analysis of the generic conventions of horror film posters

1. GENERIC CONVENTIONS OF HORROR FILM
POSTERS

2. Main Image:
Very dominant and
large image of either a
character or object
related to the film in the
middle on the poster.
Film Title:
Often appears in
large large font size
and is bold.
Tag Line:
A few words about the
film, is the same font
as the title but is much
smaller.
Credits: appear
at the bottom in a
small font size.
Cinema
Release Date:
The date the film will
be released for
audiences to view.

3. Main Image
The main image is key generic convention of a film poster and is one of the most significant conventions this is because it is the first
thing the audience will see. The main image usually consists of a character or object of importance from the film.
• If it is a character appearing on the front of the poster, it is usually the antagonist within the film, this creates will make the
audience feel scared however it will intrigue them. The use of mise en scene is very significant as it makes the antagonist look
not normal and to portray the character as being evil or scary. For instance the lighting in the poster images is usually very low as
it creates a sense of mystery and makes the character seem isolated from others and as though something isn’t right with them.
The use the dark lighting gives a sinister feel to the film so suggest menacing things will happen in the film which can intrigue the
audience more to find out what. The use of props can be used in the main image such as weapons as it insinuates danger is to
come making the audience feel fear and some will feel sympathy for the other character on the brunt end of the violence. Other
props can include objects from the film, for example The Conjuring has a doll these are usually significant objects that are
connected to the films storyline. Costume and make up are key parts to the use mise en scene in a poster. This is because they
create the characters look for instance often the antagonists is seen to be looking intimidating and scary through their costume
and make up.

4. Main Image
• Direct-mode-of address is commonly used within horror film posters through the image of the main character. Having the
character intensely look into the camera, the audience will feel drawn in and can create an unnerving and uncomfortable
atmosphere. Furthermore, by having the character give off direct-mode-of address it gives the impression the antagonist is
intimidating and threatening.
• The frequent shot types used in horror posters are medium shot, long shot and a medium close-up. The shot type depends on
how much wants to be revealed about the characters and each shot has a different effect.
- Long shots, could be used to show the antagonist from a distance so it does not reveal their full identity which will scare the
audience more because it is fear of the unknown as they will not know what or who to fear. However if a long shot is being used
to show the protagonist this could show they are isolated from society because of something evil or scary which could make the
audience feel sympathy.
- Medium shots or medium-close up shots may be used to show an antagonist looking very dominant and threatening. Also
through these shots you can see their mise en scene such as their make-up or mask so it is obvious they are a dangerous
character making the audience feel on edge and uncomfortable. These shots can be used to portray the protagonist as being
frightened as you can see their facial expressions clearly and their body language.

5. Credits and Cinema Release Date
• Credits will usually always appear at the bottom of
the poster, in very small font size. This is because
majority of people looking at the poster don’t bother to
read the small text, meaning they aren’t a significant
feature of the poster unlike the image and film title. If
people do take the time to read them the credits give
the audience additional information about the crew
and cast as well as information on the production,
distributors etc. who were involved in making the film.
Reading this additional information could encourage
people to watch the film, because they may recognise
an actor or director who they have seen involved in
previous films which they enjoyed.
• The Cinema Release Date is a very key convention to a film poster which is usually located at the bottom of the poster, underneath
all the credits however it is in a bigger then the credits as if they do not want to read the credits (which most people opt to do) they will
still notice the date. It also needs to be in a larger font at the release holds more significance particularly to the audience as oppose to
the credits as it tells the audience when the film will available to go and watch. The release date is more prominent font because it is
an important piece of information than the credits.
• What often film posters do is not reveal the actual finalised date of the film; instead they will put ‘Coming Soon’. Having this adds
anticipation and excitement fir those who want to go and watch the film. Furthermore because the audience will be waiting for a
release date, they may keep track of what’s happening with the film. For instance follow social media accounts or regular look at the
websites or look out for trailers.
• Below the release date is usually a website address, which allows the audience to find more information about the film. It also
promotes the film further.
• Also below the release date institutional logos can be found, which represent the companies involved in the making of the film. This
could make the audience intrigued to watch the film because they may have liked other films these companied have been involved
and so expect the same standard.

6. The Film Title
• The Film Title is one of the first things the audience is going to read as it’s the largest and most bold piece of text on the
poster; this is a very significant piece of information as the audience should know the name of the film if they want to go and
watch it or find out additional information about it.
• The font type should be bold in order for it to be eye-catching for the audience, also it is often related to the horror film in order
to keep in the theme and narrative also to make it easy for audiences to recognise and relate back to the film. For instance
Dead Silence has used quite a disfigured font type which signifies there is something distorted within the film such as
supernatural activity. In addition the Orphan and Lights Out font looks like children's hand writing which can tell the that the film
may involve a child in the storyline and could further suggest they are the main character in the film.
• The colour schemes often used in film titles and horror film posters is dark or morbid colours, often used to connote danger or
violence or even death for example black and red. Black is used to create a mysterious atmosphere, almost fear if the
unknown and what's lurking in the darkness which create a fear factor for the audience. Red is used to signify danger and
could connote blood making the film more intriguing as the audience knows violence and action will feature in the film.

7. Tagline
• A film poster tagline is usually the same font as the film title however
they are often a smaller font size and usually consist of a few words,
which is usually one line or sentence. It is kept short to keep the
attention of the audience, because if it was really long people would
lose interest in reading it. Also it becomes memorable as it is often
associate with the film.
• Having a tagline gives the audience subtle, little hints about what
involved in the film without giving too much away. Giving these slight
hints intrigues the audience more to want to watch the film to find out
more. Also taglines will often say ‘based on a true story’ or something
along those lines which will further intrigue the audience but also make
them more scared as it means it could happen to them.
• Taglines are often located just below the film title or at the top of the
poster. This is so its one of the first things the audience reads after
seeing the film title and main image.