Film trailers

FILM TRAILER RESEARCH

Rhiannon Jenkins

FILM TRAILERS

A film trailer is an advertisement for a feature film that

will be shown in future at a cinema.

The term “trailer” comes from the previews originally

being shown at the end of a feature film. However,

audiences usually tended to leave the cinema before these

were shown so the trailers were moved to be previewed

before the films themselves, however the term “trailer”

still stuck.

TYPES OF TRAILERS

Film trailers are not just shown in cinemas any more, but are accessible

on DVD and Blu-Ray as well as on the internet and via mobile devices.

There are two main types of trailers. The first is a teaser trailer which

is roughly a minute long and is what first captures the audiences

attention. The second type is a traditional trailer which is longer and

tells more of the story and is typically shown after the audience has seen

the first trailer.

Trailers are not only confined to films any more as there are now many

video game and television series trailers.

TRAILER COMPOSITION

Film trailers tell a story in a highly condensed fashion whilst containing as

many scenes that are appealing to the audience as possible.

They often consist of three sections, much like the structure of a feature length

film itself: the first section sets the scene, the second drives the narrative

further and the last contains a massive climax usually accompanied by dramatic

music, scene montages and sometimes a cast run through if they are notable

enough.

All movie trailers now contain shots called the “money shot”. These shots are

the biggest and most captivating shots for the audience such as the explosion of

the White House in Independence Day. Trailers contain as many of these shots

as they need to in order to gain the audiences attention.

TRAILER COMPOSITION

Voice over narration can be used to briefly explain when necessary and

helps the audience to stay on track with the trailer as it is still highly

condensed.

Music is used to help set the mood and tone of the film. The music does not

necessarily have to be from the film itself but can be popular music, music

from other film soundtracks, specially composed music or “library music”

which was previously composed specifically to be used in advertisement.

Most trailers conclude with a billing block of the main cast and crew, and

notable actors or directors/producers are often mentioned during the trailer

to attract audience attention.

ROM-COM TRAILERS

Typical conventions of rom com films which are

also found in the trailers are: a couple, romantic

scenes and locations, several plots at once,

stereotypes and comedy. They will often contain

lighthearted music that fits the mood of the

narrative.

An example where all of the above can be found is

in the trailer for Crazy Stupid Love, which I have

added to be played after this slide.

ACTION FILM TRAILERS

Action film trailers are generally very big and

include lots of explosions, weapons, fighting and big

machinery. Many action film trailers start off with a

brief introduction to the film and its premise but

move swiftly on to show the destructive and high

energy parts of the film.

A good example of an action film trailer is Elysium:

HORROR FILM TRAILERS

Horror film trailers are generally edited very

carefully and move at a very fast pace which

unnerves the audience and opens them up to the

dark side of life without them being harmed. They

will often contain dark music and dark locations and

are usually centered around the alien, supernatural

or the evil that lives within society.

A brilliant example of a horror film trailer is

Nightmare On Elm Street (2010):