Film Poster Composition

Shannon Doyle

Rule of Thirds

http://web.simmons.edu/~benoit/lis470/readings/Poster%20Composition.pdf

Rule of thirds is a common technique used within all types of publication. This is a method whereby important aspects or elements of an image are to

be placed in a particular area.It is most often used to not only create a more

aesthetically pleasing image, but to also allow your eyes to be drawn to the most important visual

aspects. It also allows for more ease when creating

publications such as the film poster to the left, for you have a ‘scale’ in which you can determine what

needs more prominence or insignificance.Such as in the right example, Depp’s character has been made of a larger scale and been placed in the

top most area of the grid- while Bloom and Knightley’s characters are placed to either side of

him and in the centre level; suggesting significance but less so in comparison.

The Z Layout

The Z layout is another commonly used technique amongst many publications.

This is due to it being created to follow the eyes natural pathway; in the sense that you will begin in

the top left of a page, before going to the right, down to the left before finishing in the bottom right corner.This is hence the reason why many publications will include significant details (such as a company logo) in the bottom right corner- for it is the last thing you

would see.In terms of posters, they will often include a title or other significant information at the top of the page

for it is the first thing you notice. Whilst placing other information (such as specifically a credit block) which

is perhaps less significant at the bottom.

http://studio2.rageyart.com/08_poster/06_layout.html

This is a technique more commonly used within photography, however it is also used in particular

publications.This technique is one where the focal point of an

image is receding before (in some cases) completely disappearing. It is often used due to

how this subconsciously creates your eye to travel to a specific point in the image and therefore if

you place the most important aspect in the vanishing point the viewer will immediately be

drawn to the important element.For example the image on the right has the

vanishing point of the buildings behind the actor and thus you will subconsciously be drawn to the

centre of the image where the actor has been placed.

Vanishing Point

Those were 2 of the most common and consistent techniques used to create a more aesthetically pleasing and effective layout for a

poster. In my own piece rule of thirds is most definitely a technique that I

will use- for it is essential that a piece doesn’t just look professional; but it must also ensure that the audiences eyes are drawn to the

most important elements.While the Z layout is perhaps something that I may look at further, for this would also allow for a composition that flows well for the

audience and they would be able to see everything important more subconsciously.

Vanishing point is probably a technique less suitable for my film poster and more suitable perhaps for the actual key image used in

the background. This is due to how although it creates an interesting and effective visual, it does not serve as much of a place in the

composition of a poster.

Production Layout