FILM POSTER & GRAPHIC DESIGN

UNIT 1 – Fundamentals of Graphic Design & Film Poster Design

Theory Module

1. Introduction to graphic design
2. Principles and elements of design
3. Composition and visual hierarchy
4. Balance, contrast and alignment
5. Understanding film poster design
6. Poster formats and dimensions
7. Colour theory and colour psychology
8. Typography fundamentals
9. Image selection and visual storytelling
10. Introduction to professional design workflow

Practical Module – Step by Step

1. Set up a professional graphic design workspace
2. Create a new poster document
3. Select the appropriate poster size
4. Import and organize images
5. Create a basic composition
6. Apply design principles
7. Select suitable colours
8. Arrange images and graphic elements
9. Add a basic title and typography
10. Create a simple film poster layout

UNIT 2 – Image Editing, Photo Manipulation & Creative Composition

Theory Module

1. Digital image fundamentals
2. Raster and vector graphics
3. Image resolution and quality
4. Layers and layer management
5. Selection and masking techniques
6. Background removal
7. Photo manipulation concepts
8. Blending and compositing
9. Lighting and shadow integration
10. Creating realistic visual compositions

Practical Module – Step by Step

1. Import high-quality images
2. Create and organize layers
3. Remove image backgrounds
4. Crop and resize images
5. Combine multiple photographs
6. Apply masks and selections
7. Blend images together
8. Create realistic shadows and highlights
9. Adjust brightness, contrast and colour
10. Create a cinematic photo-manipulation composition

UNIT 3 – Typography, Colour & Film Poster Layout

Theory Module

1. Typography principles
2. Font selection and pairing
3. Title design for films
4. Hierarchy of text elements
5. Colour combinations
6. Colour psychology in movie posters
7. Cinematic colour palettes
8. Layout and grid systems
9. Credits and supporting information
10. Creating visual impact through typography and colour

Practical Module – Step by Step

1. Select appropriate fonts
2. Create a film title
3. Experiment with typography styles
4. Create text hierarchy
5. Design title effects
6. Develop a cinematic colour palette
7. Apply colour grading to poster images
8. Add taglines and supporting text
9. Arrange credits and production information
10. Complete a professional poster layout

UNIT 4 – Advanced Poster Design, Branding & Graphic Elements

Theory Module

1. Professional film poster composition
2. Creative visual concepts
3. Poster branding and identity
4. Logo placement and branding
5. Graphic effects and textures
6. Light, glow and shadow effects
7. Creative backgrounds
8. Social media promotional graphics
9. Print and digital design requirements
10. Design consistency across promotional materials

Practical Module – Step by Step

1. Develop a poster concept
2. Create a cinematic background
3. Combine multiple visual elements
4. Apply lighting and shadow effects
5. Create atmospheric effects
6. Design custom graphic elements
7. Add film branding and logos
8. Create a promotional tagline
9. Adapt the poster for social media
10. Create matching promotional graphics

UNIT 5 – Professional Film Poster & Graphic Design Project

Theory Module

1. Professional design workflow
2. Understanding a design brief
3. Concept development
4. Mood boards and visual references
5. Client requirements and revisions
6. Print-ready design preparation
7. Digital publishing requirements
8. File formats and export settings
9. Portfolio development
10. Professional presentation and career opportunities

Practical Module – Step by Step

Stage 1 – Concept Development

1. Select a film/project concept
2. Prepare a design brief
3. Identify target audience
4. Create a mood board
5. Select colour palette and typography

Stage 2 – Design Production

6. Collect and prepare images

7. Create the poster composition

8. Perform photo manipulation

9. Add typography and title design

10. Add lighting, shadows and effects

11. Add logos, credits and supporting information

Stage 3 – Final Design

12. Refine composition

13. Correct colours and contrast

14. Check typography and alignment

15. Review image quality

16. Prepare print and digital versions

Stage 4 – Portfolio

17. Create social media poster versions

18. Create a promotional graphic

19. Export final designs

20. Present the completed project

21. Make revisions based on feedback

22. Add the project to a professional design portfolio

FINAL PROJECT

Professional Film Poster & Graphic Design Project

Students will create a complete promotional design package consisting of:

• Main film poster
• Alternate poster design
• Film title typography
• Tagline design
• Character/actor promotional poster
• Social media promotional poster
• Film logo/branding
• Supporting promotional graphics
• Print-ready and digital versions