Ancillary product research: Film Posters

What is the purpose of a film poster?
Posters are a way of promoting a film. They often introduce people to the star system (cast) and use direct address frequently to engage the audience. They investigate with different camera angles. If there are multiple characters, one character (usually the protagonist or antagonist) is at the forefront of the poster to suggest their prominence in the narrative. Posters can often be seen in cinemas.
Posters usually have a theme which is in keeping with the narrative, and other promotional methods used.
Teaser posters such as the one below help to start the build up of hype surrounding a film. They give a limited amount of information surrounding the film, yet use graphics to give a feel of the film.
The one below possesses: 

• Focal image
• Title

X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) teaser poster

Conventions of main/full film posters:
These are usually for theatrical release. 

• Image - they usually have a focal image to hook the audience. This will have significance within the narrative. One large image is normally used because the posters doesn't need to be too busy or include minor details - this is unlikely to attract the audience.
• Titles - titles are nearly always included on a film poster - people need to know what film is being promoted. An exception to this would be if the film was so well renowned that you'd know what it was from an image, but this is seldom seen. The title is usually in a large font and bold typography to help the audience distinguish between the title and any other information. 
• Star system - the star system should be visible on the poster. If some of the cast or the director is well known , film posters often emphasise the star system. Cast and directors can be one of the main reasons why people see a film. Independent films with smaller budgets often cannot afford well known cast, so they do not put as much emphasis on this aspect as it does not mean as much to the audience.
• Awards and accolades- linked to the star system . Any significant accolades that the cast and directors  have been given are often included , as it shows they are competent and skilled in their area. 
• Views of others- the views of critics and others will appear on the poster, if they are positive. This could be through ratings (usually four/five star ratings), quotes or recommendations. 
• Nominations/awards- similar to cast and director awards , any nominations the film has received will be included as it demonstrates to the audience that the film is noteworthy. Therefore they should go an see it.
• Tag line- a tag line or slogan will often accompany the image to offer a summary of the film and create more impact. This also encapsulates the mood of the film, which often conforms to the genre .
• Release Date and other information- a poster will often indicate the release date of the film, so that the audience know when to go and see it. It may say a month and year, or simply 'coming soon ' to build up anticipation. The other information will include the rating/certificate of the film, so that those going to see it would know for whom it is appropriate.
• Institutions- the companies involved in making the film will be mentioned as it gives them more publicity, generating more revenue.

Into the Woods main theatrical release poster (2014)

The poster above conforms to the following conventions:

• Image
• Star System
• Indication of release date
• Title
• Institution 
• Tag/Strap line
• Rating
• Names of those involved in production of film

Decision
I have decided to make a main theatrical release poster as it will be a bigger platform for me to be creative and allow me to demonstrate more skill.

X Men: Days of Future Past Poster image can be accessed at: http://screenrant.com/x-men-days-future-past-posters/
Into the Woods Main Theatrical Release Poster can be accessed at:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2180411/mediaviewer/rm2952643584