We researched the definition of a trailer and then the main features which we want to use to create a more realistic trailer.
A trailer is a short advertisement/preview for a feature film (under 2.5 minutes), which is due to be released in cinemas. They consist of a series/montage of selected shots from the particular film, which portray the film as being interesting/scary/funny/exciting/dramatic etc. A good trailer achieves this without spoiling the resolution. Mostly, they do not show the clips in chronological order, because this can dissolve the mystery.
There are several elements that make up a trailer:
-they usually have a three act structure, similar to a film (a beginning, the middle and ending with a climax.) After watching many trailers, we discovered that the climax usually features a montage of images and powerful music.
-the use of voiceover- sometimes a voiceover is used to set the scene and can provide an explanation to the audience.
-music- helps to create the mood of the film. Through research, we discovered the music used in the trailer was different from the music used in the film.
-a cast run- a list of the actors/actresses in the film, which could persuade the audience to see the whole film. If the cast are popular, it is worth mentioning, because one reason why an audience chooses the films they choose is because of the stars involved.
-production and distributing logos
Trailers are designed to make the audience feel both:
The pleasure of the text: - the audience recognises the familiar conventions and narratives. (In horror this might be the story of a murderer of innocent people)
Suspense in the audience: - by the use of enigma codes. Audiences would wonder who the killer is and what happens in the end.
The film trailers mainly tend to be structured in the following way:
· The band rating card (usually over 12 or 15)
· The distribution company logo
· The production company logo
· The narrative establisher: a series of longer sequences which establish the fundamental storyline of the film
· The stars or the USP (the Unique Selling Point): they are often stars or directors. However, horror movies traditionally do not always use well-known stars, because the audience feel more uncomfortable with actors they don’t recognise as they would make them feel more insecure, which is the main aim of the film. For example, in the trailer for the horror film Scream, the director Wes Craven is the USP as he is famous for directing the cult horror film Nightmare on Elm Street.
· A series of quick and exciting montage sequences that are full of suspense from the film: this is the convincer in that it should create enough suspense to ensure that the targeted audience would want to go and watch the film
· Throughout the trailer, conventions of the horror genre will appear in the trailer
· The black and white film listings will appear to mark the end of the trailer.
