The image above is an advertising poster for the upcoming movie 'Monsters University'.
The general audience for the film is young children due to the array of colours used on the poster and of course the nature of the film. It is also a film for all the family and therefore it's appeal is also adults and they would be taking their children to see the film. Some humorous features like the main title "school never looked this scary" is something that younger children simply may not understand. The film and its poster also appeals to teenagers as they would have been young at the time of watching the previous instalment in the 'monsters' franchise and hopes that an opportunity for nostalgia will entice teenage viewers. The lack of text on the poster is also very clear however this simplicity means that it's easy to read for younger people but also is easy to understand when passing it in the street etc.
The purposes of the poster are to inform people about the films existence and also to advertise the film. The poster may also be used persuasively as the bright colours may lead to some wanting be be part of the 'Monsters University' experience.
The layout is simple yet effective with the main tag line of the film being in large, bold font at the very top of the poster therefore being the first thing that you look at. The use of the large image as the background of the poster takes up the whole of the poster space so you can therefore connect with familiar characters and without any text reading taking place, already make yourself aware of the film and many will be familiar with such characters.
The short yet thought provoking sentence "School never looked this scary" is effective in the way that due to its lacking length it sticks in your mind and therefore is easily remembered. The slightly humorous nature to the short sentence also contributes towards it sticking in your mind.
