The document summarizes research on horror film trailers. Key elements identified include using the film title prominently, establishing shots of spooky houses, medium shots of actresses to attract male viewers, silhouettes in windows to create an unsettling feeling, phone calls as a source of suspense, and running scenes. The researcher plans to incorporate these elements like suspenseful phone shots and powerful fright shots into their own trailer. Successful trailers attract audiences, set the genre, suggest the storyline, introduce characters, use exciting clips, and include graphics for the title, dates, and production company.

1. Film trailer research
These are some of the horror film trailers I decided to
research upon.
(Hover over image for link to trailer)

2. Film trailer deconstruction.
As dimension
films is a coveted
production
The film title is
company they
used throughout
usually have their
the trailer to get
logo in the
the audience
beginning of the
familiar with the
trailer to show that
film.
the film is made by
a well known
company.
This is a conventional shot used in a film trailer it shows which
institution and production company it was created by.

3. Film trailer deconstruction.
Medium
shot used to
get the
actors upper
body. This
could
maybe be
done to
attract male
viewers
This is a typical aspect for a horror movie as attractive female actors
are used this lures the male gaze. Stereotypically the females used in a
horror movie are usually blonde and not very intelligent as represented
by these 2 actors who are made to appear like this.

4. Film trailer deconstruction.
This image shows a scary house this is a recurring image connecting
These are a
with the horror genre. This image is shown throughout many different
few examples
horror film posters. A low angle shot is used this gives the viewers the
where this type
sense you are looking up at the house. This shot could be interpreted
of image is
as coming from the killers view ( a view point shot).
used.

5. Film trailer deconstruction.
This type of feature
Is used widely
throughout the
horror genre. This
shows a dark
silhouette at the
window this gives
the viewer the effect
that they are not
alone. A long shot is used to get the whole room in the scene this takes the
emphasis of the character behind the window this makes the
audience look around the room and then discover the silhouette
making it more spookier.

6. Film trailer deconstruction.
A medium shot is used here, it shows the actress on the
phone. This is a major part on the scream films. Blue lighting
is used and this gives the shot a eerie feel to the scene.

7. Film trailer deconstruction.
I felt that this shot was very powerful and created the best fright factor
in the whole shot. This type of shot I would like to incorporate into my
trailer so I could get a similar type of effect in my trailer.

8. Film trailer deconstruction.
I think that the scream franchise has used the phone gag very
well and this creates a more powerful and suspenseful shot
when the character is on the phone

9. Film trailer deconstruction.
Running scenes are always shown in horror movies. Sometimes
different types are shown for example some running shots are show
with a point of view shot.

10. Film trailer deconstruction.
Movie name is essential at the end of the trailer to let your audience know
the name of your film.

11. Film trailer deconstruction.
The date is also as essential as the name of the movie. This will inform the public when your
film will be released.
This film has a normal date however some films are release on a certain date to create more
“hype” for instance Halloween was released on October 31st and the omen was released on
June 6th 2006 this was done because these dates were relevant to the film.

12. Codes and Conventions of a
horror trailer
Looking at these trailers these are the hypothesis I found when producing a
trailer and I will try and incorporate these when making mines.
•A trailer will attract an audience into watching the full film.
•Sets the genre of the film and creates a feel for the setting
•Suggestion of the storyline
•Introduces some of the main characters
•Draws the interest of the audience by displaying attention grabbing footage. Made up of
quickly paced clips
•Slowly builds from beginning to an exciting end.
•Usually contain graphics like the film title and opening dates production company etc.
•May include music and voice over.

13. Coursework Timeline
This is the rough timeline I will be working at to complete my brief.
Start research Start research Start production Start
on film genres on film of poster and production of Coursework
and poster. trailers. film magazine trailer. completed
(simultaneously)
Oct - Jan 2011/2012 Jan – Apr 2012
Given brief for
coursework. Dec – Feb 2011/2012
Sept/Oct 2011