Pick a Poster for My Short Film

Chris Messineo

Chris Messineo

Veteran
We are nearing the end of post-production on my short film, "The Aggie".

We have a graphic artist who has put together a bunch of rough ideas for the poster.

Here are our two favorites so far:

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If you want to know more about the film or read the script you can go to our website at: http://www.OffStageFilms.com

I'm looking forward to your feedback,

Chris
 
Re: Pick a Poster for My Short Film

I like the first sketch, but if you have a ceiling fan (Is that what you have?) in the background out of focus , it will give you better dimension. Really nice graphic look.

Ecoloco
 
Re: Pick a Poster for My Short Film

her am me feedback

i like the bottom  one better . the composition of the top one divides the image, and makes it appear like 2 separate images. it took me a sec to realize it was one image  looking up from under the table.     the bottom image could stand to have the aggie and table enlarged just a little , or pulled into the image a little more at the same size if posible so theres less negative space in the image, and the main concept of the image would be more prominet and draw the eye a little more. ..also beefing up the title a little would help.. beefing up bottom text on the 2nd one and making it black would draw the eye throughout the image a little more ;)
 
Re: Pick a Poster for My Short Film

No competition--the second is much better.  The first image is very static with the frame divided neatly in two and the "submerged" centered marble.  The second layout is dynamic with the off-center, precariously balancing marble.  The composition looks good and creates some tension in the frame.  You can play around with the font layout, but the image is gold.
 
Re: Pick a Poster for My Short Film

The first one leads your eye better from point to point. HOWEVER, it is very hard to tell that the marble is a marble.

In your second image, it is clear that the marble is a marble. This is a good thing. The problem with the design is that it is too heavy to the right. I would try putting your type on the left side to balance the design better.
 
Re: Pick a Poster for My Short Film

I'll give you the more 'touchy-feely' opinion. I like them both but emotionally the first seemed to give me a sort of 'mystery' feeling, like the 'ball' is hiding, or ellusive. The second gave me a more 'suspensful' feeling. It's right there, just about to drop- kind of thing. Both are cool, if I had to choose-

I wouldn't, that's your job :)
 
Re: Pick a Poster for My Short Film

the second...feels tense man. composition is great. like that damn marble is about to go...and then its going to be crazy and sheeet, cause that frickin marble is going to be bouncing EVERYWHERE.

the top one feels like the marble is hiding, like its a coward marble, with not much self respect. like maybe it gets beat down by the other marbles. i agree it feels like 2 images. when i first loaded the page it felt like 3 images where to be chosen from.

i like the second one...very nice.
 
Re: Pick a Poster for My Short Film

Hi again. Just read the script. Very charming, tight and poignant...Sure wish there was more of the little girl at the end, especially after knowing her intention to return the next day...

But a very nice story none-the-less.
 
Re: Pick a Poster for My Short Film

I like the second one better, but it would be nice if you could cheat the ball more towards the edge and place the desk a tiny bit closer towards center. I don't mind that the picture is weighted to the right, but I'd try moving the text maybe to the top left of frame to see if that balances the composition a bit...maybe makes the picture a little more stark.

For me, neither picture really gives the impression that the marble could drop, but the second one could get a slight boost in visual tension if the marble were closer to the tables edge.

Maybe you could try perching the title above the subtitle in a fasion similar to the way the marble sits on the table, perhaps canted at a slight angle to hint at the imbalance or tentative feeling of the marble.

Either way, it's good so far.
 
Re: Pick a Poster for My Short Film

The second image is my choice. Visually it is more appealing than the first. The empty space to the left and below along with the marble perched on the edge give me the impression that the marble is ready to jump/fall.

The first divides the image in half and forms a strange imbalance. A possible change would be to move the marble and table downward so that there is more "sky" visible. Visually that would help but it would reduce the perched feel of the marble.
 
Re: Pick a Poster for My Short Film

Wow, amazing feedback so far!

When we started this process our graphics guy created over a dozen rough designs. We have narrowed it down to these two.

As I read your feedback, I feel more confused than ever. :)

I'm curious, can you read the tag line (it says "because it never moves"). I wonder if the tagline is more or less effective with either design.

We are not looking to create some literal scene from the movie as much as we simply want to put together a compelling and dramatic poster.

Chris
 
Re: Pick a Poster for My Short Film

Here's my $0.02. The second poster, if the marble wasn't cut off at the edge of the frame... I think it would give more of a sense of stubbornness and stillness. With the marble cut off, it's almost as if you're suggesting to the viewer that the interest should continue towards the left, thus perhaps hinting subconciously that the marble is about to drop.

It's almost as if you've caught the scene in a segment of a pan. With the marble not entirely in frame, perhaps the viewer is lead to believe that this scene would continue with the marble falling and the camera following.

I think that if the marble was in full view, closer to center with perhaps a bit more space above, it might give more of an impression of stability.

Of course, I could just be way over thinking it at your suggestion. I really like the second poster as it is, although I think I'd move the title somewhere else in the frame.
 
Re: Pick a Poster for My Short Film

I like the second one MUCH better. Although many have made suggestions to try to balance it out, that isn't required to have a good design. Not everything is balanced, in fact, unbalancing an image simply gives it a different feel.

I would say though that a dark shape is needed in the top left of the image. I like the text where it is and don't think it should be moved, although the font size could be boosted a bit. I like how it's right at the edge of the table ready to catch the marble. It creates a visual movement because a person's eyes go straight to text on any image. They read the text which leads up to the marble, I wouldn't move the text. There is far too much white at the top of the image though. White is a very stark and bright colour. The amount of it in the negative space in the top left is distracting from the focal points of the image. The top left needs to be darkened in some fashion to eliminate the brightness of the white.

The font choice in the second one is better as well. Boosting the size of it in the second one will also center it more preventing that off kilter feeling of uneasiness. This happens much more with text and will turn your viewer off because something won't seem quite right. With the picture of the marble and the overall style of the poster, you don't want this feeling. It's one much more reserved for a horror film. In this poster it ends up just seeming off. Increasing the font size and keeping it flush against the side of the table will keep position, but center it...

Overall I really REALLY like the second one...
 
Re: Pick a Poster for My Short Film

Chris,
I like the second option best. It has more depth and danger about it. I did both but if I had my druthers, I'd opt for #2. Can't wait to see the finished cut.
-tony
 
Re: Pick a Poster for My Short Film

I like the second one a lot, I'd buy one!

Hey, I remember seeing your website before, and I just read the script. I was just wondering what your plans are with this short? Festivals and such?

Also, How many people are in your crew?

Thanks
 
Re: Pick a Poster for My Short Film

Thanks for all of the tremendous feedback. All of your thoughtful answers were a huge help in making our selection.

We have decided to go with the second poster and should have a final version done next week. As soon as we do I will post it here for all of you to see.

Chris

Phil, our plans our definitely to bring it to about a dozen film festivals and hopefully use it to help raise some money for our next project.
 
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