Satya Darshini Penmetsa

Designing Narratives

How might we design film posters to be paratextual rather than promotional?


Project Abstract

Film posters serve as crucial mediators between audiences and the cinematic experience, shaping perceptions and expectations before viewers engage with the film. Despite their pivotal role, contemporary film posters often struggle to distinguish themselves from predecessors or competitors. This project attempts to address this issue by exploring how visual storytelling techniques within films can be translated into film posters, thereby enhancing their role as paratexts. Paratexts, as theorised by Gérard Genette, serve to supplement the main work while contributing to its overall meaning.

This research project explores various approaches to film poster design, with an emphasis on their capacity to captivate audiences and enrich the cinematic experience. Ultimately, 'Designing Narratives' is a project that aims to highlight the significance of film posters as integral components of the cinematic narrative.

Fig. 1 – The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) dir. Anthony Minghella

Fig. 2 – Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009) dir P.J.Hogan - Printed on receipt paper

Fig. 3 – Nope (2022) dir. Jordan Peele - Printed on Riso and digitally