Development of Film Posters

Over the last 10 years, the film poster has changed in a number of different ways. Mainly because of the increasing development of technology. It now means that posters are now having to become more visual to grab the attention of their target audience. This is because the use of the internet has changed and with films becoming more easily accessible through the use of itunes, Youtube and other downloading/film sites. Another reason is because people do not watch as much television or listen to the radio as much as they used to. Again, this is down to technology. More and more people are using social networking sites, such as Twitter, MySpace, Tumblr etc. It means that a new way of mainstream film promotion is going to be through the use of the social networking sites. So in terms of film posters, they are now having to become either more visually effective and in some cases quite straight to the point. But also trying to leave the audience with a possible idea as to what the film could be about. Which could help to generate a Word Of Mouth. One example the change in film posters in the development of the Sci-Fi film, Tron Legacy (released in 2010).





Tron Legacy Poster 2011

Tron Poster 1982

Both posters have the same iconic image, although the Tron Legacy version is more close-up. This is to show to the audience that there is going to be new characters. This also shows that the film is not going to be a re-make of the 1982 original. This is also shown through the name of the film. The 2010 film is called Tron Legacy. This suggests that the film is possible going to be another chapter added to the original film, as the word Legacy means something that has been handed down through the generations. Therefore it could suggest something about the characters and their roles within the film.

In comparison, to the 1982 poster, the Tron Legacy poster is more visual. This shows the change in technology.  Although, the fact that the 1982 poster has no background except for the 3 round circles that the two silhouettes appear to be standing on. It can be said that this is more effective as it immediately puts forward the 2 main characters. Although the audience have no more information about them. Another thing that differs the 2 posters from each other is the fact that the Tron Legacy poster does not have a Tagline. I think this is because it doesn't need one. The poster is already quite visual enough so I think that adding a Tagline would make the poster look too full/cluttered. The background of the Tron Legacy poster shows a few settings in the film. I think they have been added to try and attract the different audiences. The people who remember watching the film in 1982 and a new younger audience. The background would attract the older audience because the images can be used to show them how the difference in technology has changed the iconic settings. Whereas the younger audience can be attracted by the effects and use of color.

So in some ways the difference in technology has effected the change of the poster visually but also because of the fact that the Tron Legacy poster would not only be appealing to an younger audience but also an older audience so that they can experience a different way of the film.