A Guide to Australian Cinema Poster Formats: Daybills, One-Sheets, and More

A Guide to Australian Cinema Poster Formats: Daybills, One-Sheets, and More

Collectors of vintage cinema posters often come across a variety of poster formats, each with its own history and significance. If you're looking for Australian posters from the 1970s and 1980s, you'll notice they differ from their American counterparts in size, style, and production methods. This guide breaks down the most common formats you’ll find from this era.

Daybills

Arguably the most recognizable Australian cinema poster format, the daybill is a uniquely Australian design. These posters were typically used for local theater advertising and were printed in limited runs.

• Standard size: Around 13” x 30” (some variations exist)

• Design: Often featured bold colors, hand-drawn artwork, and large text for maximum impact.

• Printing method: Most were printed using lithographic techniques, sometimes on thin paper, which makes surviving examples rarer.

• Common usage: Displayed in cinema foyers and windows to promote upcoming films.

One-Sheets

One-sheets are the closest Australian equivalent to American movie posters, though they still had some unique differences in design and layout.

• Size: Approximately 27” x 40” or 27” x 41”

• Design: Usually featured a larger, more detailed version of the film's promotional artwork.

• Printing: Many were folded at the time of distribution, leading to visible creases in today’s collectibles.

• Usage: Primarily used in cinema lobbies or pasted onto outdoor walls for advertising.

Lobby Cards

Lobby cards were smaller promotional materials used inside cinemas to highlight key scenes from the film.

• Size: Typically 11” x 14” (set of 8 or more)

• Design: Featured stills from the movie with printed titles or credits.

• Collectibility: Surviving lobby cards from the 70s and 80s are highly sought after, particularly for cult and horror films.

• Usage: Displayed inside theater lobbies, often in glass cases.

Double Crowns

A less common format but still part of Australia’s cinema advertising tradition.

• Size: Around 20” x 30”

• Design: Usually a simplified version of the one-sheet or daybill design.

• Usage: Typically placed in smaller display areas within theaters.

Other Formats

While the above are the most common, other formats like banners and quad posters (similar to British quads) were occasionally produced, especially for larger releases.

Why Collect These Posters?

Australian cinema posters from the 1970s and 1980s hold a unique place in film history. Their distinctive artwork, printing techniques, and rarity make them valuable collectibles, whether you’re a film enthusiast, a vintage art lover, or an investor in rare memorabilia.

If you're looking to add authentic Australian posters to your collection, browse our selection of vintage daybills, one-sheets, and lobby cards at [Your Website Name]. Each poster tells a story, not just of the film it promotes but of the era it represents.