subject: DVD Packaging- About the Artwork and the Copy [print this page] DVD Packaging- About the Artwork and the Copy
The DVD packaging's main role is to promote the movie. It should not just be a glamorized random still shot of the film edited in a way that it becomes artsy. Everything in the DVD packaging from the lay-out, colors, content, and text-should be well thought out.
The artwork. The artwork of the DVD packaging should be designed in such a way that it would ENTICE and INTRIGUE a regular buyer. And the DVD packaging should not simply intrigue him on a first level. It should intrigue him so much that he has no other choice but to pick up the DVD, examine the artwork closer, and read the synopsis at the back. The DVD packaging should be able to do this in order for it to become effective.
The artwork of the DVD packaging should capture a certain audience in a glance but it should still reflect the film. This sets it apart from CD packaging and book covers. The CD packaging artwork does not necessarily reflect the singers or the songs it contain that's why we see lots of experimental and very creative album artwork. But with DVD packaging, we cannot make the design too vague or "deep" for regular people. The DVD packaging artwork should somehow reflect the story of the film and most of the time, the actors are included in the DVD packaging artwork in order to sell the movie.
Because of this, I can say that designing a DVD packaging design has a lot of limitations. One, the DVD packaging artwork should tell something about the film, 2. It should intrigue and entice the regular buyer, 3. It should include the main cast, and many other technical requirements. So, with all these limitations, how do we get creative with the DVD packaging artwork? That is the challenge every designer should think about every time they need to design a DVD packaging.
Well, it is rather basic. All we need in order to have a catchy DVD packaging artwork is a catchy photograph. So if you are a filmmaker, you better brainstorm on DVD packaging concepts while shooting the film so you still have the materials to shoot. You don't want to have a separate shoot for the DVD packaging artwork because that costs way too much money! Hire someone to take good, hi-res photographs during shoots and come up with good concepts for your DVD packaging. Don't scrimp on this because it can help you sell your film.
The copy. Granted that the artwork is the number one reason why customers would examine the DVD but good copy is the key if you want them to purchase your product. We can compare this to a date. You choose the most handsome person in the crowd, get to know his/her personality some more, and decide whether you want to get serious or not. The DVD packaging artwork is the outside appearance, and the copy is the personality. Both of them are equally important in getting a sale.
Try to avoid clichs in your tagline because it can be a deal breaker for some picky buyers. Just make sure it reflects the story and it's a bit creative (doesn't have to rhyme or sound too scandalous). You can hire a copywriter if you are not too confident with your writing skills.
When you're done with the DVD packaging artwork and copy, gather your team and ask for their honest opinion. You should also ask for outsider's opinions because they are less likely to give biased answers. Ask them what they feel when they see the artwork, if they understand the synopsis, if they get too confused with some terms, and many others. Note them down and revise,revise,revise, until it becomes a masterpiece.
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