1. Conventions of a
documentary poster.
I have come across several websites and slide shares that tell
you the conventions of posters in general, however not
specifically the conventions of a documentary poster and so I
thought to create my own slide-share outlining what conventions
I have found. By Holly.
2. Conventions for a poster in general
To be eye-catching and captivating
Have a focal picture that will intrigue
Display a large, readable title
Suggestions/hints of film genre
Use of famous actors to further promote it
Attract a target audience
An evident tagline
Age certification
Coming soon or release date
The film’s website
Now onto conventions specific to a
documentary poster…
3. Poster’s Genre
An indication into the poster’s genre, either through
the image used (not wholly giving it away), text such
as in ‘Ever since the world ended’ writing ‘A post-
apocalyptic documentary’.
4. Quotes from review’s/documentary
Most of what is on a documentaries
poster is to entice/promote the film
and make the viewer want to see the
it. Quotes/Ratings from review’s and
quotes from the documentary itself
are no exception.
The Last Cigarette (1999)
5. Director’s name
The director’s name is often on the poster somewhere in a
noticeable size and font connoting their importance and
establishment. Michael Moore very conventionally features his
name on his posters which acts as his Brand Name and draws
more attention from the other names/producers on the page. It
is also so fans of Michael Moore’s others recognize his brand
and so go and see the documentary.
6. The documentaries awards
Their awards given by well-established
organisations/film festivals (i.e Sundance) and
institutes adds an impressiveness to the
poster, encouraging a viewer to go and see it (as it
was good enough for a prestigious award!).
7. Captions
A caption that creates enigma, sparks an interest or
entices the viewer into wanted to see the
documentary within revealing too much, sparking
their curiosity (human nature to be curious) thus
further peeking interest.
