Thursday, 19 September 2013

Movie trailers - Codes & Conventions


  • The film trailer starts with a green screen thats shows the clip has passed age related tests and can be shown to the specific audience. A website is given for more information on this. 
  • Production company logos. This may promote the movie and show status of movie = columbia is part of a major studio (Sony) therefore it has to be good
  • Dialogue begins during shots of production company logos to create suspense 
  • First scene is dark and moves slowly towards the characters
  • Scenes change with a flash
  • Fast beat soundtrack starts for round about 5 seconds and stops again for dialogue = this creates a dramatic effect to show importance of dialogue 
  • Narrative starts = begins to explain the plot 
  • Camera shots shows four quick shots of each main character 
  • Psycho thriller music in distant background
  • A slow motion scene to build up anticipation 
  • Upbeat pop rock soundtrack starts, this contrasts against dark violent scenes = tricks audience into thinking it is fun
  • Various taglines pop out, gives jumpy effect = reflects movie genre
  • Close shots of facial expressions = gives audience insight to their emotions 
  • Narrative reads out title name 
  • Blurb similiar to movie poster blurb



  • The film trailer starts with a green screen thats shows the clip has passed age related tests and can be shown to all audiences. A website is given for more information on this. 
  • Goes straight to a film scene
  • Shows written narrative on screen
  • Fast paced moving shot flashing from one to another
  • Loud banging sound effects = creates dramatic impact
  • Screen colour changes from grey to blue to green = to show amateur filming 
  • Flashing scenes to create mystery and shock
  • Music builds up to a big crash sound = builds up intensity 
  • Title names appears 
  • Release month rather than date with movie website = audience may use website to find the date
  • Tagline with a promotional contest = audience will take part to fid out more



  • The film trailer starts with a green screen that shows the clip has passed age related tests and can be shown to the specific audience. A website is given for more information on this.
  • Goes straight to a film scene = ringing phone to alert audience
  • Production company logo appears as dialogue is being spoken
  • Creepy music slowly builds up to a smashing sound = this may cause audience to jump therefore become interested
  • Narrative starts 
  • Close up shots of main characters face to see their reaction
  • Quick flashing shots
  • Thunder sounds play in background = creates suspense 
  • Tagline appears on screen
  • Directors names
  • Title name
  • Blurb with production company logos

  • The film trailer starts with a green screen that shows the clip has passed age relates tests and can be shown to all audiences.
  • Music starts straight away
  • Character narrative starts
  • Close up shots are shown to make dramatic impact
  • Shots flash quickly
  • Dramatic music continues whilst dialogue is being spoken
  • Fast paced shot of production company logo
  • Taglines 
  • Slow mysterious shots start to get faster and flash from one to another 
  • Flashing lights
  • Scenes fadeaway
  • Left on a cliffhanger
  • Title name
  • Blurb with production company logos and credits
  • Website = to promote movie
Conclusion
On average most movie trailers are between 2-3 minutes and include a wide range of shot using various techniques. The green screen is mostly always used as well as a production company logo to represent who made the film. Trailers may have very little dialogue or a narrative telling a story. Captions and tag lines are also sometimes spoken as well as shown on screen. Not ever trailer features the actors names but this can be a feature if you choose. Unique selling points such as 'from the makers' of are used to promote the current movie and the other movie. This may promote the director and/or producers. Background and soundtracks are quite important to trailers as they build an atmosphere and relate to the movie.

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