Australian Daybill Movie Posters | Collection | MPA

This collection contains all Australian Daybills that Movie Posters Australia has in its store.

What are Australian Daybills? 'Australian Daybills' are a distinct category within movie memorabilia, known for their unique size. Australian Daybills were mostly sent from the distributor folded twice to reduce the size, although in some very rare circumstances non-folded Daybills do exist. In the 90's, smaller sizes of Daybills reduced and many were sent by distributors flat or rolled. Australian Daybills are printed on paper, unlike US Inserts that were printed on a thicker card stock. 

Australian Daybill poster sizes varied in size over time:

• Pre-1940/Pre-War Australian Daybills were typically measured approximately 15 inches by 40 inches (38 cm by 101.6 cm),
• War Time Daybills (approx. 1940-1945) were reduced to 10 inches by 30 inches to reduce paper usage,
• Post-war Australian Daybills (approx. 1946-1985) were 13 inches by 30 inches,
• Post-1980's Australian Daybills (approx. after 1985) were 33cm by 66cm.
• 1990's and later, the size changed to Mini Poster sizes of 9 inches by 12 inches, 11 inches by 17 inches, and 13 inches by 22 inches.

The Australian Daybill movie poster size is very similar to the US Insert movie poster but were printed on paper rather than thicker card used for US Inserts. These posters were widely used in Australian cinemas from the 1920s through the 1990s, primarily to promote feature films and entice audiences to see the movie.

What sets Australian Daybill movie posters apart is that, up to the 1950's, many were printed by hand using a stone lithograph printing technique giving vibrant artwork and colour. This planographic printmaking process had a design drawn onto a flat stone (or metal plate - zinc/aluminum) which was then fixed into the plate with a chemical reaction. Artwork for Australian Daybills was also often created or recreated locally in Australia. They frequently featured hand-drawn illustrations or hand painted artwork, showcasing scenes or characters from the films.

Here are five notable Australian made movies and their movie posters that are celebrated for their exceptional artwork and design:

1. Mad Max (1979): The original Australian Daybill for this iconic film features a striking illustration of Mel Gibson as Max Rockatansky against a dystopian background, emphasising the gritty, post-apocalyptic setting.

2. Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975): Known for its mysterious and haunting imagery, the Daybill for this film uses a dreamlike illustration to capture the eerie atmosphere of the story set against the Australian landscape.

3. Crocodile Dundee (1986): This comedy-adventure film’s Daybill poster showcases a humorous and adventurous spirit with a bold illustration of Paul Hogan as Mick Dundee, embodying the Australian outback charm.

4. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994): A colorful and flamboyant Daybill poster reflects the extravagant costumes and vibrant personalities of the characters in this beloved Australian comedy-drama.

5. Wake in Fright (1971): The Daybill for this psychological thriller uses stark and unsettling imagery to convey the film’s intense and disturbing narrative set in the Australian outback.

Each of these Australian Daybill posters not only served as a promotional tool but have now become sought-after movie art collectibles due to their artistic merit and cultural significance. They continue to be valued by collectors and enthusiasts of Australian cinema worldwide and showcase the creativity and craftsmanship that went into film marketing.