Conventions of a

documentary poster.I have come across several websites and slide shares that tell

you the conventions of posters in general, however not specifically the conventions of a documentary poster and so I

thought to create my own slide-share outlining what conventions I have found. By Holly.

To be eye-catching and captivatingHave a focal picture that will intrigueDisplay a large, readable titleSuggestions/hints of film genreUse of famous actors to further promote itAttract a target audienceAn evident taglineAge certificationComing soon or release dateThe film’s website

Now onto conventions specific to a documentary poster…

Conventions for a poster in general

An indication into the poster’s genre, either through the image used (not wholly giving it away), text such as in ‘Ever since the world ended’ writing ‘A post-apocalyptic documentary’.

Poster’s Genre

Most of what is on a documentaries poster is to entice/promote the film and make the viewer want to see the it. Quotes/Ratings from review’s and quotes from the documentary itself are no exception.

The Last Cigarette (1999)

Quotes from review’s/documentary

The director’s name is often on the poster somewhere in a noticeable size and font connoting their importance and establishment. Michael Moore very conventionally features his name on his posters which acts as his Brand Name and draws more attention from the other names/producers on the page. It is also so fans of Michael Moore’s others recognize his brand and so go and see the documentary.

Director’s name

Their awards given by well-established organisations/film festivals (i.e Sundance) and institutes adds an impressiveness to the poster, encouraging a viewer to go and see it (as it was good enough for a prestigious award!).

The documentaries awards

A caption that creates enigma, sparks an interest or entices the viewer into wanted to see the documentary within revealing too much, sparking their curiosity (human nature to be curious) thus further peeking interest.

Captions