2. Cast and crew
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Often in a trailer you will see a billing block which gives recognition to the actors in the film. Also, it will include the production and
distribution companies. Sometimes it may include the director and editor.
The cast is key in films and trailers. In trailers you will only see the main cast as well such as the protagonists or antagonists, however in the
film you will see a range of background cast who are there to build up scenes etc.
According to Propp there can only be the following characters;
Hero- Who seeks something, tries to save others.
Villain- Tries to prevent the Hero from reaching his goal
Princess- Damsel in distress character, usually marries the Hero and the one he fights for throughout the film
Helper- who aids the Hero through his quest
Donor- Gives the hero some form of magical object
False Hero- Perceived as a good character in the beginning but emerges as evil
Dispatcher- Character who makes the lack known and sends the Hero
3. Narrative and plot
• Trailers are designed purposely to allow some insight to the film however
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not too much that will give the film away. If we look at horror films trailers
usually consist of a 3 part element, we have the opening few shots of a
friendly atmosphere, then we have the build up o suspense accompanied
by some high suspense music, then we have the climax which consists of
jump cuts of horror scenes.
Trailers usually leave the audience on a cliff hanger, leaving them wanting to
know what happens next therefore pesuading them to watch the movie.
4. Voice overs
• Voice overs are used in some films to establish the setting and the genre of
the film, an example of this was the voice over in the Wolverine which is
shown below.
5. Soundtracks
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Soundtracks are vital in a trailer as they establish the whole mood of the trailer.
For example if you see a horror trailer you will notice that the soundtrack will be a
lot more upbeat and sharp to build up tension. However if you have a comedy
film you would expect something more family based .
In animated comedy Finding Nemo we have Bobby Darin-Somewhere beyond the
sea, and Men at work-Land down under, both two very established songs.
However in horror film The Messengers we have Gillain Welch-My first lover which
is a less popular audio and establishes an eerie, creepy feel.
6. Target Audience
• For films such as horror movies you will be expecting an audience of 16+
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minimum, this is due to the use of violence and explicit language which is
common for this genre.
If you have a film such as family animation, the minimum age here would
be U, or some may be PG which is parental guidance.
According to the BBFC;
7. Company Logo
• This logo shows the company the film is under. Some well known company
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Logos are; WarnerBro’s, Pixar, WaltDisney Pictures, Universal, Paramount
Pictures.
The use of these company Logos give the audience some insight to the film,
for example they see an established Logo they will have trust in the film
due to their history.
8. Propps
• Props are essential in a film as is some circumstance they can define a whole
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character or setting. For example, Wolverine would not be as infamous if
it wasn’t for his claws-which are a prop, or Lord of the rings would be
pointless if it wasn’t for the rings-again a prop.
Macguffin- “A significant object around which the plot revolved.”
Here is a link of the 25 most memorable film propps.
http://www.props.eric-hart.com/features/25-memorable-film-props/
9. Setting
• The setting is extremely important and must reflect the theme of the movie.
• If you are having an action movie you would expect it to be held somewhere
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in the city, for example New York, Tokyo etc.
If you are filming a family comedy, typical features would be a road trip etc.
Setting is vital in most films for example, Skull Island or the Empire State
building in King Kong.
