Film Trailer Codes And Conventions

FILM TRAILERS

Codes and conventions:

 

• Often, audiences are first shown the production company logo. From this, audiences often like to assume the style, genre or even budget of the film.
• There will be a main title, showing the audience the name of the film. These titles are often rendered in 3D and digitally animated to make them eye catching. The title is important as it must be memorable whilst linking to the film’s story-line itself. For example, a film about cars may have a title which includes car parts as part of the lettering.
• There will also be a BBFC age rating if the film is to be shown in the UK. This will allows the trailer viewer to decide whether the film is suitable for them or the people they wish to show the film to.
• More recently, distribution companies have started using social media to promote their trailers. At the end of the trailer, usually in the bottom corners, you may see a ‘#’ or link to a social media site.
• The most famous actors and most exciting scenes are often previewed in trailers. This is to grab the attention of the audience and to sell the film as best as possible. When the audience recognise an actor, they are more likely to watch the film thinking that they will enjoy the style of acting. Although this is not necessarily always true.
• Trailers are usually around two and a half minutes long, this allows enough time to put across key plot information and also showcase the most impressive aspects of the film. This may be the actors, location or CGI. Generally, the shorter the trailer, the more suspense is built. This is why horror films often have shorter trailers.
• Music, or a voice over, is also important. If recognised and favoured by the audience, it can increase the popularity of the film. Music can also be used to build suspense or to build a theme of comedy when music and contrasting imagery combine.
• Smaller titles, featuring the names of actors, directors and other contributors to the production of the film are almost always shown. These titles are beneficial to the film and it’s producers as they are recognised simultaneously. A director may gain popularity from his film, or a film may gain popularity from its director for example.
• There will also be a release date. This is important as it gives the audience an opportunity to prepare themselves and take a note of when the film will be available. It will also build excitement for the film’s release.
• Trailers will often take real footage from the film. They will take short snippets and jumble them around as to not reveal too much of the story line.