We've looked at some of the most effective film marketing materials out there – the promo posters that have been used on modern releases and older movies – and established some key elements that have contributed to their success. These aren't just commercial successes either – everything from smaller cult movies to huge blockbusters benefits from these 7 simple movie poster design elements. The most effective movie posters are iconic, presenting the themes in the film without resorting to flat out saying what it's about. When using icons and more abstract imagery doesn't work with your film – say, for example, it's a serious drama or a thriller that can't be explained with iconography – using an image that provides viewers with an idea of the story is a great idea. Since it's hard to offer insight for this type of story using icons and simple colors, a still from the film can work wonders. With film studios cranking out comic book adaptations at a rapid pace, it's the 'true fans' that end up last in the marketing line. Great film posters, particularly those for adaptations, use this dual appeal to enhance their advertising. It's made by one of the world's most celebrated and well-known film directors,yet it barely states his involvement on its promotional poster. Compare this type of promotional poster to the marketing materials used for films that draw appeal from the involvement of a certain actor. What separates these posters from their ineffective art-for-art's-sake rivals is that they're consistent with style, in both the movie's promotional materials and throughout the film itself. It's accurate too, using the same type of stylized imagery as the film itself. Here's the danger in getting too 'arty' and delicate with your film poster: it's eventually, after release and theater shows, going to be shrunk to a fraction of its original size for the DVD release. This means that your imagery, your titles, and your major points of interest need to be just as visible on a small DVD case as they are on a giant movie poster.
