Poster Inspiration

For my auxiliary poster I researched other horror film posters, teasers and theatrical and took influence and inspiration from them and others in order to create mine. Despite not being finished as of now all I need to do is put on my new main image. The main poster I focused on when creating my poster was this one, 'One Missed Call' originally a Japanese film from 2003 with an American re-make in 2008. If you research horror posters, many of them look the same, or have the same general layout as the one pictured above. And when you compare this one to mine you can see the similarities, the credit block, main image, title and tag line.

The tagline 'WHAT WILL IT SOUND LIKE WHEN YOU DIE?' is suspenseful, it leaves you thinking what it means, and with my poster 'THE NIGHT IT CAME HOME' does the same thing, makes you question what it is and what it will do, enticing the audience. Also the main image I really liked, notice how around the hand and the face it seems to blend into the darkness as if it is coming out of the dark, hiding in the unknown. That's the image I tried to create with my poster, and it matches with the film. The 'antagonist' whatever it is, is never fully seen, it's always lurking in the shadows. It's a very unsettling poster. The round face, dark, dull wide smile and also by using two mouths as eyes creates a certain eeriness and makes you feel uncomfortable even just when looking at it. There are many other posts I took inspiration from such as 'Scream 4' and 'Mirrors'. But this one especially for it really does make me feel uncomfortable just looking at it. What makes it so good is how scary it is with no blood, gore or guts, just playing with your imagination and using simple techniques to scare the audience.

Scream 4 Poster Analysis

This is the teaser poster for Scream 4. One of the first things that stands out is the strapline situated at the top of the poster, "New Decade. New Rules" in bold red writing which stands out on the pitch black background. The red writing is there to signal blood and perhaps violence. We get a little peak into the plot with the strapline, as well as acknowledging the original 1997 film of the same name. So we know that the plot will be the return of ghostface to once again terrorize the local teenagers. Also the word "Rules" suggests that it is some sort of sick game the killer is going to play but it is different to the last time, maybe making viewers who liked the original come back and see it because there may be a twist in the plot. The bright image of ghostface heavily contrasts with the black background and grabs your attention immediately, with help from the slight shadow. Even if you're not familiar with the Scream series, the frightening mask lets you know that this is the antagonist, and also how the mask morphs into a knife at the bottom, suggesting that there will be death and the killer is wielding a knife. In the bottom right hand corner you can see the 'Dimension Films' logo, this is important for some people would be turned on or off by a production company, or they would have an idea of the kind of films that the company produce or create. The background is pitch black, which allows everything else on the poster to stand out clearly, emphasising everything else. Also it could represent the fear of the unknown, not knowing what to expect. And the mask on the black background could perhaps suggest the killer primarily stalks by night. The knife on the mask looks very clean and fresh, it has a glimmer at the bottom which implies that it hasn't been used it that it is new, relating to the series itself for it was the first film in over 8 years. The film title again, stands out heavily on the black background because of the big block bold capital letters, also the red and white colour scheme. The title itself suggests that there will be a lot of deaths and distress in the film, also the font itself is reminiscent of a knife, suggesting the antagonists weapon of choice. Also the number 4 replaces the letter 'A' stating that it is the 4th in the series, maybe making old viewers of the first film come back and watch it.

Title Font

I have been browsing different fonts for my title, the title on the film trailer and also the poster. The title font is always effective because usually you can tell the genre by the font, whether it be Sci-fi or horror.

1)

Font: YouMurderer

Site: http://www.fontspace.com/blambot/youmurderer-bb

2) 

Font: SomethingStrange

Site: http://www.fontspace.com/jonathan-s-harris/something-strange

3)

Font: VTCAllSkratchedUpOne

Site: 

http://www.fontspace.com/vigilante-typeface-corp/vtcallskratchedupone

These are the three font's that I have chosen as my final three, and the final font I have chosen is font one because I think it looks like it has been written with blood and has a very gritty, creepy look about it. Each font individually has things I like about it, for example font 1 looks like it has been splattered on the wall, make the font red and it would look like blood. Same with font two, but instead it looks like it is dripping down the wall.

Amityville Horror Poster Analysis

In order to have a successful magazine it is important to research other movie posters before I start mine, so I can get some idea and influence of what to include. Here I have chosen the 'Amityville Horror' teaser poster. Firstly look at the colours, red, grey, black and a mossy green glow about the house which suggests decay and in a way, impending doom. The title is written in sharp, piercing font in blood red which suggests blood, violence and pain. Also look at the 'Y', perhaps this implies dripping blood or maybe even a dagger. The title is god, it stands out and draws your attention, what a good title should do. The dimmed light also draws your attention to the person, which looks like a man, staggering towards the house (I say staggering by his body image, slouching and leaning) holding what looks like a gun so this suggests that there is a killer watching the house. And the tagline "Katch em & kill em" suggests some sort of supernatural being is involved also because of the way it seems to be scratched. It looks quite sharp, almost like a demonic child. Look at the two windows at the top of the house, they seem to be the only visible windows with lights on, they seem to look like yes which could suggest there is something wrong with the house itself. If you had watched the film or read the story (for it is based on a true story) you'd know that it is actually the house that is possessed and then takes hold of those who inhabit it.

The Strangers Poster Analysis

The first thing that stands out for me is the brick wall in the background, it clearly contrasts with the 3 antagonists and gives the impression that there is no escape for the people, especially seen as they are seated and the antagonists seem to be interrogating them. Also the string that is keeping them to the chair. The actors names are situated behind each of them in bright bold writing so it draws the audience attention. The strapline is situated at the top of the poster in block capital letters, written in a golden yellow colour that easily stands out against the brick wall behind. 'Because you were home.' Allows the audience a snippet of the plot, the people tied to the chair, the strapline and people in old fashioned clothes with masks. The posters itself makes me think of the word 'unknown', we're not quite sure what is going on. The antagonists are wearing masks which gives them an element of mystery but also an increased threat because you don't know who they are, and also how below the title it fades to black. Representing the unknown, not knowing what's going to happen next. Like the actors names, the title lies in the darkness directly below the two, perhaps protagonists. The glowing bold font stands out heavily from the black background and immediate catches your attention. The font seems to be glowing like a torch, representing they are stuck in the dark, not knowing whats going to happen. Looking at the three characters facing the two seated, we know that they are the antagonists and the two seated in front are the protagonists. Looking at the masks, the way the two are seated, and the rope surrounding them you can tell that there is some sort of home invasion. The way the anatagonists are standing looking down on the man and woman symbolises the shift in power, how they have no control even in there own home. The man seated seems to not want to look at them either, he has his head facing the floor and if you look all three antagonists are staring at the woman, suggesting she is perhaps the main role in the film or is the central character.

Scream Magazine Front Cover Analysis

The first thing that catches my eye, as it should, is the masthead 'SCREAM' in big bold block capitals, the bright white on the dark backdrop helps it stand out over anything else on the vibrant cover. Also the font used has a dripping effect, perhaps it is to represent dripping blood, like the masthead has been smeared on with blood. Usually the masthead font colour is red, again representing blood but this particular issue needed to make it white for it wouldn't have stood out from the background. The main image is horror icon 'Freddy Krueger' from the 1984 film 'A Nightmare on Elm Street', he is looking straight at the camera making direct address with the readers. Using this iconic character on the front cover would be good for marketing, many people know who he is, especially horror lovers and hopefully it would bring in more circulation and generate more interest. The main article font, like the masthead stands out, the messy gritty bold red text catches your eye straight away. 'ROBERT ENGLUND SPEAKS OUT' is smartly placed beneath the main article, Robert Englund is the actor who plays Freddy Krueger and by saying that he speaks out will generate interest from readers and fans for they will want to find out what he is speaking out about, it is a key marketing tool, make the reader question. Also his general look catches your eye, the burnt flesh and snarl he has on his face goes very well with the genre of the magazine and the rest of the cover. The slogan is situated above the masthead and it reads 'BLOOD, GUTS, GORE & MORE!' having it in capitals with a yellow box surrounding it helps it stand out from the rest of the colour scheme which is primarily black, white and red, the rhyming scheme used as well makes it a sort of catchy jingle that you will remember, very effective for it sticks in the readers head. Like any other magazine the sell lines are convenietly placed around the main article and main image, none of these titles are really mainstream horror films, when you compare them to the likes of 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' but despite being a international magazine it is not widely sold and is mainly sold in the US. Nevertheless it would still appeal to horror fans. The specific words use also are enticing to readers, 'BLOOD ON SATAN'S CLAW' cleverly picked to appeal to readers, even the font looks scratched and worn. The general colour scheme is dark at gritty, primarily consisting of black, white and red. The odd bit of yellow font or yellow backing helps articles stand out from the clustered look. There are so many things to look at that catch your eye on this cover, perhaps that represents the horror genre, everything jumping out at you, messy like the victims in a horror film. The red clearly representing blood and black is commonly associated with dark things, the evil side of life, the unknown.

Empire Magazine Front Cover Analysis

This is the front cover of Empire Magazine. Oddly enough, it isn't the masthead that I notice first it is the main article that reads 'INCEPTION' and placed above it the directors name, Christopher Nolan. This is perfect bait for readers for Inception was a box office hit getting nominated for multiple academy awards, and also the director Christopher Nolan is a critically acclaimed director. So this would entice readers, making them want to read this issue. The words used on the sub heading are wisely picked, they entice the reader. 'THE MATRIX MEETS 007 "ON STEROIDS!". The Matrix and 007 (James Bond) are both huge franchises that both received much critical acclaim, so saying that this film is better than the both would one, make the reader want to watch the film, and two read about it in this issue. "Steroids" is very effective for steroids makes you bigger and stronger, giving the impression that this film dwarves James Bond and the Matrix which is some feat. Behind the main article is the main image or the films protagonist played by actor Leonardo DiCaprio. He is not making direct dress with the audience, but instead looking away. His character looks calm and reserved, but at the same time an underlying menace. This gives the reader an insight into the film, one simple photo can reveal a lot about a characters nature and this certainly does. Also notice he is holding a gun in his right hand, this also lets the reader know before even knowing anything about the film there will be violence and perhaps death, add that with the suit and the determined look on his face it gives you the impression he is out for revenge or has an important job to do that involves killing someone. The EMPIRE masthead is in the same place as always, top and centre, big red block capitals. And despite being situated a little behind the main image it still stands out and grabs your attention.The main image covers the masthead and this is somewhat uncommon in magazines, but not in issues of empire, most of the time the main image partially covers the masthead and this is because with empire the main article and image dictates the whole front cover. Yes there is sell lines and cover lines placed around, but generally the whole front cover is based around the main article. For example look at the cover lines, 'TOY STORY 3' BATMAN 3', 'JONAH HEX' all of them seem to be going into the centre of the magazine, and the disorientated background with all of the buildings is visually appealing. And this is based off the film Inception. The basic idea is Inception is going into someones dream, multiple reality and universes so he cover is giving off the idea that it is in a way, 'going in'.

Total Film Front Cover Analysis

The first thing I notice when looking at the cover is the main article, in bold block capitals "THE ACTION ISSUE" this shows this particular issue will be based on action films where-as usually Total Film focuses on a wide range of films. This can be good and bad in two ways for marketing, one it could bring in a lot of circulation for action film fans but also people who are not interested in action films may turn away from this issue. The font used looks worn and gritty, reminiscent of an action film. Also 'ACTION' is in yellow making it stand out, enticing the reader. The main image shows actor 'Dwayne Johnson' in his role as the protagonist in San Andreas, a big budget Hollywood action film that was released at the time of this issue. Notice he is making direct address with the audience. He is well known for his acting career and also his role as 'The Rock' in WWE so he is a widely known figure bringing in readers. He's a good actor to have on the cover of a strictly 'Action' issue, for he's well known for his action roles and also his physique. Tall and muscular. But also look at the background, it shows a city which seems to be in ruins, and by putting Dwayne in front of that makes it seem as if he has conquered it and looks rather unscathed, telling us a lot about his character and also the film itself.  The masthead 'TOTAL FILM' is situated top and center like in every other issue, though sometimes the layout of it changes with 'TOTAL' not inside 'FILM'. The bold red block capital writing grabs the readers attention, even with the vibrant and clustered cover. Above that is the sell line, "THE FAST AND FURIOUS: UNDER THE HOOD" The Fast and Furious is a huge international film franchise with over 7 films. 'Under the Hood' is effective for people will want to know what goes on behind the scenes, also this is after the late Paul Walker died so fans and more dedicated fans would want to read up and see what it included about him. And it would also bring in a large fan base (Fast and Furious) to this issue. The cover line "FIRST LOOK, FANTASTIC 4, THE ORIGINAL MARVEL HERO'S" written in yellow and white font is also an important article that will help sell this issue, the Fantastic 4 is a huge superhero franchise from Marvel and the first 2004 film bombed at the box office so the newest film was eagerly awaited. And by saying 'First Look' will bring in readers because this is the first place they will be able to read about it. Specific words and phrases like that are important for you need to entice the reader and grab their attention to sell your product. The main colour scheme is yellow, red and white and this is only because these color's stand out well from the rest of the cover. Like Empire there is not necessarily a set colour scheme, the cover itself is usually based around the main article, in this case, 'San Andreas'. Along the bottom of the cover are sub-images and cover lines, showing "21 EXPLOSIVE ACTION FILMS" as this is an action issue, and the films featured are huge blockbusters like 'Spectre' and 'Mad Max: Fury Road', bringing in fans of those films and also action films in general, after all there are 21 more. This is effective marketing, saying there is '21' more, as if you're getting value for money and also the words picked, 'EXPLOSIVE' an action word, it jumps out at you and grabs your attention. Making the reader want to find out what these explosive films are.