Short Film Postcard Analysis

After analysing posters of films, we consulted with producers from the short film industry who advised we replace conventional film posters with postcards. This was because it is more direct marketing strategy for what we are doing. Miss Becky Knapp has presented us with some postcard examples which I have analysed the backs and the fronts of.

Postcard 1: The Hero's Journey
Front:
From first glances at this postcard I would connote it as a film poster. This is because it has similar features including the big title, the quote from the film, and the many credits at the bottom. However, because the film is funded by the Lottery, you know it is a short film.

I am a fan of this postcard front as it brings together Titles styles and rough 'ancient' looking edges as from Indiana Jones together with the boy dressed like a Jedi from Star Wars with his lightsaber. Bearing this in mind alongside the title 'The Hero's Journey'; it potentially signifies what could happen within the plot - A youthful boy going through an imagined journey which film star heroes have been through.

Back:
The back of the postcard fits the generic conventions of the back of a postcard with it's place to put a stamp and logos/writing at the bottom. Where the logo's and writing are on this postcard may be where the credits to the photo on the front of a generic postcard may go. I also like how the boys face has been made into the place where the stamp goes. On the back of my poster, I will consider putting a photo of Leon's beaten up face where the stamp should go.

Postcard 2: Smashing

Front:
Similarly to the first postcard, this also has conventions similar to those of a generic Blockbuster film poster, such as the large title. However, this postcard appears more simplistic and more fitting of the short film with a smaller budget. This is apparent through the slightly rough editing of what looks to be an effect 'smashed glass'. Similarly to the first postcard, it only has one protagonist on the poster.

When designing my postcards, I like the use of a white title with a thin black outline - it appears simple yet effectively stands out. This I would also use against the large amount of credits on the first postcard, as they are not all overly relevant enough to present on the front design.

Back:

This postcard back, unlike the first postcard, breaks all conventions placed with the generic back of a postcard. The back of this postcard keeps with the dark theme of the front, using the same colours and styles of fonts. It also has all it's credits, also including a number in which anyone interesting in the short film can call for more information.

Like this postcard, I will also have the credits for our short film on the back, however, will try to lay it out with a more conventional postcard look.

Postcard 3: Divine

Front:

Although this postcard has conventions potential of a generic film poster, it appears over simplified due to the lack of any major editing. It uses simple childish fonts which tie in with the image the children. The contrast of black and white also plays of significance on this postcard; fitting in with the title 'Divine', the white stands out connoting great innocence and potentially 'angels'.

When designing my postcard, I will use this design to try and make it not over simplified. However, I like how there is a use of slogan along with the title, as it adds to the audiences understanding of what the short film will be about.

Back:

When imagining the back for a film postcard, this is how I imagined it to be, with a place to stamp and a line separating where you'd play your address from your letter. This back is simple yet effective, it has the title of the film (in the same font as on the front), credits (including credits to the designer of the postcard) and a logo for 'Scottish Screen' who funded the project.

When creating my film postard's back, I would like it to be similar to this, with credits and all major details on the back however keeping the traditional style of a postcard.