Film trailers follow several conventions: 1) They usually begin with the film production logo to establish the studio and genre. 2) The film title is shown at the end to leave a lasting impression on the viewer's memory. 3) Age ratings provide clues to the film's content and who it is appropriate for.

1. Film Trailer Conventions

2. Film Production Logos
Usually at the start of a trailer, a film production
logo is shown.
The film company’s reputation can benefit from the
film trailer; for example, if people have seen and
enjoyed another DreamWorks film, then they may
see the logo on a new trailer and decide to watch it.
It also creates an idea of what genre/type of film the
trailer is trying to sell. For example, Platinum Dunes
is associated with Horror films so when horror film
fans see the logo they know it will probably be a
horror and will want to watch it.

3. Film Titles
Film titles are included in every film trailer so that the audience know what
film they want to watch. They are generally shown at the end of trailers so
that the viewer is more likely to remember the name of the film.
The title is important in establishing genre; font, colour and backdrop
usually suggest what kind of film the trailer is advertising.
E.g. We can tell what type insidious is by the title; it is red, connoting
danger and there are ominous shadows in the background.

4. BBFC Age Certification
Age certificates are given to films released in
the UK in order to tell the audience who the film
is appropriate for. For example if the film is a U
it is suitable for young children and will not
include themes such as violence and bad
language.
These are very important as they can hint at the
content of the film. For example, if members of
the audience don’t like violence, they might not
want to watch a film with a 15 certificate
because it includes higher levels of violence

5. Social Media
At the end of modern trailers there is usually a
link to social media so that the viewers can get
involved in discussion about the film. For
example, at the end of the ‘Annabelle’ trailer it
says ‘#ANNABELLE’; this will encourage people
to log on to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
and search the hashtag to find out more or
read reviews. Social media helps to promote
the film as people will share the trailer with
their friends and followers on these sights and
the more people talk about it, the more
publicity the film will get.

6. Introduction to Main Characters
Audiences enjoy films when they can relate to the main characters; this is
why it is essential to introduce these characters to the audience in the film
trailer. Even if the actors aren’t famous ‘stars’, if they are similar to the
viewers, the audience will want to see the film. For example, if there is a
female child lead role, young girls are more likely to want to see the film
because they are relatable.
If an actor/actress has been in other films that have been enjoyed by the
audience, they make the film more appealing because the audience know
that they like them.

7. Music and Voice Overs
Music is important of establishing the pace of a film. If the music is
quite slow and calm, the film is probably going to be an easy to watch,
romantic/sad film. Where as if the music is upbeat it would be a
comedy or an action film. Sometimes artists are asked to create
soundtracks especially for films. If a really famous artist is involved in
the music of the film, people might think that the film has a big
budget, therefore, it must be good. Also fans of the artist may want to
watch the film just because they have been involved.
Voice overs are used to talk through a bit of the plot and about the
characters so that audience have a brief understanding of the film. The
voice over can either be an external voice which is added on top of the
footage or it can be dialogue from the film.

8. Release dates are included in trailers so that
viewers know when they can go and watch the
film in cinemas and can start planning when to
go.
They are usually shown at the end of the film
along with the title. This is so the trailer can
grab the viewers attention and then if they are
interested in going to see the film after they
have watched the trailer, they can then receive
all the information they need to go and see the
film.
Release Dates