BASIC CONVENTIONS OF A FILM TRAILER

CODES AND CONVENTIONS All trailers are different however they all try to abide by the same codes and conventions. The codes and conventions have been trialled and tested and a trailer that contains them will ensure optimum success. Over the years these codes and conventions have changed as film, technology and audience has changed.

FILM PRODUCTION LOGOS These are often incorporated within the first part of the trailer, the production company's logo can benefit the trailer and attract an audience who have shared previous interest in that film production company. Equally a good trailer can improve the reputation of a film company.

Also the logo gives the viewer an idea of what the can expect from the film, for example a Disney logo tells the audience the can expect a large budgeted family friendly film.

FILM TITLE The film title is in every trailer whether that be incorporated at the beginning or at the end. Generally the title is displayed at the end of the trailer so after you watch it and are interested in the film the title is fresh in your mind. A title is important as it is the most important piece of information you as audience need to remember.

The font and colour are used to convey what type of genre the film may be to the audience. Looks more comedic and

light hearted because of the bright colours that have been used.

Red connotes danger and death with tells the viewer that the film is likely to be scary or of the horror genre.

The Hobbit font has a rustic look suggesting it has an element of history, the type face is traditional.

BBFC AGE CERTIFICATION Any film released in the UK is awarded an age certification by the British board of film classification. The age certification is usually shown at the end of a film, it provides a guideline for the target audience age. It lets the audience know if the film is appropriate to them, so people younger than the age certificate wont be lead on to think they can what a film which is actually age classified older than them. This prevents people from getting turned away from the cinema.

Film certification is also very important as it can hint at the content of the film, so the audience member can decide whether they will enjoy that type of film.

In order to protect children from unsuitable and even harmful content in films and videos and to give consumers information they might need about a particular film or video before deciding whether or not to view it, the BBFC examines and age rates films and videos before they are released. This independent scrutiny prior to release ensures the highest possible level of protection and empowerment.They watch films and videos all the way through and award an age rating and insight to each one. They reach an age rating by applying the standards and criteria contained in our Classification Guidelines.Typically, two examiners view a film for theatrical release. In most cases a Senior Examiner will confirm the examiners’ recommendation. But if the Examiners are in any doubt or fail to agree, or if important policy issues are involved, the work may be seen by other members of the Board up to, and including, the Director and Presidential team. Occasionally they need to take specialist advice about the legal acceptability of film content or its potential for harm.

SOCIAL MEDIA As technology has advanced it has become more common to include social media links such as hash tags to use on twitter, links to Facebook pages, website URLs and emails to answer and queries about the film.

All of this encourages the audience to explore the film in more depth finding out new information which helps to attract them further. It also means people can talk together about the film on these websites expanding the films publicity. This is a very effective advertising campaign. Screen grab from the

end of the Age of Ultron trailer.

CHARACTER INTRODUCTIONS These are essential for attracting audience as it brings in previous fans of the actors. It also helps the audience connect and relate to the characters. If the audience member viewing the trailer is of the same gender and similar age to the character they are more likely to relate to that character and therefore have more interest in the film.

As well as famous actors and actresses bringing in their previous fans they also sometimes are accompanied by a caption with their name so that their reputation benefits the film, and vice versa.

SOUNDTRACK AND VOICEOVERS Music is a key feature as it can show the pace and genre of a film. It can also suggest the size budget of the film as high budget films ask an artist to especially create a soundtrack just for the purpose of the film.

Voice overs are important as they guide the audience through the plot of the film, it can be either and external voice added over the top or sections of dialogue from the film.

CAPTIONS AND BILLINGS These are important as captions contain the directors and producers name which can increase the reputation if the film and attract previous fans of these peoples work. Also specific producers and directors are well known for producing and creating specific genres. So the audience will know what kind of film they are going to watch from the names in the credits. However these captions can sometimes be deceiving for example just because two films have the same producer doesn't’t mean they are going to be similar because the producer is concerned with budgeting and making sure the production runs smoothly, and may actually have no input towards the narrative of the film.

Billing just includes important members who played a role in the production and creation of the film.

RELEASE DATE This may be the most important part in a trailer as it actually tells the audience when they can go out and watch the film!

Its essential for attracting large audiences, the release date is shown in trailers a couple of weeks before the release date. Soon enough to plan when to go and watch the film and make it fresh in the audiences mind but far enough to ensure a large audience have seen it!