Before analysing the trailers, after research on the internet I came across a great teaching resource in which I used to help me break down my analysis, the table was a great way of splitting up the important information and the questions to consider were also helpful.- click on the image for a larger view.
From analysis of a range of different trailers I have been able to draw upon the different codes and conventions which are commonly seen amongst trailers of any genre.
- The most important content within a trailer is selected shots paired with dialogue that tell an exciting story; the producer will choose the highs and lows from the film.
- Music and sound effects are the backbone, they set the pace and rythmn and ultimately drive the trailer through from the beginning to the end.
- The trailers have a clear beginning, middle and end which can be determined by the soundtrack, it sets up the story in an interesting and intriguing way- teases the story.
- The voiceover also leads the narrative and can be used to tell the story through different perspectives. Sometimes the voiceover is the character of the film or sometimes the classic hollywood male voice.
- Scenes are not necessarily in the order in which they would appear in the film as it would be impossible to reveal the general storyline without ruining the main concept.
