Back in the day, film posters were not given much importance during a film’s release, unlike now when the release of a poster is a big event. A milestone, sometimes!
If posters were music, let’s just say that Marching Ants Advertising were cassettes, who have transitioned well through CD’s, Mp3 players, bluetooth or whatever is cool these days in the sound arena! They have been around since 16 years – from Ek Haseena Thi in 2001 to Munna Michael in 2017.
They have put together the first posters (or visiting cards, as the co-founder Rajeev Chudasama likes to put it) for films like Om Shanti Om, Bahubali, MS Dhoni, Tanu Weds Manu, Dev D, Kick, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Housefull etc. From the upcoming releases, they are the minds behind Judwaa 2 and Nawazuddin Siddiqui‘s Babumoshai Bandookbaaz.
So why is so much importance attached to film posters now as compared to 2 decades ago? Rajeev told us:
Earlier the importance of marketing and publicity was an afterthought. It was more of a reminder of which film is coming and who are the actors. But now, most of the times, the poster communicates what the film is all about, it’s about the excitement, and the tease. It’s about making the audience wanting more.
And what all has changed in these 16 years when it comes to film posters?
Earlier, there were no computers when we were shooting, we used to shoot on a film. There used to be so much fear whether we got the focus or exposure or lighting correct. There was far more pressure on the photographer to get it correct and that’s why we used to shoot so much more. Right now, there are times when I have 12 shots and I don’t mind moving to the next shot!
Posters have sure become an integral part of film making now, and these guys are doing an awesome job! What do you guys think? Let us know in the comments below!