Ancillary Task - Research Analysis - Part 1

For the film trailers I analysed I mainly stuck to action films as this is a genre that appeals to both myself and my team. For the ancillary task we will be making film posters for our own film trailer and so analysing and understanding already existing posters is important to learn techniques and gain ideas. I decided to analyse the film posters that go along side the trailers I analysed in the previous posts. My first analysis was for the film 'Edge of Tomorrow' (2014), when analysing these posters I will focus on the micro elements including the print, colour, layout, font size and the images used, etc.

By looking at the 'Edge of Tomorrow' poster I could pick out some key techniques used and analyse them to further my thoughts and knowledge on the techniques conveyed by the producers. As well as analysing the film posters I also decided to ask a couple of friends who have not seen the film to give a review on the poster so I could extend my knowledge on what viewers find appealing about the posters and what is seen as generic or unnecessary.

"The poster is a generic action film poster. The armour looks pretty cool on the characters. I recognised both Tom and Emily but the slogan sounds too cheesy and like the name of a song. It looks futuristic and is intriguing as to what they are wearing and what is going on. The vehicles in the sky are reminiscent of something from Star Wars which makes me worry it could be trying to copy that element. The poster makes me think the film will be generic and unoriginal and therefore does not entice me to watch the film enough". - Tom Cooper (A Level Student).

"The slogan/other name gives away a lot about the premise of the film and the character's armour looks very impressive. The background looks a bit convoluted and the characters look out of place as the background seems to present intense war while the characters appear to be relaxed and stood still at that time. However, the futuristic feel the poster gives off makes it seem like it will be an exciting action movie". - Adam Newton (A Level Student)

I thought the reviews were clear and concise and their was some clear concerns throughout about the film, mainly the tagline 'Live Die Repeat' which some labelled as cheesy or too much that it confuses viewers. I will remember the techniques used and these reviews when making our posters as it is an important stage of marketing when selling a film.