Composition of film postersAncillary Research Task 3

The Rule of Thirds

• The rule of thirds is a classic gird layout. The rule states that the image is split into nine equal parts using equally space horizontal lines and equally spaced vertical lines. The four points where these lines intersect should be the main focal points of the film poster – or the boxes formed can be a grid for your main focal elements or images.

The Circular Layout

• This layout is used to create a main focal point for elements in the centre of the poster, often in a circle or oval. This rule sometimes mimics the shape of the elements and takes the viewers eye around the picture.

Z Layouts

• This layout focuses on the main elements of the poster (the film name, stars involved as well as the image. Conventionally the titles are put towards the bottom of the page, with the star names appearing at the top, and the main image in the middle between them both. This layout leads the eye down the poster in a ‘Z’ sequence.

Vanishing Points

A point where two receding parallel seem to meet when represented in a linear fashion. This creates a focal point for a specific element in the poster – helping to fine important elements.