Conventions Found Across All Types of Trailers

Having looked at many different types of trailers, from a range of different genres, I have made a list of the conventions that repeatedly crop up. I will try and include as many of these conventions as possible across my two trailers.

• Voiceovers tell the story of the film and and deliver crucial information that the production company feel that the audience need to know
• Dialogue used to add excitement to the trailer, to reveal narrative information and to introduce characters
• Dramatic camera angles chosen to reveal certain characters but also to engage the viewer
• Music chosen in a film trailer creates atmosphere
• The title of the film is usually placed at the end of the trailer

• A trailer usually ends in a climax to tease the audience and make them feel compelled to see the film
• Opening - Establishing the setting and revealing the characters
• Build-up - Characters relationships established

• Problem - Certain obstacle is shown for the characters to overcome in the film
• The end is kept a mystery because then the audience will want to watch the film which will result it increased profits
• Tagline which indicates genre and may deliver some narrative information

• Production Company Logo (near the start)

• Introduction to Key Characters
• Fades
• Reference to other similar films
• Music
• Dialogue
• Images from the Film

• Iconography Indicating Genre

• Reference to Source Material
• Names of Actors

• Reference to Awards

• Reviews
• Title of the Film (towards the end of the trailer)

• Credits (at the end)

• Website
• Social media links
• Release date