Find a Hero Image To Inspire Your Film

The header image of this article is from The Red Shoes. It's an amazing movie, and that image is one Chris McKay sent to his team before making Renfield. He talks about it on the No Film School podcast, where he says he wanted it to inspire actors not to hold back at all. 

I thought this was great advice, and I wanted to explore it more here. 

The hero image is often the first thing that people see when they encounter your film, whether it's on a movie poster, in a trailer, or on a streaming platform. A powerful and memorable image can leave a lasting impression on your audience and draw them in to watch your film.

If you have one from another film, you can use it to inspire your own. You can set the mood for the cast and crew, and give them a tangible example of what they're going for and why. 

So, how can you pick which pictures completely inspire the project you're working on? 

'Renfield'Credit: Universal Pictures

Tips on Finding a Hero Image To Inspire Your Film

Finding the right hero image for your film can be a crucial step in inspiring your story and capturing the essence of your film. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect hero image for your film:

1. Determine the tone and genre of your film: Before you start searching for hero images, you need to have a clear idea of the tone and genre of your film. Is it a drama, a romance, a comedy, or an action-adventure? This will help you narrow down your search and find images that fit the mood and style of your film.

2. Look for images that evoke emotion: Your hero image should capture the emotion and feeling of your film. Look for images that make you feel something – whether it's excitement, fear, joy, or sadness. This will help you connect with your audience and draw them into your story.

3. Consider the composition and framing: The composition and framing of your hero image are also important. Look for images that have a strong focal point, interesting angles, and dynamic lighting. This will help create a visually stunning image that captures the attention of your audience.

4. Think outside the box: Don't limit yourself to traditional hero images. Consider using abstract images, illustrations, or even stills as your hero image. 

5. Test different options: Once you have a few hero image options, test them out with your target audience. This can help you get feedback and insights on which image resonates best with your audience and captures the essence of your film.

This practice of grabbing stills to make an impression is common practice and can help your entire cast and crew get on the same page. 

Let us know what you think in the comments.