http://filmeducation.org/teachingtrailers/secondary/activities_sorcerers_apprentice.html

In the opening seconds of the trailer, a montage of location shots is shown. What impression does this give?

In the opening seconds of the trailer, a montage of location shots is shown. What impression does this give?

This immediately shows that the film is ‘epic’ and is to be taken seriously. It shows that the film will take place in a series of places around the world.

The narration is “I have been searching all over the world for you”

Together, this causes suspension as we want to know why he has searched the world for this person.

It gives the impression that the trailer is moving fast and that you have seen more in the trailer than what you really have.

Throughout the trailer, a number of shots of the New York cityscape are shown. How does this representation of the city seem similar to or different from other representations of New York on film that you have

seen?

Throughout the trailer, a number of shots of the New York cityscape are shown. How does this representation of the city seem similar to or different from other representations of New York on film that you have

seen?

The representation of New York is incredibly similar to other representations, the only main difference here is that the shots we see are taken either at night or as the sun is going down. The similarities make the city look epic, always a high angle shot – The darkness makes the city seem mysterious. This represents the film – A mysterious place where anything can come out of the dark!

What computer generated effects do you see here? What impact do these have in the trailer, and how significant do you think these will be

in the film?

Stepping into a secret room which then starts to morph – A secret passage way to another room

Again with the morphing, the old car turns into a sports car!

Don’t tell Jeremy Clarkson!

Making “Plasma balls” with their hands, any teachers wish!

These cockroaches soon turn into Alfred Molina! Threatening much?

What computer generated effects do you see here? What impact do these have in the trailer, and how significant do you think these will be

in the film?

The CGI ultimately makes the film more surreal and magical, it makes the film look unbelievable and therefore makes people want to see it. When unbelievable things happen, people immediately think that they have to see it.

The CGI really

makes you think…

…GIANT MECHANICAL BIRD?!?! I HAVE TO SEE THIS MOVIE!

The trailer features some action movie conventions, such as stunt driving, fight sequences, fast-paced editing and dramatic music. Does the trailer imply this is an action film, or do you anticipate other genre

elements will feature?

Although the trailer uses a fast paced soundtrack and everything is constantly moving the trailer does not seem like a conventional action movie. There is fire and explosions, but the film is exploited as being more adventurous than action.

The primary colours in the trailer reduce the age of the target audience as it catches the eye of the younger viewers.

I would say that the film is more adventurous than action, although there is action scenes the trailer is far too “friendly” to be action

The colours in this image dismisses thoughts of this being an action film (Even if there is a dragon present) and instead makes it more adventurous

and more for the younger viewers.

What audience do you think this trailer is targeting? Consider age, gender and interests, linking your answer to examples from the trailer.

In what ways do you think we are supposed to identify and/or sympathise with the protagonist of the film, and how is this highlighted

in the trailer?

The trailer is dark as it starts off but constant use of primary colours makes the trailer appeal to the younger viewers and attracts an audience of all ages.

The film trailer appeals to younger adults and teenagers, possibly attracting older children.

The main character, however old the actor may be, is dressed to look younger and as no names are mentioned in the trailer it is almost as if the viewer is meant to be the in the main role. If you think you are around the age of the main character then no doubt you will be interested in the film.

Is there a particular opposition between good and evil established in the trailer? What villains can you identify and what archetypes do these

draw on?

See if you can guess who the villains are?

Is there a particular opposition between good and evil established in the trailer? What villains can you identify and what archetypes do these

draw on?

When focussing on the main characters the camera is always at the same height as them (So the view can relate to the character), when the villain is introduced, the camera goes to a low angle shot and looks up at him. This gives the position of power to the character – The narration also suggests that he is after power.

“All that drivel about good versus evil. The world is about two things, power and control.”

The good guys are established early on, and from then only villains are introduced – This suggests again that the film is an adventure and that they will meet the villains on their adventure. Two goodies against the rest