Trailer analysis

1. I have conducted some analysis of trailers to gain some inspiration for our opening
sequence by looking at films in the same genre to our production.
Editing
The opening sequence of Trick ‘r Treat starts off with a 20 second long clip of a fictional old
fashioned, black and white guide to staying safe on halloween. This is signified via the small
screen by which the clips are shown, because in the early days of film, film wasn’t recorded
on the same aspect ratios as they are now. This is abruptly interrupted by a Static transition
which was followed by a Wipe transition to a full screen coloured screen. This was used to
reflect the change in time. This is then followed by the names of the production companies -
Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures. This is then followed by a string of jump cuts. This is
another example of fast cutting rhythm, which heightens the feeling of adrenaline in the
audience, something a lot of horror fanatics enjoy. Also, the trailer features montage editing
which shows the extensive horror that takes place in the film which affects dozens of people.
The opening sequence of Hide and Seek starts of with the logo of the distribution company.
This could be a signifier to the audience to let them know what to expect from a big and
popular company like 20th Century Fox. This is followed by several slow fades and classical
non diegetic music, setting a calm mood. The mood is dramatically changed as the music
switched to a fast paced sound along with the introduction of quick editing rhythm. This
technique is used to build tension in the audience. After that, there was a lot of images
flashed up in front of the screen, so fast that you can’t see the pictures properly. This is used
to gain the audience’s attention but not telling them the whole story. This leaves an element
of surprise when they actually watch the film. The main actor’s and actress’ name come up
halfway into the trailer, white text on a black background.
Connotations of colour
There are several cuts to black throughout the trailer of Trick or Treat. The colour black has
connotations of death, evil and mystery which are themes evident in the film. The cuts to
black are used to stop the audience from seeing the person or force terrorising everyone.
This is a common convention of Psychological horrors as the audience get excitement off
not knowing what is round the corner or seeing the actual killer. This is used by filmmakers

2. to leave the identity and visuals of the killer to the audience’s individual imaginations. This
technique makes the audience feel more involved in the story as they are part of the
character developing. Consequently, everyone has a different experience of the film that is
tailored to them.
The fades are usually to black in Hide and Seek and they happen several times. The colour
black has connotations of mystery and grief which are themes reflected throughout the film.
Black also stops the audience from seeing every single detail of the horror. This is typical of
psychological horrors as black is used to make the audience use their imagination and make
the film their own. This way everyone is experiencing the film in a way they definitely will
enjoy.
Titling/Text styles
The titling of Trick ‘r Treat comes at the end of the trailer. This text style is commonly used in
horror films. The text looks like it has been scratched into something and this has
connotations of some kind of animal or a person/force with animalistic characteristics.
The actor’s/actress’ names come up on a black background in white text in Hide and Seek.
This makes the names stand out more and it shows the audience that these people are
important. Also, the fact that the ‘e’ in robert is lowercase instead of capitals is
unconventional, illustrating the disorder and unexpected events that will happen in the film.
The images the audience is presented
The use of montage editing in Trick ‘r Treat, shows various different scenes and images.
This is effective because it shows the audience show much terror takes places in the film
and how the force is terrorising multiple people.
Hide and Seek also uses montage editing to show the audience the extensiveness of the
terror created. This is effective because it shows horror fanatics all the action that they can
look forward to in the film.