Student work Media Studies Trailer research

1. Film Trailer Research
By Stevie Garrity

2. Purpose of a Film Trailer
The purpose of a film trailer is to give an insight
into a film and inform the audience of the basic
plotline of the film. As well as providing the
audience with items or technical codes that can
‘hook’ them in. The term ‘trailer’ originally
came from been shown the ending of the film
but this was short lived as audiences tended to
leave the film before the ending.

3. Codes and conventions
From the first film trailer produced in 1913 for a musical theatre promotion due to advancement in technologies film
trailers have adapted and evolved to a modern audience. They are seen as tools for advertisement of lots of media
products.
Film production logos
Most film trailers at the beginning have the film production logo. The reputation of a company can benefit the film
trailer as if established for making decent films more people are likely to go and watch the film. For example ,dream
works reputation as an audience will know the film will have a big budget as it is a renowned company. As well the TA
is for families with children so you would be able to grasp the genre or the intellectual level of the film.
Film title
Film titles are usually at the end of the trailer so the audience can recognise the fil and by being at the end is more
memorable. The title of a fil can give the audience a good indication what genre it is from the font, the backdrop and
colour choice. For example, if the title was pink with heart symbolism you could denote that the film is going to be
about ‘love’.
BBFC Age Certificate
The British Board of Film Classification awards an age certificate to any film produced in the UK. This is seen at the end
of a trailer. This is a guideline for the target audience for example, PG is parental guidance which mean children under
a certain age would have to be accompanied by an adult. Also, age certificate gives clues on what content to expect in
the film like age 15 would contain sexual references and scenes of violence so an audience can depict whether r that is
a type of film they would like to watch.

4. Codes and conventions
Social media
An evolved convention of film trailers is to add web addresses or Twitter hash tags or to ‘like’ their Facebook
page. For a more modern audience will appeal to them to go and find out more about the film. Cross media/
synergy can create a ‘word of mouth’ process which is an effective advertising tool. Due to the popularity of
social media millions of people can find about the release of new films and gain interest around the world. For
example people sharing the film trailer on Facebook.
Character introductions
It is important to know if the actors within the film are Hollywood stars or not. This is important because
audiences like to relate to characters so if the main actor is a young male the film’s niche audience would be
young males and are more likely to go see the film. Famous actor’s benefit lots of films reputations that’s why
famous actors names are in bold. As an audience if they have seen an actor in a previous film and enjoyed it
will more than likely watch the next film they are advertised in.
Music Videos and Voice overs
Music is an essential feature and can reflect the pace of the film , the genre and bigger budget films might ask
a famous artist to cover the song. Bigger budget might suggest to the audience better film. Voice overs
primarily guide the audience through the plot and characters. A voice over can be external which means over
the footage or can be sections of dialogue from the film.

5. Codes and conventions
Name captions
In all film trailers there will be name captions either identifying actors/directors/producers. This is
important as the audience can recognise whether they are a fan or not. As well different directors
have distinctive styles. But some name captions on film trailers can be quite deceiving as people
can have their name mention just because they like the film this is a good technique to attract a
mass audience. For example, Kevin Hart may be mention and lots of people may go to the cinema
to watch this new Kevin Hart film when in reality it is not.
Time Length
Film trailers normally last between 1.30- 2 minutes.
Release date
Release date are usually at the end of film trailers like film titles to attract a wide audience to
prepare to go see this film on the opening night.