Codes and Conventions of a Psychological Horror Poster
Evaluation, Question one - Poster
1. In what ways does you media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products? By Rachael Allen
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5. Sorority Row As shown, there are three different versions of the sorority row poster available. The variation in style may be due to the situating of the poster. The font and sizing of the films title is predominately much larger than the rest of the text used, and in a completely different font; this ensures that it stands out and is as eye catching as possible. The red used within the title helps to support the idea that the film is a horror, and that although the poster is portraying very feminine girls that it is going to have a much deeper and more hidden meaning. At the bottom section of all three posters, the actors names, director and distribution company is all listed. Like mentioned before, if high in demand and popular stars are listed this will help to entice and interest the audience. A release date is included within the posters, alongside a short and snappy tag line/ unique selling point; this helps to make the film feel unique, and persuade the audience to go and watch it.
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7. The Ring Importance cast, actors, director and distribution company names. Large dominant title, in the centre of the frame. Unique font used, and remained colour theme throughout. No characters are included which emphasises the mystery and sense of unknowing. Tag line/unique selling point that is quick and direct. Implies a deeper hidden meaning, as it doesn’t provide too much information regarding the film. Dull and lifeless coloured background that helps to support the idea of lifelessness and motionlessness; implying the idea of a horror film.
8. Conventions of my poster Quote, this adds to the attraction of the film. My character takes up so much of the frame that it is hard to distinguish her surrounding and whereabouts; thus again adding to the sense of unknowing and mystery. Dominant image which it situated across the whole frame. This helps to identify that the film is a horror. Tag line/unique selling point. Provides the audience with some sort of preview without giving away too much of the film. Release date; acts as information for the audience. Certification logo, actors names and distribution company. All helps to promote the stars and films attraction.
12. Design and layout Within my poster, I feel that predominately I have adhered to the typical conventions otherwise used within real media products in regards to my layout and design. For example, I have used a large dominant image which is situated across the entire frame of the poster; I feel this in particular is conventional as in a large majority of popular film posters this idea has been implemented. In regards to the choice of my image, I feel this again is also conventional as due to the focal point of the image being just off the centre of the frame it allows for it to be extremely eye catching as well as allow for the audience to clearly acknowledge it without having to look too closely.
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16. Rule of 3rds? I feel that my poster has in a sense without me purposely meaning to included some elements of rule of thirds; this is because, my point of interest (being her eyes) has been situated about 1/3 of the way down the frame rather than being directly in the centre. By doing so it has acted as a reference point for the audience, and in a sense allowed the emphasis on her eyes to really be exaggerated. This is also similar with the title, as it is slightly lower than the centre. I feel that this has allowed for my poster to be divided into sections, which has allowed for it to be easily understood and more noticeable, without appearing too overcrowded and messy. Typically, rule of thirds is divided into nine equal sections, however I feel that due to the layout of my poster I have only been able to include three or four sections.