Analysis of existing posters

1. Analysis of existing posters

2. 28 days later The use of white bold font makes the text eye catching. Therefore making the review very noticeable. The audience are encouraged by the review stating the film is scary and are therefore more likely to watch the film. The eyes of the character on the poster look very demonic. The eyes are clearly not human which implies a non human entity in the film. This symbol means biohazard. This therefore implies to the audience that some sort of virus of chemical has been released. Two images integrated into one. Showing the devastation and the cause (The scary face in the background) . The eyes appear as though they are in the sky which could imply there is an airborne virus. The use of a red background emits the sense of blood shed and danger. Release date and website address allows the audience to know important information and be able to access more if needed. This means the audience can build a relationship with the film makers.

3. Diary of the dead The phrase on the poster is “Where will you be when the end begins?” this makes the poster more personal to the audience. This is done through the use of the personal pronoun “You”. This also implies that a zombie apocalypse is inevitable, and scares the audience more. The background shows an image with fire and gloom. These elements are often associated with destruction. There are zombie looking characters in the background. The fact the zombie characters are heading forward emits a sense of fear, as the person viewing the poster may feel as though they are coming at them personally. The use of bold white writing draws the audiences attention. The title of the film and the director becomes an important factor of this film poster. The font appears eroded which emphasises the destruction. The second level of the imagery on the poster is a smashed camera again showing a gloomy image. This image shows more detail of the zombie characters and confirms there presence to the audience. The video camera represents the realistic elements of the film. The fact the camera is smashed implies that the protagonist has ran away. Information of the film is below. Use of darker font makes it less attractive. This is to avoid drawing attention away from the images and bold white font. And means that keen film fans can seek more information on the film.

4. Quarantine Colour scheme is green and black which imitates a video camera/ computer screen. This again emphasises the idea this is a real video account. White scientific writing imitates a computer report/police report. This implies to the audience this is a documentary/non-fiction text. They therefore believe this is reality which increases the fear factor of the film. The image looks very realistic, as it is of bad quality and the character looks genuinely scared. This imitates a home made video. The green colouration is used to imitate the night vision on a video camera. The black gives the impression the character is being swallowed or pulled away. Black is an unsettling colour and is used here to show that the villain of the film is hidden away and lurks in the dark. The audience therefore want to know what is in the darkness. Square sans serif text implies a computerised account or documentary. This again adds to the realistic aspect of the film poster. White font also draws attention to the title of the film. The extra information is in a duller colour to prevent attention been drawn from the rest of the poster. “in theatres…” Informs the audience when the film is being released.

5. Zombie town The font used may be seen as western looking font, which may imply the film is set in somewhere like Texas. The font is slightly brighter than the rest of the poster which draws the audience’s attention to it. Actors names are also in brighter text which may influence the audience to see the film if the actors are well known and respected. Merging of two images. Shows the main characters and the villains. The top picture of the main characters shows them holding weapons. The audience know from this that they are protecting themselves and also are in danger. There is a green filter on the image which may imitate the green colouration of skin associated with zombies. It may also be used to show that dark forces are present in the film. The bottom image shows derelict houses and the zombie character whom the characters are running from. The zombie is look towards the audience, this may scare them as they may feel as though the zombie is looking directly at them. The mist is used to show abandonment and also creates fear. The image of the 3 characters is above and larger than the image of the zombie which implies they are more important in the film. The dark appearance of the poster is unsettling and creates fear. The black colour on the film poster is used to show the fear and seclusion of the characters. Quote on the image. Text at the bottom is in small font, this means that the audience is not distracted by it. But can also seek information such as website address and film company if desired.

6. Short and snappy quotation is memorable and creates tension and fear. Dawn of the dead The title of the film is the largest text we see on the poster, therefore it is the most noticeable. The use of black is done to fit in with the colour of the zombie characters and the theme of darkness. But also to contrast the bright yellow behind it. This is done to make the title stand out more. The orange and yellow colours are used to represent dawn. But may also be seen representing fire which is supported by the quote “When there’s no room in hell the dead will walk the earth” this quote is used to show that the film will be about zombies and also show that the zombies are evil, as they are supposed to be in hell. Image looks as though zombies are coming towards the audience. They are more scared by this. Quite simplistic leaves the audience wanting to know more. The film release is shown at the bottom of the poster and is in bold black font. This draws the audience to it before the small blue writing above. The colour black is effective here because it contrasts the white and makes it stand out more. The pale blue font has been used to make sure the audience are not distracted from other more important aspects of the poster. The zombie characters are hidden under darkness, which is used to suggest they are evil, the dark figures may scare the audience as they are seen to be unknown. The zombie characters at the back are orange which could suggest they are leaving hell. The image is distorted at the bottom and takes on the appearance of blood, which suggest violence in the film.

7. Common conventions of the film posters • There is usually a pull quote or review at the top of the poster this is to show that the film is reputable. Therefore I will use this in my poster mock ups to create a professional final piece. • The title is usually in bold white font or light coloured font. Is also the largest font found on the screen. I will take into account the use of a large font to draw attention to the title and will imitate this in my work. • The information about filming is in small dull font at the bottom of the poster alongside the release date, which has larger and bolder font. I will try to replicate this in my own work to create a professional looking product. • The image is in the centre of the poster and is the main feature. This is an important aspect I will use in my own work to draw attention to the genre and the quality of my photography. • Dark colours are used. This is an important aspect to imitate as it represents the genre well. Although I will also be using the colour red in my work to represent blood shed and gore (Main features of a zombie film). • Characters on the images appear to be coming towards the audience. I will slightly imitate this by using images that are looking towards the centre of the camera. This is so I can replicate an intimidating and thought provoking image. • In three of the posters I analysed there appears to be a mergence of two images. One always showing the zombie characters. I will try to include this in my film poster to represent the characters effectively.

8. Poster templates Film title. Film quote/review Release date Information about film.

9. Film quote/review Film title Film release date Film information

10. Actors names Film title Quote Film release date Film information