research for a level media

1. Codes and
conventions of
film trailers
Emily Dorsett-Beard 12.2

2. Introduction
 A trailer is a commercial or advertisement for a
feature film which is going to be exhibited in
cinemas at a later date.
 Trailers were originally shown after a film but more
recently, they’re advertised before a film starts
whist the audience waits for the feature
production.
 Trailers are now found on most DVDs, as well as on
the internet and other mobile devices. Trailers are
intended to increase box office takings.

3. Analysis of 3 videos from
my chosen production

5. Character Introductions – This denotes the film features, a plotline
around a woman and her daughter and establishes connotations of
a family centered relationship. To introduce the characters the
audience, we see Kyle and her daughter framed in an establishing
shot at the airport, about to embark on a journey. The narrative
centers around a mother’s worst fears of losing her child. Any mother
who sees this film will be able to relate to the protagonist, Kyle, as
they have possibly experienced similar fears.
The protagonist is portrayed by Jodie Foster. The directors are aware
Jodie Foster is a popular actress, so her reputation will benefit the
film. The audience may decide to see the film if they are fans of her
work or if they like the suspense genre.

6. Use of Sound – Diegetic and non-diegetic sound featured in the
trailer. In the form of dialogue, diegetic sound established a
sense of urgency and concern for the missing child, whereas
non-diegetic sound in the form of fast-paced music scores,
heighten suspense, after being slow-paced to imply an
easygoing and relaxed mise-en-scene. The dialogue of the
characters, additionally, guides the audience through the
trailer’s narrative. It helps to involve them in the action and
persuades them to see the film.

7. Introducing the producers and company – Naming the company
and producers attracts viewers, as they sometimes recognise the
companies are well-known for making good products. Viewers will
be more encouraged to see these companies productions if they
are well known for working with a specific genre, for instance crime
or thriller. Knowing these companies may work with a less variety
of genre, the audience may feel ‘safe’, knowing products of that
genre have been made before.

8. Film Title – The title is depicted at the end of the trailer and
zooms quickly towards us, as if the movement is
unexpected. It is used at the end of the film trailer, because
producers know the audience will become interested in
seeing the film, so will wish to know the title. The title’s colour
schemes perhaps indicate the genre and themes of
mystery, thriller and suspense because of using a dark
background and small white lighting, to represent hope of a
problem being solved.

9. Release date and social media – This follows the same colour scheme throughout
the trailer to establish good levels of professionalism and reflect the genre. The
website address is included for showing the audience where to find more
information about the film. If many people are discussing the film through online
forums, this helps to generate a buzz and create ‘word of mouth’ which is effective
for the advertising campaign to seek large audiences. The popularity of the internet
means that millions of people across the world and write comments and messages
about the upcoming film, thus spreading the word and interesting millions of people.
The release date is essential for attracting a large audience to the film’s premiere
release. The trailer is featured with the date on it, sometime before it is due to be
released. This allows time for the audience to see it, yet close enough to the release
date that people can make plans to see it. It is shown at the end of a film trailer, like
the title, for it to grab the audience’s attention and gives them the information
needed to see it.

11. Film production logo – This is shown halfway through the first minute of
the trailer. Summit Entertainment’s logo can attract interest, since
people may have seen and enjoyed other films they’ve made such
as the Twilight Saga. Viewers will see the same logo on the Remember
Me trailer and decide to see the film, as they enjoyed other films
which Summit Entertainment have made.
It also creates an idea of type of film the company is trying to sell. For
example, people will see Summit Entertainment’s logo and know it will
have a reasonably good budget and they’re recognised for creating
films which are teenage friendly.

12. Character Introductions – This denotes that Remember Me has a
plot line is about someone who broke too many rules and lost the
sense of doing what is expected of him. However, this shows
connotations of someone with a rebellious nature who lost his way
through trying to do the right thing with good intentions. This
enables the audience to connect and relate to the protagonist as
some of them may have done the same thing in their own lives. For
example, having a rebellious protagonist aimed to viewers with
similar traits are more likely to watch the film.

13. Character introductions – Because Robert Pattinson portrays
the main character and the audience have enjoyed his
previous films or are fans of his work, they might decide to see
the film because they know they enjoy the films he’s appeared
in. His name is shown before other actors, since younger
teenage viewers will recognise him better than older actors
such as Pierce Bronson who portrays the protagonist’s father.

14. Use of sound – Diegetic and non-diegetic sound is used in the
trailer. In the form of dialogue, diegetic sound enables viewers to
be introduced to the protagonist’s lifestyle. The support of non-
diegetic sound, established through music and monologue,
introduces viewers to the character and his view of the world.
Throughout the trailer, non diegetic music remains harmonious,
implying throughout some chaotic moments, the protagonist
seems content and relaxed with his everyday life.

15. Introducing cast, crew and social media – Using names of famous actors helps to
attract large audiences who admire them or understand they will see good acting
from the actor, because they are well known for good film performances. Naming
cast and crew like the directors and producers attracts an audience if the crew are
well recognised for developing good products. Viewers will be encouraged to see
more of the crew’s work. If companies are recognised for working on specific
genres, such as coming-of-age romance, audiences may feel secure if they’re
aware products of the same genre have been made previously.
Social media and website addresses are other ways for audiences to learn more
about a film and its upcoming release. If people are talking about the film on social
networking sites such as Facebook, ‘word of mouth’ and a ‘buzz’ is generated. The
popularity of Facebook means that international audiences can post statuses, links
and hash tags, therefore spreading word and gaining interest from other people.

17. Film production logo – This is shown in the first part of the trailer.
Miramax’s reputation can benefit the trailer, as audiences who’ve seen
and enjoyed other films made by the production company then may
decide to see this film as they’ve found their other productions
appealing.
The logo sometimes establishes the type of film producers are trying to
sell, depending how the logo is customised to fit the trailer. For example,
it uses simple black and white to convey simplicity and professionalism
and audiences are aware that Miramax often intended to make their
films family friendly, so audience numbers will not be limited.

18. Narrative introduction – An essential feature in film trailers is the
introduction of the narrative. This is important for this trailer
because the context of the Holocaust is introduced to us.
although the contextual era is mid-20th century, audiences find
this appealing as they’re interested in the context the narrative
takes place in and may be able to relate to characters if they
are easily curious, therefore by what the film is like.

19. Use of sound – Diegetic and non diegetic sound is used. The non-
diegetic sound of the piano establishes a calm relaxed
environment with a strong sense of normality when showing the
characters leaving their house and journeying to their new home
by train. This music also introduces the rural and isolated landscape
of Auschwitz, where the characters have moved to. The non-
diegetic music later alters into a higher crescendo to create
suspense and heighten the drama. The use of dialogue such as
“we’re not suppose to be friends, we’re suppose to be enemies”
implies that through their childhood innocence, the boys grow
aware they’re living near danger.

20. Introduction to cast and crew – Introducing the cast and crew
helps to attract audiences as some actors may be known,
although the trailer seems to target niche audiences, such as
people interested in history. Naming people such as John Boyne,
also attracts the audience as the film is based on his best selling
novel of the same name. Boyne is well-known for writing a
bestseller and if fans of his work know the film is based off it, they’ll
eventually be more inclined to see it.

21. Analysis of three other
trailers from my chosen
genre/star image

23. Film production logo – This is depicted in the first part of the
trailer. The company’s reputation can benefit the trailer,
because people who’ve seen and enjoyed other films by the
same company, will be more inclined to see this production. It
may create an idea of the type of film the company tries to sell
to audiences. For example, viewers who watch films made by
Catch’em Alive Productions, understand it has a reputation of
producing films involving mystery and suspense.

24. Introduction to narrative – This is essential in trailers because it
pleases the audience if they have an opportunity to connect
and relate to the narrative. For instance, anyone who’s
experienced loosing a a parent at some point in their lives
can relate to the plot, as the protagonist experiences the
the pressure of losing his father, after his mother has already
died.
If the film features anyone famous, audiences may wish to
see it if they admire the actors and find their work appealing.

25. Name captions – The actor’s name is depicted overlapping with a still
of their character. This denotes they’re perhaps portraying a character
close to their age with connotations of a believable role. This also
enables an opportunity for the audience to decide if they like the
film’s style and whether they’ll see it.
However, directors may deceive viewers as scenes in the trailer may
perhaps not be used in the actual film. This is a clever technique of
attracting large audiences to see a film which appears brilliant and
special.

26. Use of sound – Both diegetic and non diegetic music is used. The use
of character dialogue establish the film’s pace, especially with the
relaxed mise-en-scene of the house. The non diegetic music, in
contrast, begins with a short calm piano to set the scene and implies
the calmness last for a short moment before halting as a car
suddenly crashes. The piano score is maintained throughout the
trailer, but the crescendo increases to establish the characters as
they attempt to save the protagonist’s father. The music changes to
a dramatic score to increase the pace and heighten suspense.

27. Film title – The title is featured in every trailer, usually at the end.
Directors already know audiences are drawn in by the thrill and
drama so providing them with the film’s name enables them to
remember what it is and to perhaps consider arranging plans to
see it. The font, colour and background often provides an
indication to what the film is like. For instance, the film is evidently
about death as the word ‘flatline’ is used by doctors and nurses
when referring to patients who’ve immediately died. The blue line,
black background and white font, perhaps further represents the
sense of mystery and tranquility associated with death.

28. Introducing cast and crew – Naming crew such as directors and
producers may attract an audience if they are recognised for
making good products. Audiences might be encouraged to see
more of their work if they know or expect it to be good. If the
production team are well known for specific genres like drama
and thrillers, then audience feel more satisfied with knowing
products of that genre have been made before.

30. Film production company – The company’s logo is not featured in
the trailer, yet the name is acknowledge, because they’re
responsible for producing the film. The company’s name benefits
the trailer, since audiences have seen and enjoyed other
productions they’ve made. It also establishes an idea of the type of
trailer the company tries to sell. For example people will look at
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and its more recent logo, and know that it
will have a large budget with a good reputation for making films
which are often intended to be family friendly.

31. Character introduction – This is an important feature used in film
trailers, whether the actors are famous or not. Michael Douglas,
however, is still well-known today. This satisfies viewers, as they can
relate to the characters through individual similarities, such as having
a professional medical role like Douglas’s character. If audiences
have liked some of Douglas’s previous films, or are fans, they might
watch the new film because they’ll know they’ll enjoy his work. Since
Douglas is famous, a character still has been accompanied by his
name so his reputation benefits the film.

32. Use of sound – Diegetic and non-diegetic music is used in
the trailer. The non-diegetic music is key for informing the
audience’s of Coma’s genre by creating an atmosphere of
a dramatic and stressful hospital lifestyle which increases
more as there appears to be a problem. Both diegetic and
non-diegetic sound sets the pace of the trailer and steadies
the clips to be in time with the music. For example, the music
is high pitched in order to create suspense and heighten
drama.

33. Title and Introducing cast and crew – The title is featured at the end
and also throughout the trailer. This establishes the focus towards
the films plot, evidently giving clues that comas are a vital part of
the narrative, therefore being the focus of it. Producers have done
this, perhaps as a way to know if audiences are interested in seeing
the film as well as remembering the title. The background, colouring
and font may give indications to what the film genre will be. For
example, black and white is associated with detectives and
mystery to further imply a mystery is going to be heavily involved in
the plot.

35. Film production logo – This is featured in the first part of the trailer. The
production company’s reputation benefits the trailer, because if
people have seen and enjoyed another Castle Rock film, then they’ll
see the logo on a new film and decide to watch it as they’ve
enjoyed the company’s previous work. This also sometimes
establishes an idea of the type of film the company try to sell. For
example, people will see the Castle Rock logo and understand the
company is running on a comfortable budget and has a positive
reputation of producing an entertaining film.

36. Character introduction – Because Hugh Grant stars as the
protagonist and the audience have enjoyed other films he’s
been in, they might decide to see the film because they know
they’ve enjoyed other films he’s featured in such as Bridget
Jones’s Diary. His name is cast before other actors since he
portrays the protagonist and is perhaps the most recognisable.

37. Use of sound – There is the use of diegetic and non-diegetic
sound. The types of sound, in the form of dialogue and fast-
paced music scores, establish the film’s quick pace and
reflect its genre of being a thriller. Good music scores,
perhaps reflect the budget, since the larger the budget, the
greater amount of music scores can be used in the film and
trailer. Dialogue further guides the audience through the
characters and narrative to keep them entertained and
involved within the plot.

38. Film title – The title is used at the end of the trailer to
inform viewers of the film’s name in case they wish to
see or remember it. The font, colouring and background
are generally good clues as to what the film will be like.
For instance, the intense red establishes connotations of
danger, violence and overlaps with a gentle blue to
suggest two sides in which the protagonist is involved in –
one that’s safe and the other that’s lethal.

39. Introducing cast and crew – Using names of well known actors, such as
Hugh Grant, helps attract large audiences who admire their work or know
they will see good acting if the actor is well known for good performances.
Naming producers and directors additionally attracts an audience,
because if they’re recognised for making good products, people will be
willing to pay money to see their films. Audiences may feel more satisfied if
companies are better known for creating films with specific genres, knowing
that products of that genre have been made before.