Trailer Analysis AS Media Studies

Key Questions…

• Why is a trailer important?

• How does a trailer establish the genre of the film?

• How does a trailer show that a film is worth going to see?

• How has new media such as the internet impacted on trailers?

Trailers – media form

• The trailer is a powerful weapon in the marketing campaign.

• They convey the excitement and atmosphere of the film in order to attract an audience.

• Aims to give the audience information about the film – such as what the story is about, who the stars are and what genre it is.

Features of a Trailer

• They are a genre in their own right and have easily recognisable conventions.

• Designed to capture our attention and hold it for a short time.

• They create mood and atmosphere and heighten our anticipation of what is to come within the film.

• Enigma and action codes are established.• Fast moving• Sound is often used to manipulate our emotions and

create a specific atmosphere.• Often a voiceover is used to summarise the story.• Approximate length – 2 minutes in cinema

Codes and Conventions

• Voiceovers• Stars of film are showcased• Key points are sometimes conveyed through titles.• Conversations between characters often consist of one

liners• Dramatic camera angles• Action interspersed with actor/director credits• Music to create atmosphere• Trailer builds to a climax• Montage often used • Unconventional narrative structure

Voiceover

• Helps us make sense of the narrative• Tells us who the characters are• Showcases the stars• Gives us information about director etc• Helps to build a sense of anticipation• Reinforces the title• Sets the tone for the film• Summarises the story

Cop Out

• “From Warner Brothers Pictures, the studio that brought you the acclaimed police dramas Dirty Harry, Training Day and The Departed comes a film that carries on the tradition…A new team is hitting the streets…From Warner Brother Pictures…Bruce Willis…Tracey Morgan…Cop Out.”

Grown Ups

• “Thirty years ago they were the best of friends, now they’re getting back together and they’re all grown up. They’re meeting each other’s families…learning about their kids…and re-living their glory days. In two thousand ten…From Columbia Pictures comes a comedy…that proves growing up is optional…Adam Sandler…Kevin James…Chris Rock…Rob Schneider…and Salma Hayek…Grown Ups!”

TEXT

Representation

InstitutionAudience

Ideology

Genre

Narrative

Technical Codes/Language

Media Language/Technical Codes

COLOUR

SOUNDDiegetic

Non-diegetic

LIGHTINGHigh keyLow key

CAMERA ANGLESCU, ECU, MS,

LS, ELSPan/tilt/zoom

Low/high

EDITINGRapid/montage/

repetition

MISE EN SCENECostume, body language, facial expression, setting

Sound

Diegetic• Sound that comes

from a source within the film.

• Sound characters can hear.

• Eg. Car stereo or jukebox in bar

Non diegetic• Sound that comes from

a source outside the film.• Sound characters cannot

hear• Voiceovers• Music to create

atmosphere

Editing

• Wipe• Dissolve• Fade• Cut• Rapid• Iris in iris out

Montage• refers to a series of

shots edited together to show a longer activity evolving in a shorter amount of time.

• Eg. Butch Cassidy sepia New York montage

Camera

The Da Vinci Code

Homework

• Complete an in depth analysis of a trailer of your choice.

• It should be relevant to your coursework.

• Use the key concepts to structure your answer.

• Be prepared to discuss your findings with the class.