The purpose of a Film Poster

There are a number of different purposes for making a film poster to be displayed on public places, newspapers, magazines, internet etc. A film poster is used to advertise a film in a positive representation and also provide information about the film. It is very rare and would be shocking if someone came across a negative representation of a film as production companies want people to go see their film and not be put off going. Film posters will exaggerate the film encouraging people to want to watch the film making them attracted to seeing it.

They also highlight the 'stars' in the film signifying the theme and genre of the film. If the main actors are very well known and famous for their acting skills in their genre then this could encourage people to see the film hence why the stars of feature films tend to be the main image on the poster telling people that they star in the film. This is very different to a short film as they rarely star big names and well known actors; instead the poster would include a significant image of the film eg a main prop or image. The film poster also informs people of the key production eg the director, producer etc

A film poster also informs people on the release date of the film telling people when and where they are available to see the film. This makes people more aware of when they can see it especially if they're interested in the film. The audience suitability is also included on the film poster telling people the minimum age you have to be to watch the film preventing them from paying and going to see it and being stopped because of their age.

Film posters appear in a number of different locations where people can see the advertisement for free and easily when walking or browsing past. Examples of popular locations where people would find a film poster is the underground, newspapers, magazines, the internet, bus stops etc. They are found where people pass and come across the most making it clear for people to see and somewhere people go regularly. Certain films will be advertised in certain magazines depending on the genre of the film and the target market audience the film is trying to get.