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. The originals can become highly collectable and many people have a collection in special movie poster frames.
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 suggestive images and exaggerated copy to build up anticipation. Eventually, movie posters would become more artistic in their approach, featuring powerful images 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.
Collecting movie posters is becoming a popular hobby. To display them properly they would benefit from being put in frames. Find out more about our range of
movie poster frames.
Movie poster frames
Movie poster frames come in various styles. Bespoke frames with artistic mounts can be made to order by picture framers. As with most conventional picture frames, these are intended as a permanent display.
A popular off-the-shelf alternative is to use a snap poster frame. These frames are front-loading so the poster can be changed easily whenever required. Home movie enthusiasts can proudly display the appropriate cherished movie poster before a home screening of a classic film, enhancing the whole home cinema experience. They are also used for general home decoration and for commercial interiors.
Multi-size poster frames
Movie posters are produced in various dimensions, but there are two popular sizes which we cater for with off-the-shelf snap frames. Because there is some variation between US and European sizes one of our frames (nominally 27"x40") accepts more than one size. The standard finish for this frame is black powder coated aluminium.
For example the US One sheet measures 27 x 41in but is often reproduced in slightly smaller 27 x 39in and 27 x 40in variants.
The 30 x 40in size we stock suits British Quad size posters. These 30 x 40 snap frames are only stocked in silver anodised finish and do not come with an infill strip. As with all our snap frames they are supplied with an anti-glare poster protector sheet.
Frame border
Snap frames work by gripping the edge of the print under the spring loaded sides of the frame. The frame surround can easily be opened by hand, enabling rapid poster change without unscrewing the frame from the wall. The frame does, however, cover the edge of the poster. The 30mm (1¼in) wide profile we use on 27in x 41in size frames covers 10mm (less than ½in) of the poster which is not usually a problem. The 30in x 40in size frames with 45mm profiles cover 25mm (1in) of the poster on each side.
Care of your valuable assets
Note that standard PVC poster protectors are intended for economical protection of posters. They do not offer long term archival grade protection and should not be relied upon for extended display of valuable poster assets or fine art prints. Professional picture framers can offer advice about better (though probably dearer) solutions for front and rear protection of valuable prints.
