I am going to create a series of film posters and Instagram posts that will promote a coming-of-age movie about the challenges of a long-distance relationship. I want my poster to highlight the key ideas of youthful love and the hope and happiness it provides. However, turmoil and emotional distress will also be represented atmospherically. This poster will feature in The Gentlewoman magazine and targets the demographic of younger, aspiring women. 

My posters will portray two young protagonists involved in loving and silly poses. This clearly foregrounds feelings of love, tenderness, and bonding with idyllic settings (sand dunes beaches, Jersey landscape) further conveying the generic conventions of romance. I aim for feel-good elements of the movie to also be emphasized through the posters. Close-contact proxemics and intimate body language entice the audience yet also create a bittersweet effect as they learn what is to be lost. This introduces a theme of melancholy. The abundant use of bright and vibrant colors combined with trendy — but also timeless — dressing styles reflect The Gentlewoman magazine’s overall uplifting and empowering intentions. The posters’ use of star power will emphasise the popularity of the actors, musical collaborators, and director (through referencing her previous cinematic success). Additionally, my poster’s landscape displays a large mass of land with the sea in view, connoting the long-distance aspect of the movie.  

In terms of VALs, the potential audience for my film can be described as ‘seekers’ and ‘mainstreamers.’ The advertising campaigns will indicate how one of the main protagonists moves away to chase his dream of football. This appeals to ‘seekers’ who drive for individuality and self-discovery, and so will enjoy his solo adventure of pursuing his career. The theme of love throughout the film relates to mainstreamers’ life choices of ‘we’ rather than ‘me’. Their need for security is also provided through the protagonist’s relationship and blissful ending. My target audience is primarily young women; however, the promotional style of my film may also appeal to anyone who aspires to chase their dream. Especially for people who are scared to take the risk of such a large commitment, my film will inspire them to take that leap.  

According to the ‘Uses and Gratifications’ theory, my film posters overall aesthetic will provide many ways of audience engagement. Audiences will be provided with ‘diversion’ and ‘entertainment’ through the euphoric distraction of romance and self-discovery. The narrative will allow the audience to become immersed in the young couples’ love and drama as they navigate through the troubles of their relationship. They may also relate to ‘personal identity’ through the film’s sales campaign, perhaps if they share similar hobbies or are of the same age as the protagonists. Similarly, they could be living in a rural, small area which allows the audience to relate to the marketing literature. Lastly a ‘personal relationship’ may be established using the star power of Dean Lewis as a music supervisor. This appeals to his fans and provides them with a sense of familiarity and enjoyment. 

My posters and Instagram posts will follow some conventions of The Gentlewoman such as displaying inspirational women. In this case, the female protagonist of my film is aspirational due to her perseverance in challenging times and captivating love for her partner.