A2 Media Studies

2. Soundtrack Function:
At the beginning of the trailer, the sound of crickets
are used to set the scene. Crickets are commonly
used when it’s night time so this helps the audience
to understand what time of day the film is set.
Helps us make sense of the narrative by giving us
background information, such as where the action is set
Specific Information Conveyed:

3. Soundtrack Function:
Helps to build a sense of anticipation about the film’s release
Specific Information Conveyed:
-Suspensefull sound effects also added to the build up of
the trailer.
-Examples of suspenseful sound effects used: ticking,
creak of the door and bed.

4. Soundtrack Function:
Reinforces the title of the film
Specific Information Conveyed:
Throughout the trailer, there was a clicking sound of the switch. This was
used to emphasise what the film was about ( a lady appears in the
dark and feeds on people’s fear as most people are scared of the
dark) Therefore, it relates to the title of the film ‘Lights Out.’
Additionally, there were sounds related to the lights for example the
sound of a match being lit and a sound effect of the light broken.

5. Soundtrack Function:
Informs us about the characters
Specific Information Conveyed:
At the beginning of the trailer, a lady came to switch off the light but
noticed something lurking in the dark. She repeatedly turned the
switch on and off. The audience can see that the figure starts to
come closer towards the female character. She switches the light
on and off till the dark silhouette suddenly appeared in front of her.
There was a clang used when the antagonist appeared the first
time. Then, a more harsh sound of a rattle was used to present this
character.

6. Soundtrack Function:
Specific Information Conveyed:
Gives us information about important production personnel
such as the director and producer and their previous work
When the titles appear on screen such as ‘From Producer James Wan,’
there was a sound effect used. This sounded like a match stick being lit
which relates to the film’s title : ‘Lights Out’ as it hints that the
characters try to find solutions to overcome the dark. This title is
followed by: ‘ Director of Conjuring,’ which also is shown with a
suspenseful sound effect. By using this informative text promotes the
film as ‘Lights Out’ has been made by the same people who have
created successful horror films such as ‘Conjuring.’ This builds the
audience’s anticipation and excitement.

7. Soundtrack Function:
Specific Information Conveyed:
Set the tone of the film
There was diegetic sound of people screaming. It hints
that the film has an unsettling tone. This reveals that
there is a sense of terror and tension which also builds
up towards the climax.

8. The boy in the trailer says: ‘every time I turn off the lights,
there’s this women waiting in the shadows.’ This hints
what the film is about. Then, a lady says: ‘Each one of
us is being haunted by this thing.’ This is another piece
of dialogue that informs the audience about the
storyline/plot in the film. By using her voice over is a way
that allows communication between the characters and
the audience. It also helps to summarise the story in just
a few seconds which informs the audience to know what
the film is about.
Soundtrack Function:
Showcases the stars appearing in the film and summarises the
story in around 5-8 lines. (It does not give away the ending, but
helps us anticipate what is to come.)
Specific Information Conveyed: