The Features And

Functions of a

Trailer

TYPES OF TRAILERS

• If the film is a big production, the distribution company may want to release more than one trailer.

• During the early stages of the campaign, a teaser trailer may be released online. The purpose of this trailer is to tease the audiences by drawing them in with enticing parts of the film.

• The teaser trailer then creates a buzz around the film, with people telling their friends/family about the film.

• Theatrical trailers will then be released, this usually happens 3 to 4 weeks before the actual release of the film. This will appear in cinemas and on TV.

• Also, the are sometimes TV spots which are extremely short scenes from the film which are played on TV. Again, these entice the audience and leave them wanting more.

SELECTION OF TRAILERS TO BE USED BEFORE FILM

• In films directed at 12 year olds,

there won’t be a trailer for a horror

movie used.

• The cinema manager will select appropriate trailers to show before films. The age of the audience and the rating of the film will always be considered.

• The hope is that the cinemagoers will come back to see a film which they saw a trailer to previously.

WHERE TRAILERS CAN BE SEEN• The ways in which Trailers are viewed has changed drastically. The

internet allows for the audience to view trailers on multiple platforms.

• Youtube, Official Movie Websites - http://www.insidious-movie.com - and sites dedicated to trailers like Apple Movie Trailers - http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/ - make it easier for people to access trailers as well as discuss them.

THE GENRE OF THE FILM• Trailers give an introduction to many things; the stars of the film, the

genre, the plot.

• When seeing a trailer, the audience automatically begins to figure out what kind of film it is.

- If dark colours and blood are seen, this could be a horror film - If bright colours and happy music are used then this could be a romantic comedy.

• These extinguishable features of films are called conventions and will give away what the genre of the film is. Also, the stars of the film may give the genre away; Bruce Willis – action; Sigourney Weaver – SciFi; Jamie Lee Curtis – Horror.

UNIQUE SELLING POINTS

• The unique selling points of a film will be shown in a trailer to give the audience more of a reason to see the film. The USP could be something like a horror musical (Sweeney Todd) or the use of special effects or if the film has been made in 3D. The USP is focused on in the trailer.

“…from the director of…” “…in jaw-dropping 3D..”“…Wes Craven returns…”