2. “From the producer/makers of….”
allows the audience to make
connections with other films which
Sinister (2012) Overview of the narrative but
are recognisable or successful. withdraws significant aspects of the
plot.
Short taglines to engage
the audience and give
important information.
Approximate trailer lengths are
2-3 minutes long.
Low-key lighting compliments
the horror genre.
Diverse range of shorts, ranging from
photographs, drawings and key shots
from the film.
Fast editing to quickly show
mysterious figures to purposely
create the shock factor.
Visual montage of edits accompanied
Sinister music builds up the with scary music which cleverly knot in
tension fro the audience. the conventions of the horror genre.
3. The Cabin In The Woods (2012)
Short taglines to engage the
audience as well as providing key Film company logo changed to
information. correspond with the horror genre.
Key moments are shown in the
trailer, but without giving away
Establishing shots are used to crucial aspects of the plot.
create isolation for the characters
and suggests the horror genre.
Suggestion of the storyline.
Low-key lighting to set the tone of
the film and restricts the view for
the audience.
Sinister and sudden sounds are
used to create suspense for the
Close-ups and eye line shots are audience.
used frequently in horror trailers Visual montage of edits accompanied
to create fast paced montages. with scary music which cleverly knot in
the conventions of the horror genre.
4. The Possession (2012)
Film company logos are always used at Main characters are introduced.
the beginning. Diverse range of shorts, ranging from
photographs, drawings and key shots
from the film.
Key moments are shown in the
trailer, but without giving away
crucial aspects of the plot.
‘Based on a true story’ creates an
element of horror for the audience as it
increases the intensity of the plot. Visual montage of edits accompanied Sinister music helps create the tone of
with scary music which cleverly knot in the trailer and represents the style of
the conventions of the horror genre. film.
5. Overall Conventions
• The music reveals the genre of the film, as well as creating anticipation for key moments.
• Taglines are used to reinforce the storyline which is being introduced.
• The storyline is revealed, but crucial information is deliberately withdrawn since it is only
a ‘taster’ for the film.
• Popular actors and producers’ names are included to attract the target audience.
• Company logos are usually featured at the start of the trailer since they help to finance
the film, and they give an idea of the budget of the film.
• The horror genre usually has fast-paced montage edits to create an anticipation for the
film, whilst creating suspense with the contrast of jump-cuts and editing.
• Main characters are introduced, which is essential for engaging the audience with the
storyline.
• Trailers are approximately 2 to 3 minutes in length. This keeps it nice and shot for TV and
internet viewing, whilst revealing enough information to interest to attract the target
audience.
• Attention grabbing footage is crucial for creating interest for the film, since trailers are
an important part of marketing.
