Research Task: Chosen Media

For my product, I am going to create a full trailer. A trailer is a compilation of footage from the film. This is heavily edited and often uses "best bits" to portray the film in the best possible light to the audience. Trailers are usually non linear as they only want to show the most interesting parts. However, they also introduce the narrative to the audience; it will need to make sense. If the audience are engaged with the story, they will want to see the film. A film may have a teaser trailer, but as these are a little short, I am going to create a full (or main) trailer.

Conventions of a full trailer:

• Music - usually non diegetic in the form of a soundtrack. This helps to add tension and atmosphere to the trailer. It often builds to a crescendo before ending simultaneously with the trailer. 
• Dialogue - conversations between characters frequently entail one liners. This makes the trailer seem more dramatic and exciting. If the dialogue is only one line, it can fit in well with the tempo, loudness and rhythm of the trailer. Having one liners may also make it easier for the producer to fade the music as there is a smaller proportion of the music they need to make quieter. 
• Montage - a series of edited shots show the key points in the narrative. Trailers often alternate between the montage and 
• titles.
• Star system - titles showing the names of cast/key crew (for example, Director) are shown. Often a shot of the cast member will be shown before the title, allowing the audience to connect the actor/actress with the name. These do not usually appear until the end of the film.
• Voice overs - often used to narrrate the trailer or give background to a film. They help put the audience in position of a character or the narrative, making it more engaging.
• Interesting camera angles may be used to capture the attention of the audience.
• Sound bridges are often used to give the trailer more continuity.
• Institutional logos (for example, The Weinstein Company) are displayed at the start of the trailer
• Non linear structure

Silver Linings Playbook (2012) full trailer

The above trailer conforms to the following conventions:

• Institutional logo (TWC)

The Weinstein Company institutional logo

• Non Diegetic music
• Non linear structure/order
• Dialogue
• Interesting angles i.e. close up of book
• Montage of clips
• Star system at end (shot of cast member next to their name)

An example of publicising cast

It subverts the following conventions:

• Voice over (none featured). Voice overs may not be appropriate for a comedy/romantic drama film.