Capturing the Essence: Creating Your Film Poster on Set
The marketing of your independent film begins on set. How good photography makes for a great film poster. Tips, tricks, do's and don'ts. Best practice for capturing the best photography to help create a stunning independent film poster.
7/2/19203 min read
The Importance of On-Set Photography
When it comes to film marketing, creating a compelling film poster begins far before the editing room. In fact, the best images for your movie poster can often be taken directly on set. By photographing your actors in wardrobe and in character, you can capture the essence of your film, ensuring that your promotional materials resonate with the intended audience. Creating your film poster using screen shots is less than ideal. Images can be blurry and crop wrong. Film is a horizontal format while movie posters are a vertical format. Creating a poster from scene captures is like "the tail wagging the dog"
Photographing Actors in Wardrobe
One of the first steps in creating an eye-catching film poster is to take high-quality photographs of your actors in their costumes. This process not only showcases the design and creativity involved in your film but also helps to establish the visual tone.
Be sure to utilize lighting that complements your film's aesthetic—soft, natural light is often ideal for character-focused shots. Furthermore, make the actors feel comfortable, so their performances shine through, capturing genuine emotions and expressions that will draw viewers in.
Capturing Actors in Character
Once the actors are dressed as their characters, it’s time to capture them in action. This entails setting up scenes that showcase key moments or characteristics of the role. The vibrancy of the captured images can make a huge difference in your poster.
Encourage the actors to embody their characters fully; directing them to exhibit specific emotions at different angles can create dynamic visuals for promotional use. It’s also essential that these images reflect a moment from the film’s narrative, providing context to the audience while encouraging interest.
Remember: These photographs are not for Instagram, they are for a poster. Eye contact with the camera is sometimes beneficial. Actors should be in character: Meaning that if your actress is the "final girl" she should pose as a boss, as a hero, maybe suspicious, maybe frightened SHE SHOULD NOT BE MAKING A DUCK FACE or KISSY FACE. They are not modeling, that are IN CHARACTER
The Marketing Mindset: Shooting for Your Poster
Marketing your film should never be an afterthought—it starts during shooting. Integrate poster concepts early in the production process. Consider framing your shots with future marketing needs in mind. While you're filming, remember that moments captured on set can serve both artistic and promotional purposes.
This dual approach ensures that you're not only creating a film but also developing a cohesive marketing strategy simultaneously. The synergy between film creation and marketing enhances the impact of both, and the images will be more polished and effective.
Conclusion: Elevating Your Film with Thoughtful Photography
In conclusion, creating your film poster is a process that starts on set. The thoughtful photography of your actors in wardrobe and in character will yield the most authentic and engaging images. By keeping marketing in mind during production, you can elevate your film’s appeal through striking visual storytelling. Capture these moments, and empower your film's promotional journey with intentionality and creativity.
Photograph your actors on a clean background with good lighting. Do a combination of closeups, and full body. Facing forward, profile and everything in-between. Images should be dynamic. Establishing shots are also important. If your film takes place at a gas station in the desert, Photograph your set without people and give a great background image. Photograph important props.
WE DO NOT NEED: Cast and crew laughing, BTS of crew, those can be for your scrapbook, but not for your poster. DO get a photograph of director, that is great for social media and marketing the film.
