Codes and Conventions

Sci-Fi and Horror

Sci-Fi
● Group shot of main characters
● Some shade of blue, red or purple
● Indicates where the show might be set/take
place
● Big, bold titles in fonts that match the show
● Taglines
● Dates and channels/streaming service of
when/where they are going to be broadcast
● Characters on posters are all serious
● Low-key lighting creates shadows and
dramatic/dark atmosphere
● Title font is unique and won’t be anywhere
else on the page
● Direct address
● Pathetic fallacy
● Image is attractive
Horror
● Mostly red, black, and white colour schemes
● Red represents blood / gore, black has death-like
innuendos, white (usually contrasted with red)
represents purity being ruined or destroyed / ominous
nature
● If there are people in the features they are often pale,
representing fear or giving them a ghost-like
appearance
● Usually have blank or solemn expressions, again to add
an ominous touch to the poster, emphasise that it’s
creepy or scary
● Title doesn’t cover the main image, it frames it
● The images have been heavily edited
● Title is always the biggest text
● Low key lighting
● Big names in credit block
● Text will contrast and stand out from background
Summary

As we can see, the codes and conventions of both sci-fi and horror posters are
mainly the same with the exception of the aesthetic of the advert. The style of text
and mise-en-scene will generally always fit the genre.
Sci-Fi Poster
The tagline ‘One summer can
change everything’ intrigues the
audience and creates an enigma
to make them watch the show.
The fact that all the characters are
on the poster shows the audience
the main characters and any new
characters that might appear this
season. Direct address is also used
to draw in the audience.
The dark, low-key lighting creates a
dramatic atmosphere and makes
the poster more attractive and
appealing, especially with the
contrasting bright colours of neon
lights and fireworks.
The three circled areas give
suggestions to where the season is
going to be set and key areas in
the show.
The title font is significant and
unique to the show which would
be easily recognisable to fans.
The date is made clear at the
bottom of the poster in white,
contrasting, bold font. This tells the
audience when the season is
being released. This could also
suggest the season is set around
the American Independence Day
with the release date and the
fireworks which are always seen
on the 4th of July
Horror Poster
Typical horror colour scheme
of red, white and black is used
to represent the genre of the
show/season.
The title font is unique to the
show and recognisable by
the fans
The tagline ‘Make Your
Reservation Now’, the title
and the bed on the poster tell
the audience where the
season is going to be set.
The credit block on the poster tells
the audience which actors are in this
season as well as any new or big
actors such as Lady Gaga.
Direct address is used to
give the poster a creepy,
sinister feel as the character
is looking right at the
audience.
The way in which the
gloved hand is highlighted
and emphasised in the
poster suggests that it
might be of importance in
the season.