Conventions of Trailers

Trailers

Trailers are one of the most important parts within mass film promotion and production, as if gets the film out to a wide audience. Producers of trailers are often given large budgets to use in production, because of the importance in getting the film out there and giving a the best possible first impression, sparking interest. 

3 types... 

Teaser Trailer - A shortened version of the full main trailer, often shown far in advance of the films release. 

Theatrical Trailer - Shown on tv, internet or cinema adverts a few weeks before release date

DVD Trailer - Promotional advert shown mostly on TV, after cinema release and in advance to DVD release.

Codes and conventions

• Emphasises the institution of film usually by flashing institution logo at beginning or end of trailer
• Common use of a voice over narrator giving brief overview of storyline, most common in children/Disney movies or old action/horror movies
• Reminders of previous well known hit movies made by the same institution or director, "From the creator of..." 
• Quotes given by movie critics or newspaper reviews e.g. "Thrilling" says Empire magazine
• If actor is well known and well thought of they will flash their name and focus on them a lot 
• Consistent use of diegetic and non diegetic sound, e.g. thrilling soundtrack and explosions 
• Common to start the trailer slow and quiet, gradually getting faster and louder, rising tension