Codes and Conventions of Film Trailers

2. STUDIO LOGO
These are usually placed before or just after the start if the trailer to inform the viewer of the
company behind the trailer/film. Certain production companies are so well known and have
a reputation and that is represented through the logo. If a production company’s logo is
used in a trailer and you like films they make you would be more inclined to see a film that
they have made.
For example companies such as Universal Studios or DreamWorks Studios are well-established
production companies and therefore will have a bigger budget, which helps to produce
better films and helps sell the trailer.

3. TITLE SCREEN
Title screens are to show the name of the film to brand the trailer, as title screens will
normally be created to fit with the mood of the trailer based off its genre. For
example family films like “Toy Story” has bold and bright fonts and colours so that
they are easy to read and aiding the films younger target demographic, they use
bright colours so that they seem more friendly and are more exciting, whereas
something like “Insidious” has a dark and scary title screen this is emphasised by
the ominous white text against the black background

4. AGE RATING
This is vital of the trailer as depending on the genre of the film some scenes within the trailer
maybe too graphic and disturbing to younger audiences. Therefore an age rating must be
included within all trailers so that the audience is aware of the nature of the film.
For example if a film is U rated the you know the film is family friendly and people of all ages
can go see the film. However if the film were rated 18+ this would tell the viewer that this
isn’t suitable for children under the age of 18 and will most likely have violence, adult
themes and foul language. The age rating is compulsory for all trailers as they warn the
viewer on what maybe happen within the film and helps the viewer make an informed
decision on whether they want to or can go and see the film or not

5. CHARACTER
INTRODUCTION
The trailer will follow a basic storyline of equilibrium, dis-equilibrium and new equilibrium and
during this time in the trailer we will be introduced to our main characters and will be
shown a few details about there backstories allowing the audience to sympathise with
some of these characters as they often have relatable backstories that are used to
garner sympathy partially based on the target demographic as it would make the viewer
want tot see the new movie.
If the film trailer has a famous or upcoming/notable actors or actresses in it will most likely
they will have a caption saying their name adding to the promotion of the movie and
helps sell it.

6. MUSIC
Music within TV or Film is split up into three sections: special effects, dialogue and
soundtrack. However on top of all this within the trailer ‘voiceovers’ are often
used primarily in genres that are more family oriented such as comedy or rom-
com but they are occasionally used in thriller and horror.
Voiceovers are primarily used to help inform and guide the viewer with the story
especially with trailers that have a fast cutting rate or a complex plot.

7. TESTIMONIALS
Testimonials are usually a couple shots/frames which are a pull quote or a couple
phrases that are credible source (magazines/ film critics) has said about the film
which adds incentive to go see the film as they have endorsed it and boost its overall
appeal as people listen to trusted sources which overall helps sell the film

8. TIME LENGTH
Trailers for a film normally come into two parts a teaser trailer and then the full-length trailer.
The teaser trailer doesn’t reveal the details or plot about the film its job its to ‘tease’ the
viewer and to build up hype and buzz around the film so that people are excited to see
the releases of the full trailer and film. The average run time on a teaser trailer is 30 -45
seconds whereas the full trailer is roughly 1:30/45, which will loosely show the plot line
and hopefully make people want to go see the film.

9. RELEASE DATE
The release date will be a short couple of frames towards the end of the trailer. It will
either be a given date or say ‘coming soon’ creating anticipation and hype around the
release of the film and also letting the viewer know when to expect the release of the
film, causing it to have a great opening day.