Conventions of Horror film Posters

When analysing existing film posters I noticed that one of the key generic conventions featured in Horror film posters are that the main characters/character is featured on the poster, therefore projecting to the audience that they are the the main focus in the film and that the storyline will be based around them. The way in which the main characters are posing can be viewed as being very important in representing the genre of the poster, as it has come to my attention that on horror posters the characters are displayed in a very serious and perhaps mysterious way to deliberately represent the genre, this also gives off an ambigous tone to the public, therefore creating them to feel intrigued in the film. In many horror posters the characters are featured wearing normal, everyday clothes to create a naturalistic affect and verisimilitude therefore this has helped me in planning for my own horror film poster. In some cases the image is seen within the film, better known as still shots. An advantage of using these is that it immediately tells the audience that this location perhaps will be involved in the film frequently and possibly one of the most exciting parts in the film.

The title of the film beign the headline on the poster is also seen as very important in the success of the film itself, therefore apart from the main image this is the focus of the poster. In the three existing posters in which I have analysed I noticed that the title was featured underneath the main image, therefore not drawing attention away from the main image however creating a subtle effect. The colouring of the title's of horror films are usually in red or black, these two colours often have connatations being danger and importance.
Another convention of horror film posters is the use of featuring quotes from successful and well known magazines and newspapers with their opionions and ratings of the film, this can make the public trust the newspaper/magazine with its positive reviews and feedback, the low-budget however extremely successful hit horror film 'Paranormal Activity' used several quotes about the film, this can be seen as perhaps helping the film progress and draw in the audience it needs.
Another component which is often used is including famous actors who have starred in several hit films, this projects to the audience that the film is therefore good quality as it has hired in very talented actors and actresses.

At the bottom of the poster a website is presented so that the reader can access exclusive and extend the research and information about the film. Individuals involved in the making and processing of the film are displayed in a smaller font and text as they have the right to be featured! Further aspects which are frequently included are logos or aspects which have affected the film an example being the 'Restricted' logo which shows to the audience that this film is not suitable for under 18s, projecting that this film is possibly very frightening!