Codes and conventions of a movie trailer

Codes and conventions

Codes and conventions

Of movie trailers

Cast and crew

Often in a trailer you will see a billing block which gives recognition to the actors in the film. Also, it will include the production and distribution companies. Sometimes it may include the director and editor.

The cast is key in films and trailers. In trailers you will only see the main cast as well such as the protagonists or antagonists, however in the film you will see a range of background cast who are there to build up scenes etc.

According to Propp there can only be the following characters;

Hero- Who seeks something, tries to save others.

Villain- Tries to prevent the Hero from reaching his goal

Princess- Damsel in distress character, usually marries the Hero and the one he fights for throughout the film

Helper- who aids the Hero through his quest

Donor- Gives the hero some form of magical object

False Hero- Perceived as a good character in the beginning but emerges as evil

Dispatcher- Character who makes the lack known and sends the Hero

Narrative and plot

Trailers are designed purposely to allow some insight to the film however not too much that will give the film away. If we look at horror films trailers usually consist of a 3 part element, we have the opening few shots of a friendly atmosphere, then we have the build up o suspense accompanied by some high suspense music, then we have the climax which consists of jump cuts of horror scenes.

Trailers usually leave the audience on a cliff hanger, leaving them wanting to know what happens next therefore pesuading them to watch the movie.

Voice overs

Voice overs are used in some films to establish the setting and the genre of the film, an example of this was the voice over in the Wolverine which is shown below.

Soundtracks

Soundtracks are vital in a trailer as they establish the whole mood of the trailer.

For example if you see a horror trailer you will notice that the soundtrack will be a lot more upbeat and sharp to build up tension. However if you have a comedy film you would expect something more family based .

In animated comedy Finding Nemo we have Bobby Darin-Somewhere beyond the sea, and Men at work-Land down under, both two very established songs.

However in horror film The Messengers we have Gillain Welch-My first lover which is a less popular audio and establishes an eerie, creepy feel.

Target Audience

For films such as horror movies you will be expecting an audience of 16+ minimum, this is due to the use of violence and explicit language which is common for this genre.

If you have a film such as family animation, the minimum age here would be U, or some may be PG which is parental guidance.

According to the BBFC;

Company Logo

This logo shows the company the film is under. Some well known company Logos are; WarnerBros, Pixar, WaltDisney Pictures, Universal, Paramount Pictures.

The use of these company Logos give the audience some insight to the film, for example they see an established Logo they will have trust in the film due to their history.

Propps

Props are essential in a film as is some circumstance they can define a whole character or setting. For example, Wolverine would not be as infamous if it wasnt for his claws-which are a prop, or Lord of the rings would be pointless if it wasnt for the rings-again a prop.

Macguffin- A significant object around which the plot revolved.

Here is a link of the 25 most memorable film propps. http://www.props.eric-hart.com/features/25-memorable-film-props/

Setting

The setting is extremely important and must reflect the theme of the movie.

If you are having an action movie you would expect it to be held somewhere in the city, for example New York, Tokyo etc.

If you are filming a family comedy, typical features would be a road trip etc.

Setting is vital in most films for example, Skull Island or the Empire State building in King Kong.

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Codes and conventions of a movie trailer