Film Trailer Conventions

Film trailers are an important part of film marketing, they promote the film to the public which as a result, creates immediate interest in the film before its release. There can be several versions for one film, earlier ones known as 'teaser' trailers, tease the audience with only a few exciting details. Later ones give more detail including the all important release date.

The conventions of a film trailer are as follows:

• Trailers include key moments from the film which are not placed in the sequence of the film, and do not give away any crucial plot details (some trailers are criticised for giving away too many details)
• The title of the film is not usually put on screen until the end of the trailer, often followed by a release date.
• The names of the main stars are out on screen early on in the trailer. This is important as it lets audiences know who they can expect to see in the film. Audience will often decide they want to see a film just because of the stars in it.
• Sometimes the names of the director and/or producer are included, with phrase such as 'from the director/makers of...' This helps the audience to make connections between the film being trailed and previously successful and recognised films.
• Many mainstream films will use a powerful voice-over that draws our attention to the key points of the film.
• On-screen text gives important about the film, including the stars, director/producers, tag line, title and release date. Notice the style of this text and how it is often accompanied by a musical beat.
• Music is essential in trailers as it can suggest the genre, style and plot of the film. Look at how music is used cleverly to bring all the elements of the trailer together.