NEW YORK. For film lovers, a poster plays a crucial role in shaping the decision to watch a movie. More than just promotional material, a film poster is a form of visual imagination—crafted with sensitivity, artistic aesthetics, and the ability to tell a story within a single frame. Creating a poster is a complex process that demands thoughtful creative management and a strong conceptual foundation.
That creative process is explored in depth through The Anatomy of a Movie Poster exhibition at Chelsea Market. The exhibition offers a compelling experience for film fans, filmmakers, photographers, and the general public who are curious about the behind-the-scenes journey of movie poster creation.
The exhibition presents a step-by-step breakdown of the poster-making process, from billing blocks, C-prints, character posters, chromatic treatments, stock photography, teaser posters, to vector typography. It also explains the job descriptions and creative responsibilities of professionals working behind the scenes, including Creative Directors, Production Designers, and Finishers.
Visitors are invited to explore the stories behind iconic classic movie posters such as Bad Boys, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Sleepless in Seattle and Barbie, with each work accompanied by insights into how the visuals were developed and executed.
Presented as a pop-up exhibition in partnership with Poster House, the showcase celebrates the work of renowned designer Dawn Baillie. With a career spanning nearly four decades across three design agencies, Baillie has worked on some of the most iconic and beloved posters in modern cinematic history. Notably, Dirty Dancing was her first professional project, followed by a long list of award-winning works including The Silence of the Lambs and Little Miss Sunshine.
Known for her remarkable simplicity and unconventional execution, Baillie’s designs are recognized for their restrained and intellectual approach, leaving viewers curious and eager to see the films they represent. As a founding partner of BLT Communications, she continues to collaborate with major movie studios and filmmakers, creating visual identities that serve as branding for films through posters and advertising campaigns.
The exhibition chronicles not only Baillie’s career journey from junior designer to creative director, but also the evolution of movie poster production over the past 35 years—from traditional paste-ups to the introduction of computer technology.
The Anatomy of a Movie Poster: The Work of Dawn Baillie is on view at Chelsea Market, located at 75 9th Avenue, New York. Curated by Angelina Lippert with exhibition design by Ola Baldych, the exhibition is rated G and takes approximately 30 minutes to experience. It runs from Thursday, November 20, 2025, through Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Written by Amanda Tamara / Photo by Abdul Gaffur / January, 2026
