The Essential Movie Poster Photography Checklist for Independent Filmmakers
Creating a downloadable checklist for on-set use for your photographer to capture the best images for your independent movie poster design. The Movie Poster Photography Checklist is a must-have on-set to insure the best possible asset creation for your movie poster marketing campaign.
7/6/20264 min read
Introduction
Creating a compelling movie poster is a crucial step in marketing your film. For independent filmmakers, it is often seen as an afterthought, leading to rushed decisions and unsatisfactory outcomes. A meticulously planned approach can make all the difference. In this post, we present a comprehensive movie poster checklist that will ensure you capture the best images of your primary actors on set.
When & Where
Have a dedicated corner or spot on-location to do some photography. Best place tends to be close to make-up station. Capture your actors from every angle fresh out of wardrobe and make-up so you have optimal images to work with. It doesn't need to be fancy. just a smooth bedsheet over metal poles will do, get some foam boards to cut down on shadows. capture every angle. be sure to get close-ups as well as full body. If possible get straight on angle but throw in some low angles and maybe shots of your actor looking up at camera with photographer on a ladder.
Final Thoughts
By prioritizing the quality and diversity of your movie poster images, you can significantly enhance your film's marketing appeal. Independent filmmakers often find themselves scrambling to put together promotional materials last minute, which can lead to inferior results. By using this movie poster checklist, you ensure that every detail is covered, allowing for a professional presentation that attracts viewers' attention. Remember, the first impression your film makes is often through its poster, so make it count!
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Creating a Downloadable Checklist
To streamline the process of capturing essential images, create a downloadable checklist to bring on set. This checklist should include:
A list of poses and shot angles
Actor's names
Wardrobe details
Makeup specifications
Notes on lighting setups
Relevant props to include in the shoot
This handy resource keeps you organized and ensures that no critical shots are overlooked during the hustle of filming.
Did I mention A list of poses and shot angles? Well it's worth mentioning again!
Key Elements to Capture on Set
When preparing for your movie poster shoot, consider the following essential elements:
Primary Actors: Make sure to photograph each of your leading actors in their complete wardrobe and hair and makeup. These portraits should reflect their characters' essence, showcasing their emotions and personality.
Diverse Angles: Capture each actor from multiple angles. This variety will provide you with numerous options to select the most captivating images for your movie poster.
Lighting: Pay close attention to lighting conditions during the shoot. Natural lighting can enhance the overall look, but also explore artificial lighting setups if required to maintain consistency and capture desired effects.
Props and Background: Incorporate relevant props and ensure the background complements the film’s theme. This adds context to the images, lending them depth and interest. Eg: Scary mask, Ouija board, basement door & stairs, psycho killer's truck. If it was important enough to include in your Storyboard, it needs to be photographed
Action Shots: In addition to posed portraits, consider capturing action shots of the actors in dynamic poses. These images can evoke energy and excitement, capturing the film's spirit.
Establishing Shots: Does your film have an important location? Does your villain have a secret lair in dirty, old abandon home, or maybe it's a trailer home, or a church, or a bar? Photograph it without any actors when on set. Get the best, optimal shots of that important prop. The location IS THE PROP. It is a storytelling icon and it needs to be on the poster. "It wouldn't be a Star Trek poster without the enterprise, and it wouldn't be Friday The 13th without Camp Crystal Lake Cabins and a hockey mask" Shoot it!
