What Do I Already Know About Film Trailers?

What is the function of a film trailer?
The function of a film trailer is to generate insights into what the film is about. It is also a promotional tool to advertise the upcoming film alongside a film poster. A trailer gives you an idea of the type of characters that are going to be involved and a vague idea of the plot without giving anything away.

How would an audience consume a film trailer?
There are many ways in which an audience can consume a film trailer, none of which are specifically free. Trailers can be viewed on television on an advert break, commonly in between a movie that you have put on. On youtube when recommended to you from your previous viewings or if you have searched for the trailer yourself. In a cinema before the movie you have paid to watch comes on. On a DVD that you have bought, a selection of related film trailers are played as they would be likely to interest you. Finally on social media platforms like Facebook, twitter or Instagram allowing you to, like, share and tag in order to share the awareness of the upcoming film around with your friends.

How does a film trailer work?
A film trailer shows it's audience the specific parts that build up the story in order to persuade them to to watch the film when it is released and increase the target audience of the film by catching viewers attention.

How is a film trailer constructed?
A conventional film trailer consists of around 90 shots and lasts for around 2 minutes and 20 seconds. Other types of trailers like teaser trailers could be shorter, around 1 minute and 30 seconds. The different shots are separated up by a range of transitions like; fade to black, fade to white. The shots seen in film trailers are not in a linear fashion so that the film isn't spoilt by the trailer giving too much information away in the order that it happens.

How have the scenes been selected?
The scenes from a film have been carefully selected to entice the viewer in to watch the movie. The scenes show important sections from the film without giving away villains or key characters that could ruin the story of the film before it is seen.

How is the genre and plot of the film revealed to the audience?
In a horror movie genre, the pace will usually quicken throughout the trailer and could be shorter in length depending on how fast paced the trailer is. A popular ending to a horror film trailer is one last jump scare after the last inter title as this shows that the film is perfect for those who enjoy the scares of a horror movie.

What information does a typical trailer include?
A typical trailer includes the title of the film, the director and other important people like actors that have starred in the film, the date of which the film will be released and a film rating to show what age the following preview can be viewed by.