Film trailers are an important marketing tool for movies as they create interest and promote the film. Trailers typically include key moments and highlights from the movie to entice viewers without revealing too much of the plot. They also showcase the main stars, director, and release date to attract audiences. The goal of a trailer is to make people want to see the full film by teasing elements of the story, characters, themes, and genre in an engaging way through video clips, music, and voiceovers.

1. FILM TRAILER
Film trailers are an important part of film marketing. They are similar to advertisements in
that they promote the product. Trailers often have big budgets because film studios
understand that the trailer is one of the most important ways of creating immediate
interest in a film, and is often the first the audience will see/ hear of the movie. Like
posters, there are often several versions of trailers made- the earlier ones are known as
teaser trailers, because they are meant to tease audiences with only a few exciting
details. Closer to the release date, trailers give more information on the storyline, plot and
characters, as well as the exact release date.

2. CONVENTIONS OF A MOVIE TRAILER
• Key moments from the film. However, these are not necessarily in alphabetical order; often
advertisers do this to prevent giving away too many details (some trailers are criticised for
giving away too many details).
• The title of the film. This is usually at the end of the movie trailer, probably as if it were at the
beginning, many viewers would miss it – as their attention will be caught by the action within the
trailer.
• The names of the main stars are put on screen, or said by a voiceover early on in the trailer.
This is important as it lets audiences know who they can expect to see in the film. Audiences
will often decide they want to see a film just because of the stars in it, therefore this is a good
way to gain audience attention for the rest of the trailer.
• Many mainstream films will use a powerful voice-over that draws our attention to the key points
of the film, this is particularly true in action/ thriller movies.
• On screen text gives important information about the film, including the stars, director/
producers, tagline, title and release date. Text often appears at intervals between clips
describing the narrative little by little.
• Music is essential in trailers as it can suggest the genre, style and plot of the film . Most
importantly, it establishes the mood.
• Trailers are generally about 2 minutes long also.

3. THE PURPOSE OF A FILM TRAILER
• The main purpose of a film trailer is to make the viewer want to see the movie. Although
there are many other things needed to be done for it to have this effect:
• An introduction to the plot and narrative (being careful not to give too much away).
• An introduction to the main characters.
• An introduction to the themes of the film, as well as the genre and style. For example, it
needs to be clear a movie is a rom com as opposed to a horror, if that is the case.
• To show some of the best moments of the film, this could be the funniest, scariest, or most
exciting. However some movies are criticised for showing the best moments in so much
detail in the trailer, that the actual movie doesn’t live up to expectations.

4. HOW IT IS POSSIBLE TO ANALYSE A FILM
TRAILER
• The USP (unique selling point).
• Sound: soundtrack, sound effects, dialogue, voiceover…
• Editing: Pace, special effects, shot reverse shot, match on action, transitions…
• Institutional references
• Credits and intertitles (includeing typography).
• Mise on scene: Lighting, hair/ costume, location, prop…
• Camera angle, movement and shots.
• Also, how these contribute to/ effect: Genre, narrative, representation, and target
audience