Tony Seiniger, an influential movie poster designer and marketer known as “the Godfather of Movie Advertising,” dies at 87, according to multiple entertainment outlets. Variety reports that he dies on May 11 in Atlanta. Born in New York City, Seiniger studied at the Rhode Island School of Design and began his career at EUE/Screen Gems in New York, working in commercial production.
Both outlets credit Seiniger with a major impact on film advertising, particularly through poster and campaign work for widely recognized movies. The Hollywood Reporter highlights his role in marketing films including “Jaws,” “Poltergeist,” “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and “Field of Dreams.” Variety similarly notes his work on major studio campaigns, and describes him as a key figure in shaping how films are visually promoted.
The Hollywood Reporter also credits Seiniger with helping set illustrator Drew Struzan on a path to prominence, indicating a mentorship or professional influence within the advertising and illustration community. The reports collectively portray Seiniger as a central figure in theatrical movie advertising and poster design.
