What are movie posters? An introduction.
Movie posters are produced by film studios to promote feature films. Cinemas currently screening the movie use oversized posters outside to attract customers, while smaller posters are placed outside each theatre. After the commercial run of the movie is over, movie posters are often reproduced for sale. Moreover the originals can become highly collectable.
Evolution of the movie poster genre
Early movie posters relied on the same advertising principles as stage productions of the time, often featuring a still from the film which represented the entire cast or a significant scene. Advertising copy was understated. But as more actors became household names and studios competed for business, movie posters often featured portraits of the lead performers. Movie posters from the 1930s and 1940s often included exciting advertising copy as well as featuring the stars.
By the 1950s, movie posters were recognized as a form of art in their own right. Low budget films would often use lurid images and exaggerated copy to build up anticipation. But eventually movie posters became more artistic in their approach, featuring a powerful image which sums up the underlying theme of the film. Movie stars continue to be featured prominently further fuelling the appeal of the posters as collector's items. Modern movie posters often become just as recognized as the films they promote.
Collecting movie posters is becoming a popular hobby. To display them properly thet need to be framed. Find out more about movie poster frames. |
