The document analyzes editing techniques in horror movie trailers. It notes that trailers typically use long, smooth shots at the beginning to introduce characters and plot. The middle uses faster, more dramatic shots and implied violence. The end slows down again with longer clips to build tension for the final scare. Transitions become more abrupt in the middle section. Production logos are bold and text is always brief. The film title gives clues to the plot, antagonists, protagonists and genre through its design and definition.
2. At the beginning of the trailer the shots are long, slow with smooth
transitions this helps the viewer to develop an understanding of the
plot, and get to know and care for the characters.
In the middle of the trailer implied violence is introduced and shots
get faster this section is always very dramatic and includes the
majority of the implied violence.
The end of the trailer then slows down, the clips are longer than in
the middle this is to build tension for the final scare which is at the
very end of the trailer
Shots
3. Often in horror trailers the type of transition between shots relates directly
to where the shot is within the trailer. So if the shot is at the beginning the
transition will be smooth and often more of a fair because the shot is relaxed
and the clips and long.
But then with the shorter more dramatic cuts the transitions are just cuts to
a black screen, leaving the fate of the protagonist unknown.
The transitions are also accompanied by stings of sound or are in time with
the score.
Transitions
4. Production company names are always very bold in language and text,
visually.
I picture of the logo with a short sound clip is usually seen at the start of a
trailer. Alternatively a short animation is shown. Such as the universal
animation at the beginning of โThe Purgeโ.
Production Logos
5. There is narrative text in almost all horror films, the text is always one line,
and short enough to read within a second. The writing is always disturbed or
somehow linked to the film, for example if itโs an old fashioned myth/legend
horror the text might flicker like an old projector.
Text
6. The film title always gives the viewer a hint of an insight into the plot of the
film and who the antagonist and protagonist may be. Also the way the title
is presented will let the viewer know what type of horror it is. The viewer
then knows if its their type of film.
Title of film
This titleโs definition is: giving the impression that
something harmful or evil is happening or will
happen. This leaves tension and mystery with the
viewer but still heavily implies horror. The dripping
black lettering symbolises demonic blood.
Definition: proceeding in a gradual, subtle
way, but with very harmful effects. This title
is also in red and features spikes very similar
to those associated with the devilโs tail and
pitchfork.
Unlike the others this title uses the
main characterโs name. But generically
has the blood and elements of
dripping/falling which is often
conceived as negative
โSev7nโ is a reference to the 7 deadly
sins. Also the writing is disjointed and
disturbed suggesting those
characteristics may feature in the film
7. The film title always gives the viewer a hint of an insight into the plot of the
film and who the antagonist and protagonist may be. Also the way the title
is presented will let the viewer know what type of horror it is. The viewer
then knows if its their type of film.
Title of film
This titleโs definition is: giving the impression that
something harmful or evil is happening or will
happen. This leaves tension and mystery with the
viewer but still heavily implies horror. The dripping
black lettering symbolises demonic blood.
Definition: proceeding in a gradual, subtle
way, but with very harmful effects. This title
is also in red and features spikes very similar
to those associated with the devilโs tail and
pitchfork.
Unlike the others this title uses the
main characterโs name. But generically
has the blood and elements of
dripping/falling which is often
conceived as negative
โSev7nโ is a reference to the 7 deadly
sins. Also the writing is disjointed and
disturbed suggesting those
characteristics may feature in the film
