This teaser trailer provides context about the storyline of an upcoming film. In the film, a group of students at a Philadelphia prep school devise a plan to break into the U.S. Mint and create a limited edition run of coins to sell in order to raise money after their principal is arrested for stealing $10 million from the school's endowment. The trailer shows various scenes that depict the students' plan, including one student showing off her hacking skills to convince others to help her break into the Mint. It also shows one of the main characters, Jason, visiting his father who has been arrested and placed in jail.

1. Textual Analysis of a Teaser
Trailer and Poster

2. Storyline
• In the film, a group of students try to raise money for their
school by breaking into a mint and creating a limited
edition run of coins to sell to collectors.
• It’s amusing to simply observe the boredom showed by a
class of teens from a Philadelphia prep school when they
are forced to take a field trip to the U.S. Mint “Do they
make credit cards here?” one kid asks. Excitement finally
pervades when the principal is taken away by police,
arrested on charges of stealing $10 million from the
school’s endowment. This sudden twist jolts the sleepy-
eyed principal’s son, Jason, played by Alex Saxon as a soft-
spoken loner not at all pleased with his reputation. He
earns the empathy of Alice, an expert hacker who hatches a
plan to steal from the U.S. Mint in order to save the school.

3. Shot 1
Mise en scene – In this shot, there is a male and female character presented. They are in their school
library during the day and they appear to be having a conversation. They are dressed in warm tone
colours and don’t stand out very much, this could be because they are not very popular considering
they are sitting in a library. The dullness of their clothes could represent them as individuals who are
kept to themselves and are not as outgoing as others and are more focused on their school work.
Editing – During this sequence the two off the students are talking about stealing money to save to
school. This clip is medium length as it is one of the key bit and what the film is based around. This shot
of the two characters is also shown during the trailer. Through the use of editing they have put of the
key scenes at the beginning of the trailer to get the viewers attention and let them know what they
might see through out the film. The clip then has a straight cut to the next scene. The whole trailer is a
montage of different scenes that make up the storyline of the film. It allows the audience to gain some
understanding of what the film is going to be about.
Camerawork – This shot is a still, medium shot of the two characters. The positioning of the camera
allows the audience to see the proximity of the two characters and gain the understanding that there
might be something between the two of them. They are also is the middle of the frame and this gives
the audience a clear view of their facial expressions and what is going on around them, it also gives off a
realistic effect of them at the library.
Sound – In this shot there is the diegetic sound of the two characters are exchanging dialogue, due to
the fact the two are sitting in a library, you would think they are working, however they are in fact
talking about stealing $10 million. There are no other sounds other that the dialogue shared between
the students. After this clip the music and more dialogue starts.

4. Shot 2
• Mise en scene – With this shot you can see the teacher and some students on a school trip to the U.S Mint and
being engaged with what is going on. The mood created here is the teacher is very interested by what they are
viewing, however the students aren’t too focused or interested, this is shown through their facial expressions of
boredom. They are in the U.S mint, learning about how coins are made, which might not be that interesting to
teenagers. They are all dressed in very similar warm toned colours. This could symbolise the characters
personalities. Costumes can also determine where and when the scene took place. In this case it is in the present
as they are dressed in modern casual clothing.
• Editing – In this shot we have Jason in the foreground with the most camera time and this could be due to the fact
that he is one of the main characters and they want the audience to get to know him. The way this scene
transitions to the next is with a straight cut and this could be because what the worker is talking about connects to
the next scene. This scene is not very long and this could be due to the fact that its not that relevant or as
important as other scene, however, it needs to be shown in order to give the audience an understanding of the
setting and what is going or so they don’t get confused and not know what the film is about.
• Camerawork – This is a medium close up so you can see the difference in the teachers and students facial
expressions as well as what the other student in the background are doing. This is a still shot of the students
walking towards the camera and off to the side, off screen. After this clip it then has a straight cut to the worker
talking to the students about the coin making. The way these characters are positioned could do with the fact that
Jason is one of the main characters and therefore not only needs more camera time but also should be easily
seen by the audience and be the main focus. The teacher on the other side of the screen is also important and
needs to e in the front to give the realistic effect of a school trip with the teacher leading the students. The other
students in the background also give the realistic effect , however, are not that important. We can clearly see their
facial expressions and that there are multiple students on this trip.
• Sound – In this shot, there is the use of non-diegetic sound of upbeat and loud music playing in the background
with a sound bridge of the worker explaining about the U.S Mints to the students. It then goes to the next clip of
him in front of the students explaining it to them. Through the use of sound you can also identify the different
characters, like the man talking in this scene must work there as he knows a lot of information about their
background history and their process of coin making. You can hear by the tone of his voice that he is excited to be
there and enjoys his job.

5. Shot 3
• Mise en scene – The obvious purpose of costuming is to dress an actor according to his character. In this scene
there are police officers dressed in their uniform. This might shock the audience as they were not at all expecting
it to happen. The police officers have a serious look on their face as they are doing their job and the dad and
students all have a worried and confused look on their faces as they don’t know what to do or what to think of the
situation. Body language can tell an audience how one character feels towards another and the dads body
language looks annoyed at the police officers and this could be due to the fact that he doesn't know why they are
taking him as he feels he has done nothing wrong. The colours used also show how before the police came it was
bright and positive and then as soon as the police showed up the colours have darkened and there is a negative
mood.
• Editing – In this shot there is a shot reverse shot of Jason and the police with his dad. You can see the police
talking to the dad and then its cut to Jason who has a worried look on his face and its then cut back to the dad
who being taken away. Through the use of editing you can also control the information shown to the audience. If
you as the audience know more than the characters then it can help provoke an emotional reaction. The
characters don’t see this but the audience do and so they might feel anxious or tension due to something horrible
happening. The element of suspense is being built up for the audience. Like the dad being taken away makes the
audience feel sorry for him and Jason as they feel that they have built a relationship with the characters and they
feel that they don’t deserve it.
• Camerawork – In this clip it is a still medium long shot of the dad being taken away by the police and they walk off
to the side of the camera, off screen. The camera is positioned far away from the characters so that the audience
can see their body language as well as what is going on behind them and everyone has different reactions and
they want to be able to capture them all. The characters are placed in the middle of the frame and this could be
because they are the main focus at that point in time and they are who the audience should be watching to
understand what is happening.
• Sound – In this scene the non-diegetic sound of the loud and upbeat background music stops and the diegetic
sound of worried dialogue starts. Sound can help create meaning and in this scene you can hear the worry in the
voice that asks “what’s going on” and the seriousness in the polices voices when they ask they dad to go with
them. There is also some diegetic sound of Jason calling his mom and telling her that his dad has just been
arrested.

6. Shot 4
• Sound – This clip has more of a slow and softer tone to the non-diegetic sound used in the
background. This could be because its not an important part of the film and it not dramatic
or action so it doesn’t need to make the audience feel a certain way. As there is no diegetic
sound it would mean that the non-diegetic sound is more dominant.
• Information- This information allows the audience to know where to get the film from as
well as how good of a film it might be. Not all film are put onto Netflix and this could be a
possible unique selling point for the film as some people prefer to watch films on Netflix
rather then having to pay for them.
• Placement-This text is placed in the middle of the screen. It slowly zooms in but is then cut
to the next clip. Having it in the middle of the screen with nothing else around it, draws the
audiences attention to it more. Having the text in the beginning of the first few shots lets
the audience know, not just where the film is available but also lets them know that it is an
original film.
• Style- The style of this font is very bold and modern, however, the colours don’t stand out
as much. This could be because the poster is also these colours and the two connect. As
the poster has to meet a specific target audiences needs, they could have has a colour
scheme that they followed with the teaser trailer as well. As this film is also for teens and
the genre is teen drama with the attempt of being a crime, the colours cant be very bright
as it wont match the theme of the genre.

7. Shot 5
• Mise en scene – The set design refers to the decor of the set, containing mainly of the furniture, props, and
the set itself. Instead of just placing objects here and there, the director must be practical to understand how
these elements may bear significance in a deeper level, while also emphasizing themes, creating meanings,
and provoking thoughts. In this scene Jason is sat in the foreground and his parents are in the background.
This could be because they are having a private discussion that Jason can’t be a part of. The lighting isn't very
bright and this could relate to the fact that there is a negative situation going on and so everything has a dull
effect. Jason’s facial expressions show that he is worried and concerned, this could be because he doesn’t
know what is going to happen to his dad or how to get out of the situation.
• Editing – The meaning of the clip can change depending on the order the shots are cut together. This clip is
shortly after Jason’s dad got arrested and so the audience feel sympathy for Jason as they know that he is
listening to his parents conversation about what is going to happen. The duration of a shot will usually reflect
the narrative context. This scene is short but long enough to give the audience and understanding that
something is wrong and something bad might possibly happen.
• Camerawork – This is a long shot where we can Jason clearly, however the parents are blurred out but we
know they are there and have the feeling that they are talking about something important that the boy cant
hear. Jason is sitting to the left of the frame and this could be so that the audience can see his parents in the
background, but as they are blurred out Jason is the main focus in is clear to the audience. This shot is a still
shot and this could emphasise the focus that Jason has on his parents conversation.
• Sound – In this shot Jason is sat down at the table and his parents are in the background. Both diegetic and
non-diegetic sound is used. The fast paced but soft music is playing in the background while the parents are
whispering in the background of the shot. This enhances the audiences emotional experience as they feel
sorry for Jason whose dad is going to jail. One sound doesn’t dominate the other as they are equally used in
order to get the message across and engage the audience.

8. Shot 6
• Mise en scene – High-key lighting is often seen in romantic comedies and musicals, avoiding dark areas in the frame.
Everything looks bright with little to no shadow at all. High-key lighting has little dramatic effect itself. In this scene, Jason and
his dad are sat in a small cafeteria inside of jail. This scene needs to have a dramatic feeling to it in order to make the
audience feel sorry for Jason as nobody would want to be in that situation. Although high-key lighting symbolises romance or
musicals, this scene is neither and so it could be to highlight the fact that everything will be ok and might have a good ending
for both Jason and his dad. The obvious purpose of costuming is to dress an actor according to his character. But, more than
that, costuming can also be used to establish someone’s hierarchic level. Costuming may also be used to emphasize a theme.
This theme being teens who have a troubled lifestyle and this having an effect on their behaviour.
• Editing – This shot duration is not very long and this could be because they don’t want to give too much away to the
audience but rather make them want to continue watching and find out more. This shot has a straight cut from them sitting
if the prisons cafeteria to one of the students talking in a school assembly. This could show the differences in the two teens
lives as one is visiting their dad in prison and he is the one who comes up with the plan to steal the money from the U.S
Mint, this showing how teens with a bad background are the troubled ones and then the there teen who is at school
presenting an assembly. She is probably the student with the good grades and is liked by everybody.
• Camerawork – This is a long shot of Jason visiting his dad in jail and having a conversation with him. This shot goes to show
that most kids who are troubled outside of home have a tough background and this has an effect on them. This relates to our
film as well because out character is troubled while he is out of college and its due to the fact he has a troubled lifestyle at
home. This is a still shot of the two of them and this could be because they want the audience to get how Jason might be
feeling and the create a more of a dramatic effect. The proximity between the characters and the camera is far as they are
allowing the audience to see that Jason is not the only teen whose dad is in jail, there s also a young girl in the background
who is visiting a family member.
• Sound – The sound in this clip is the non-diegetic sound of a voice over used of Jason say that his dad is the headmaster and
he doesn’t know how he could do it. This could make the audience question the ending of the film and they might think that
there's more to it. This could also make them feel sorry for Jason as he has a worried tone to his voice. There is also non-
diegetic sound in the background. The music played is slow and soft toned and his could be because it’s a dramatic scene so
they are trying to make the audience to feel sympathy for both Jason and his dad.

9. Shot 7
• Mise en scene – Low-key lighting is often seen in horror movies and thrillers, comprising of a lighting pattern
that has both bright and dark areas in the frame. This scene is of the girl showing off her hacking skills.
Positioning within a frame can draw our attention to an important character or object. In this case the
computer screen is what's gotten the audiences attention. Lighting and colour are important elements as
they highlight important characters and objects. The character in this film as well as the computer screen are
both very dull and boring colours, however, the computer screen stands out because of the white used in the
CCTV videos. This will draw the attention of the audience to the computer screen and allow them to see what
she is capable of and what they are going to do in order to get into the Mint.
• Editing – This shot duration is short as its just to give the audience some knowledge on what's going to
happen in the film and how they are able to do what they do in the film. Putting two shots together can
suggest a connection or emphasise contrast. The shot before this scene is of the girl asking Jason if she could
help him. This scene connects as she is showing him her hacking skills in order to persuade him to allow her
to help him. This shot then has a straight cut to them talking about how easily she can get into the U.S Mint
and how they will need help from others.
• Camerawork – This is an over the shoulder shot of a computer screen that one of the students are looking at
in order to gain access to the U.S Mint. This is a still shot of the computer screen as the audience need to
focus on the screen to keep an understanding of how the teens gain access to the Mint and so they don’t get
confused along the way of the film. The distance between the camera and the character is very small as they
need to get a close up of the computer screen in order for the viewers to get a good look at what is going on
and what is in the frame.
• Sound – In this shot non-diegetic sound dominates diegetic sound as there is a voice over of the girl
explaining how easy it is to hack someone and the background music that is fast and loud. This could make
the audience feel as if she's done this before but also be able to tell what happens in the film as they will
expect her to se her skill in order to get into the Mint as well as all of her friends. There is also the use of
diegetic sound, however not as much as non-diegetic. There is the sound effects of her typing on her
keyboard, these sounds are enhanced with the process of editing.

10. Shot 8
• Sound – The background music starts again when this text appears on the screen. It is
louder and faster than before this creating excitement for the audience. There is no
diegetic sound which means that the non-diegetic sound is more dominant.
• Information- This information given to the audience is preparing them for what they might
see next and what is likely to happen. It also shows the crime side to the film as they show
hat the students get up to in order to get the money and although they think its for a good
reason, it is still a huge crime being committed.
• Placement- This text is placed in the middle of the screen one line at a time. It slowly
zooms in but is then cut to the next clip. Having it centred on the screen allows the
audience to focus of that one thing and gain the understanding of what the text is trying to
portray. This text is shown closer to the end other the trailer, however its right before the
teens start their mission to break into the U.S Mint. This could be because it is giving the
audience the understanding that what they are doing is wrong no matter he reasoning
behind it.
• Style- The style of this font is very bold and modern and does get the viewers attention,
however, the colours don’t stand out as much. This could symbolise the way the students
don’t want to stand out or be noticed by others. The colours also match up with the poster
for the film and this could be why they haven't used different colours that the audience
might notice more.

11. Shot 9
• Mise en scene – In this clip the security has a serious facial expression while running through the parking as
he is trying to look for the teens who have broken into the U.S Mint. He is wearing his security uniform to
show his importance and job title in that specific scene. Setting can manipulate an audience by building
certain expectations and then taking a different turn. In this scene there it the security running through the
parking, however the next clip is of the teens hiding inside the building. You would expect them to be near
him. This makes the audience question what happened in between those scenes. The security also has a torch
with him, this could make the audience think that it is later in the evening and this mission has taken them all
night.
• Editing – This scene has a straight cut from one to another all based around the teens escape. This scene cuts
from the security running to the teens hiding. The order of the shots give the audience some sort of relief as
they can see that they are hiding, however, through the use of editing they could cut out the parts in between
that the audience want to know. This is a quick clip of the security running as they have to fit all the small
details into a short amount of time.
• Camerawork – In this clip there is a tracking shot used in order to get the security guard running through the
parking. This created tension for the audience as they don’t know what happens next or if the students get
away. The distance between the character and the camera is fairly far as the audience need to know where
each scene is taking place and what is around them. The position selected relates to the information the
filmmaker is trying to communicate. This shot shows his running through the parking showing the audience
that the teens have caused a scene and could be anywhere and so the security are trying to look for them.
• Sound – In this clip, the non-diegetic sound dominates diegetic sound as there is non-diegetic sound of the
background music and no diegetic sound at all. The music is loud and fast pace. This could be because it
needs to match up with the scene and this is a security guard chasing after the teens which is very intense and
thrilling for the audience as they try a determine what happens next and if the teens get caught or get away.

12. • The sequence for this film is 1 minute and 58 seconds long and they get enough detail in it to give
the audience a good understanding of what the film is about and what as well as who might be in
it.
• From the teaser trailer the audience can understand that Coin Heist is a teen movie with an
attempt at being a bit of a thriller. It is about teens that hack and break into the US Mint in order to
save their prep school from bankruptcy.
• Although the storyline isn't all that realistic, the audience are probably still wondering weather they
succeeded or not and if they did help the school out while going unnoticed.
• The movie also raises a question very similar to the question raised in the classic novel, Crime and
Punishment: Is it okay to commit a crime if the crime can make the world a better place? This
question is raised not only through the heist, but also as one of the characters discusses how he
was arrested for making fake IDs , not so underage kids can drink in bars, but for immigration cards
so his neighbours would stop getting persecuted by the authorities.
• This film is somewhat relatable due to the children having a normal everyday life. Also in the trailer,
we don’t see what causes the dad to be arrested and so this could be different from other films as
it is not too predictable as we don’t see it coming and don’t know how it all plans out.
• This film would be aimed mostly to teen as I don’t think adult would be very interested by it. I think
it would appeal to both males and female due to the fact that there is some romance between two
of the characters that would interest the females more than the males and the action, thriller side
to the film would appeal to the males more than the girls.
• This film would appeal to people who enjoy films that are intense but end on a good note.
• People who have a troubled background might also find interest in this film as it does include a
teen whose dad is in jail and some people might be able to relate to this feeling.

13. Comments
• From this teaser trailer of “Coin Heist” I have gathered some useful
information that can help me with the production of my own trailer.
The use of camerawork needs to be clear and focused on specific
elements of the trailer in order for the audience to gain knowledge
of what the film will be about. There should also be a wide variety
of different camera angles to give the audience different views of
what is going on. Through the use of sound and editing, I need to
be able to send a message across to a specific target audience. The
sound needs to be loud and intense as well as at a fast pace. I need
to keep them interested and make them want to continue
watching. From watching an already existing trailer I know what to
include in my own to be able to tell an audience what the film is
about without giving away too much to the point where they don’t
need to watch the film to understand what happens. Overall,
analysing this teaser trailer has been very useful and should help
me with the production of my own.

14. Poster analysis
A clear colour scheme of
different blues and the word
“NETFLIX” in red.
Letting the audience know
that the film is available to
watch.
The title of the film is made
to stand out to the audience
using big and bold text that
will grab the viewers
attention.
A clear indication that the film is
based on the young adult novel
by Elisa Ludwig.
Elisa Ludwig's Coin Heist is a fun,
suspenseful, and compelling
thriller, told from the revolving
perspectives of four teens, each
with their own motive for
committing a crime that could
change all of their lives for the
better.
The image on the front is
rather girly as it doesn’t
contain any action related
pictures and so this could
attract the female audience.
The different shaped coins of
the front that relate to not
only the name of the film but
also what the film is about.
I think that the marketing team
was trying to attract the
audience by having it on Netflix
as most films take a while to be
aired on Netflix and have to be
paid for in order to watch.
Through the use of colours you can tell that it is a drama. As well as
its audience. Blue is a masculine colour; according to studies, it is
highly accepted among males.
Having the colours
matching the trailer in
order for the audience to
know they connect with
each other.

15. Comments
• I would say that the poster does work with the trailer as they have the
same vibe to them that tells an audience who its for as well as the colours
used. They aren't too young and aren't too old and they also go with the
genre of the film. The colours and image also determine who the film it
targeted to , such as the blue colours and girly hand on the poster cover.
• Analysing a poster for an already existing film has been useful as it gives
me a clear understanding of what to include in my poster as well as what
attracts an audience. It also helps me determine the unique selling points
of the film itself. I helps me know what colours to use in order to match
the genre and how the colours represent different aspects of the trailer. I
know where to put the title and any other information needed for the
audience to get the film or know anything about it. Its helped me
understand how a marketing team work together in order to attract an
audience and the different ways in which they do this. I know whose detail
to put on the front cover in order to attract an audience as they might
prefer the film if they knew who was going to be in it. Overall the analysis
of the poster has really helped me and in think I will use most elements to
help me make my own to a good standard.