Movie Ads Use Pictures, Too

The always informative Bill Cunningham posted a great comment about yesterday's post concerning movie titles. He makes the great point that the title should lead people to the tagline, and...

Did I mention you should have already hooked them with the artwork?

So what makes a good movie poster?

Turning to the internet, I came across Internet Movie Poster Awards, a wonderful site that features the best and worst of studio movie posters. Each past year is available (back to 1999) separated into several categories (best, worst, funniest, creepiest) backed up by explanations supporting their conclusions! Very informative. Tagline awards are also given so you writers won't feel left out.

It's probably a good idea to hire an artist for this one, but this website is a great repository of images that you could draw from for your own work and mood you want to create. Check it out!

P.S. I'll be out of town until Wednesday of next week, unsure of whether or not I'll have internet access. So if you don't see a post until then--don't fret! Film Flap will return Wednesday morning.

Comments

Cunningham said…
I encourage people to hire pros when it comes to creating compelling key art. It is part art, part science in coming up with that one compelling image that sums up everything your movie is about.

I work with a great company creating all of the key art and marketing materials for several home entertainment companies. The one piece of advice I would give any filmmaker is to have a digital camera on set at all times and shoot TONS (at least 500)of pictures which will be used to sell your movie. Make sure they are well lit, well-composed, and if you have the means - invite your key artist to the set to make recommendations on how to shoot certain elements required for his job. Always have a clause in your actors contracts for a day of publicity stills...you will need them.
Scott Eggleston said…
Great advice as usual, Bill. What do you recommend for the microbudget folk who don't have the moola for a key artist?