Tips for Creating a Winning Letterboxd48 Poster

Posted 9th August 2025

The Letterboxd48 Poster Competition is a fun post shoot challenge that is part of the 48Hours film competition, giving teams another chance to win an award and practice their film marketing skills. 

Creating a great poster starts with capturing high-quality "hero stills" during the shoot weekend. These are impactful still images taken on set specifically for marketing, and they are crucial for a professional-looking poster. Here are some tips to help you capture those winning shots:

During the Shoot:

  • Designate a Photographer: Assign a dedicated still photographer to your team. Make sure they have a mirrorless camera with a silent mode so they don't disrupt filming. A fast lens that performs well in low-light situations will also be a great asset.
  • Plan Your Shots: Don't wait until the end of the shoot to think about your poster. Plan your still photography and schedule it into your shoot timeline.
  • Capture Key Moments: Focus your stills on the main characters, and if possible, give your photographer 2-3 minutes to jump in and get a good production shot during a climatic moment. If you can stop filming, set up a specific shot for the poster.
  • Utilize Lighting: If you have lights on set, make sure your main character is well-lit. Avoid high-contrast lighting, and remember that the best times for photos with natural light are early or late in the day.
  • Shot Variety: Take both portrait and horizontal shots so you have options for different poster and banner layouts. Shoot in RAW format so you have more flexibility during editing.
  • Framing: Get in close to your subjects' faces. When taking a portrait, don't place your subject directly against a wall; have them closer to you to create a more dynamic image.
  • Concept is Key: Have a clear concept for your stills that aligns with your film's story.

Behind the Scenes (BTS):

  • Engage with the Crew: Use waiting moments to engage with the cast and crew and capture some authentic behind-the-scenes moments.
  • Capture the Process: Take photos of the team working, the camera setup, and other aspects of the production process. 48Hours may use these shots to promote the competition, which in turn will help promote your crew, cast, and team.

Following these tips will help you create a stunning poster that complements your film and increases your chances of winning the Letterboxd48 Poster Competition. 

Submit your poster digitally via digital pigeon and post it in the Facebook group to share with team mates by midnight August 26th. The top 10 posters will win prizes and be displayed on the big screen at the finals events and win Letterboxd prize packs.