Trailer Conventions

A film trailer promotes the film so it helps to build recognition and hype until the film's release. Most film trailers featured the more exciting, dramatic or funny moments from the film which are shown non-chronologically so it does not give away any crucial plot details. A film trailer makes the audience aware of the film and if they are interested then they may want to go and see what the full feature is like.

It also helps to find their target audience so they know who is interested in the film whether it is their age or gender. For example if it is a action film then it will be stereotypically aimed at males whereas if it is a rom-com then it is stereotypically aimed at females. The characters in the film trailer could be realtable to the audience, for example if there is a female who is a teenager as the main character, then the target audience who is female teenager would more than likely go and see the film and they may feel connected.

Film production logos are usually shown at the start of the trailer. They are shown, so the audience are aware of the production and distribution companies are involved with the film. If the audience like the company, then this may interest them to continue watching the trailer if they liked their previous films. The audience will know what company it is because of its iconic logo. For example if it is Pixar or Dreamworks then the audience will know that they have a reputation for family friendly.

The title of the film is featured so the audience is aware of what the film is called. The font, colouring and backdrop are usually good signs of what the genre is going to be. For example if it is a horror film the backdrop would be black with white lettering. If it is colourful, then it is most likely going to be a comedy or kids film.

The age certificate at the end of trailer lets the audience what the legal age is to go and see the film. This proves a guideline to a target audience age e.g. if it is a U age certificate then the will understand it is a family friendly film to watch. If it is a 15 or 18 certificate, then that means the film will contain strong language, violence, sexual scenes and possibly disturbing scenes. Things that a younger audience should not watch at that age because these are subjects not mature enough to deal with.

Social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter may feature at the end of the trailer which can encourage the audience to find out more about the film, updates and photos. This is a good and effective way of advertising the film, which could lead it to being viral. The audience can share information with their friends so they are aware of the film and gain interest which may encourage them to go and see the film.

The release date is important because it makes the audience informed of when the film is coming out if they want to watch it. This is shown at the end of the trailer to grab the audience's attention and for them not to forget it.

Name captions are important for the trailer because if they saw the names of the actors or directors which they like and are interested in. For example if Steven Spielberg's name appeared on a trailer and the audience like his previous film such as E.T or Jurassic Park, then they will most likely want to see his latest film. This technique is a clever way of attracting a large audience, depending on how big the reputation is of the actor or director.

Music is usually to signify the genre and the pace of the trailer. For example if the music is upbeat and jolly, then the audience will assume that it is a comedy and/or family friendly film. Whereas if the music is intense then the audience will think it is a drama or thriller. So it is important for the music to be related to the film genre so the audience understands what that genre is.

Voice overs are used to provide an overview of the characters or the plot. The voice over can be added in during the footage of the trailer to explain to the audience without not giving too much away. The voice over can be dialogue that was featured in the film added in.