Sam Rayner A2 Media Evaluation

Poster

The Conventions

Main ImageWe have used a conventional element of a poster which is a main

image. An image is one of the main aspects which attract an audience because of the denotations and the connotations it could

hold. Our main image is mainly linked to the look of the Shutter Island poster where the image of the island is seen down the

centre. We preferred this as it gives more of a focus, giving it more of an enigma.

Our main image is also conventional

as we have used our main focus

character which is also our killer. This

might be surprising for our audience if they see the trailer

and then see that he is the main focus

of the poster.

CreditsCredits and a release date are a conventional element of all posters. This doesn’t really have much of a connotation but just makes the product seem more professional. Our release date however has a hidden message as it’s actually the date after the suspected ‘end of the world’. This can cause some hype because audiences may wonder if they will actually be alive to see it. It’s actually a good promotional technique and would work well for some believers.

Main TitleThe title is always a main convention of a poster. It’s that identity that makes Contempt known. We have positioned very near the intersection points if we were to use the rule of thirds so that it stands out to the audience. The serif font we have used keeps to conventions of the genre as it is quite mysterious and gothic. Our font we used is the same style throughout which gives that running theme which the audience can use to identify Contempt with. It is conventionally big and bold as well.

Colour StyleThe dark colour style we have used is conventional to Mise-En-Scene elements. The dark and dull colours link to the genre as shadows would generally be used. These are also present in the trailer from when we look at the underpass scene right at the beginning. Using the same colours allows the audience to link the different types of media more effectively and to add to the overall dark feel Contempt has. We added some dark brushes around the main title as well which are linked with dark markings in the underpass scene as well.

Sam Rayner A2 Media Evaluation

The Rule of ThirdsThe rule of thirds is a very conventional design

technique used when creating a poster. The intersects show where the human eye’s are more likely to travel to and find the most impacting. We wanted to keep to

this but also challenge it in a way. We found the layout of the Shutter Island website is very focused down the centre but we liked how this gave a more

central focus on the island. The use of the flame above the island as well was positioned very similar to

how we wanted to position our street light so connecting all of this we positioned our main image

and main title on the lower intersects rather than directly on a right or left intersect. We still think this is

very impacting and we have kept to a similar design style of a professional media product in the same

genre. By placing this lower down it also adds to the

connotation that the main character is weak and

positioned on the floor.

Colour Use Even though our colours for our poster are quite dark and dull, we feel that it does have some bright elements to it where the street light is positioned. We have done this to give the sense that the character does have some hope and to also hint the fact that this character is actually the protagonist even thought from the trailer it seems that he could be the antagonist.

No real sense of lighter colours in the Eden Lake poster other than the title.