie poster in relation to the set question.

In our next lesson, we’ll individually write a short answer response.

Good luck!
 Movie Posters

Drag and drop three sample images into the frames then delete this instruction.
 Questions

1. Discuss how visual codes and conventions convey particular ideas.

2. Examine how visual and written language represent individuals or groups in a

particular way.

3. Analyse how a film poster is constructed to appeal to a particular audience.

4. Explain how a film poster reflects the conventions of a particular genre.

5. Examine how a film poster has been shaped by cultural, social, or historical context.
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