film poster fonts

[ludwig]

Why is the small print at the bottom of film posters and ads always written in the same bizarre elongated font? It looks a bit like arial that's been stretched and squashed for no apparent reason. I was wondering if there was some contractual or union thing that says the producers credits must be a certain height in proportion to the ad, so in order to fit all the gumph on they have to squash it together. Any ideas appreciated.

[TommyC]

I always thought this was simply a universally-observed tradition in film circles - the oldest-style presentation of the major credits, in a traditional and instantly-recognizable format. Film people are notoriously superstitious, so maybe they consider it bad luck to change such a long-standing arrangement. But having said that, I've seen more and more film ads and trailers over the years that DON'T use that particular font, so maybe it's beginning to die out at last. I'd really LOVE to get that font onto my computer too before it disappears, but I've never managed to find it anywhere. Any ideas, anybody..?

[splodger]

Tommy C. The fonts you're referring to are available from any Graphics/Computer shop or even free online (try Google: free fonts). The fonts you need are all designed to be condensed, so make sure you buy or download any font such as Helvetica, Univers or Zurich with 'Condensed' Suffix. Otherwise, if you just condense a standard font, the balance goes out of whack and it'll look really amateurish. That's why professionally designed graphics always looks that bit better and are easily distinguishable from the keen amateuer's work.

[TommyC]

Many thanks, Splodger..! I'll look forward to getting hold of them..!!