This is a presentation on the analysis of horror posters, and what conventions they follow. I will also include an detailed analysis of a poster and a list of questions that help you analyze a poster.

Poster Conventions:

-Tag line

-Title

-Release Date

-Production company's/Logo’s

-Reviews

-Certification

-USP( actors& directors)

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USP:

Title:

Tag line:

Directors/Production company:

Certification:

Reviewer comments:

The USP for this poster is ‘The Awaking’ this is in white with a black background, this makes it stand out more, star names are used to promote the films. As this can attract fans of the actors ’star name's.

The title is in white this not only makes it stand out but the size of font as well.

The tag line highlights the main theme of the film.Suggests it about ghosts by “sometimes dead does not mean gone”

The reviewers comments are to promote the film. They do not give biases representation.I.e they would not have a bad review on there poster

The certification for this film is’15’ suggesting that It does not have a lot of blood and guts/

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What are the main colours used in the poster? What do they connote?

The main colours used in this poster ark black and blue,black is colour is associated danger, death, isolation. Whereas blue is a neutral l colour but also the association with water this could relate to the killers form of torture. This is also represent by the tank in the background

What symbols are used in the poster? Do you need audience foreknowledge to decode the symbols?

The ‘leather gloves’ symbolize with death and identity for example leather gloves are associated with them being used to cover up fingerprints in a murder.And the ‘mask’ show his trying to hide his is identity. Or maybe even a persona that the character associates with ‘the mask’ these symbols are linked to genre ‘horror’. Another symbol is the deformed women in the tank of water. This not only represents his power and an aspect of torture he uses. But also the position and action of him compared to her show who’s in controlWhat are the main

figure/objects/background are they represented photographically, graphically,or illustratively ?

The main objects as mentioned before are ‘the gloves’ and ‘mask’ also the woman in the background. The background represents isolation and separation. It is represented photographically and graphically as it uses Photoshop to convey power and control.

Are the main messages in the poster primarily visual, verbal,or both.

It is visual as it challenges its audience to decode the different meanings behind what is conveyed.

Who do you think is the intended audience for this movie.

I think that the intended audience is both males and females over 18 because of the certification.Also audience interested in the area or horror because of the USP ‘V VI VII VII’

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What genre conventions are referred to?

The Image if the man, also iconography and the tag line. All reference to the genre horror and allows the audience to identify the genre of the movie.

What are the USP used?

The writers of saw are a USP because it will entice fans of them and people who have seen these movies. Also represents what type of horror this is based on ( graphic horror) pervious by movies.

Are reviews and critiques quoted?

No.

What gratification are promised?

I think its diversion as it fictional and based on unlikely harpings. It used as a form of entertainment not to gain knowledge.

How is attention gained?

Attention is gained through the USP and the images.

How does the tag line work?

The tag line ‘Every great collectors have a vision.’ This entices the audience by the unknown of what the vision’ is.

Evaluation:

Overall I found this research into analyzing trailers and looking into the conventions of a horror trailer. And ways of convey emotions through colours, Also the use of iconography and how you can use this to convey narrative and meaning. Also what codes and conventions that need to feature in a poster,To insure that it promotes the film and conveys the narrative in enticing way.