There are two things you need to consider when looking at a film trailer. The general conventions that all film trailers share, and the generic conventions (conventions of that particular genre) which depend on the type of film it is.
General conventions
- Include a variety of shots from the film that establish the setting, basic plot and main characters
- A graphic of the title of the film (usually at the end, followed by a release date).
- Title cards with the names of the main stars (usually near the beginning) and numerous close up shots featuring them
- Text to help the audience understand the plot (without giving too much away)
- Names of the production team or production information such as “From the makers of…”
- Logo of the production studio
- A voice over
- Diegetic sound that goes with the clips used
- Non diegetic music to bring it all together
Generic conventions
Action: Lots of explosions and stunts
A male voice over with a powerful tone
Fast paced editing
Use of some kind of cliffhanger
Rhythmic music, often from the rock genre
Features stars associated with this genre such as Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone
Example: The Expendables
Drama: Greater focus on the characters
Slower editing
Less likely to use a voice over but rather focus on dialogue from the film
Classical music
Features stars associated with this genre such as Keira Knightly and Tom Hanks
Example: Atonement
Comedy: Inclusion of some of the funniest bits from the film
Strong focus on the characters
No voice over unless used as a parody
Lots of dialogue
Recognisable music, often with lyrics
Features stars associated with this genre such as Steve Carrell and Jin Carrey
Example: Superbad
Thriller: Less of the plot is given away
Shots are chosen to create suspense or tension
Editing starts slowly and builds to a dramatic climax
A short final shot is shown after the title to shock the audience
Music is used sparingly to add to the tension
Example: Black Swan
Horror: Very little given away
Often gaps of darkness between edits
Editing becomes faster and more frantic as trailer continues
Brief glimpses of suggested horror
Sometimes use a voice over
A final shot at the end designed to make the audience jump
Subtle, intense music or no music
Example: Saw I (sorry about the quality!)
Sci Fi/Fantasy: Strong emphasis on the setting
Action sequences
Impressive CGI, special effects and technology on display
More focus on the production, rather than the stars
Often rhythmic, “futuristic” music
Example: Tron
Revision Task
Find a trailer for a film in one of the genres listed above. While watching it make a list of which general conventions and generic conventions the trailer employs. Then, for each convention write down a specific example of how this convention is used in the trailer using appropriate media technology. Make sure you are using the official trailer for the film and not a fan made one.
For example (using The Expendables):
Convention: Lots of explosions and stunts
Example: Near the end of the trailer there is a high angle tracking helicopter shot of a jetty exploding having been shot by a plane
Exam Practise
Watch the extended trailer for Sucker Punch and answer this question. Remember to give specific examples using the correct terminology.
Question: How does the trailer use media language to engage the audience?
Extension activity
I found a useful website that gives you example Section A questions focusing on a film trailer. The website is made by a company (Routledge) who sell a text book for Media Studies so obviously they mention that quite a lot, but the example answers and tips are useful: http://cw.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415448239/control.asp
You could have a go at answering the four questions in one hour, then read the answers they provide and see how well you did.
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