2.  Production Company Logos:
 The inclusion of the production company's logo is usually a
good indication to the audience on the quality of the film. For
example, if you see the Warner Brothers logo, you instantly
know the film is likely to have had a large budget. The
familiarity of a popular production company could work in the
films favour, as people may generally enjoy the films that
company produces.
 Equally it could work against the film, if people don’t tend to
enjoy the films that company produces.
What are the conventions of a
film trailer?

3. 
 The company logo is also a good indication of the genre of the
film. For example, when seeing the PIXAR logo, we instantly
know the film is going to be a cartoon aimed at children as they
release films under ‘Walt Disney Pictures’.
Other companies give us an indication of the genre by
changing the theme of their logo so it’s appropriate for the
film.

4.  It is important that the trailer includes the main characters so people
will get a better idea of what to expect from the film. People may
also recognise them from previous films they enjoyed, and this
could then persuade them to go and watch the film.
 This could also be said for the inclusion of the film directors, if
someone has enjoyed their previous work and appreciate their
creativity, they are then more likely to want to see what they have
done within the film.
 Big celebrities automatically mean a bigger fan base, as the
majority of their fans will go and see the film. Even though
some celebrities are only featured in the film for a short
period of time, many people will be willing to go and see
the film, simply because they are a fan.
The introduction of the main characters, the
film director and popular actors/celebrities.

5. 
 The British Board of Film Classification is
responsible for determining the minimum age
that is appropriate for viewing videos, DVDs
and video games.
A certificate from the British
Board of Film Classification.

6. 
 The pace of the shots and genre of music, instantly tell us whether the
film will be full of fast paced action, or slow and romantic.
 These are both important within the trailer as it is extremely influential
on the audience, and the reaction they have towards the trailer.
 However many trailers include fast paced clips simply to fit
everything they want to show within the trailer. They may also do this
to build up to a climax and create intense viewing.
Appropriate shot lengths and
music.

7.  Trailers will often include review quotes, awards it has won
and star ratings from respected companies such as ‘The
Guardian’, to help persuade people through other peoples
personal opinion. This is because it then seems less biased, and
the audience feel as if they are getting a honest opinion/ rating.
 The release date is usually revealed at the end of the trailer, as
its guaranteed the majority of the audience will be paying
attention at this point and are wondering when they can go to
view the film.
Reviews and Release date.

8. 
 If everything about the film was included in the
trailer, it wouldn’t persuade people to go and watch
the film. Therefore, it’s important that there is a
cliffhanger or a general element of mystery
throughout so people are left with unanswered
questions about the film.
An element of mystery.

9.  The purpose of a film trailer is to advertise and promote the
film by revealing the basic storyline.
 It gives the audience a little taste of what to expect from the
film and tries to entice them using a range of persuasive
techniques.
 Film trailers are essential, and the most effective technique
that encourages people to then go and watch the film, or
buy the DVD.
 They are short length to ensure that they do not reveal too
much, or bore the person viewing them and discouraging
them from seeing the film.
What is the purpose of a film
trailer?

10.  The editing/shots of a trailer, informs us of the general pace of the film. For
example, by showing long scenes it implies it is a slow paced film(e.g. a romantic
film), whereas continuous fast changing clips imply it’s a action or horror.
 Music is another indication of what genre the film is. For example rap music, usually
means the film contains violence, a ballad means its likely to be quite inspirational/
romantic.
 The Narration/Tone: What the actors say, and the tone they say it in immediately
informs us of the position/personality of the character, and their contribution
towards the film.
 Lighting, colour and location set the mood of the film. E.g. dim lighting connotes
danger, death, fear etc. Whereas bright lighting usually connotes
happiness, romance, humour etc. The location also does this, and instantly informs
us of the type of lifestyle the characters live (e.g. wealthy or poor), and contributes
towards informing us of the genre (e.g. an secluded old house usually means a
horror).
 The actors and director are not only a good indication of the films budget, but also
the general direction of the film. For example, some actors refuse to do sex scenes, or
portray violence. When speaking of directors the Auteur Theory can be considered.
This is when the director is the fundamental creative force behind the film, and this is
recognisable amongst all/the majority of their films, and is extremely influential on
the outcome of the trailer, as it is the first representation of the film an audience will
see.
How to analyse a trailer.