1. FILM TRAILER
RESEARCH
Rhiannon Jenkins

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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:

8. 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):