Format research evaluation

Woops, forgot to post this a few weeks ago!

Because I have chosen to create a teaser trailer for a horror film, i analysed 3 horror film trailers. This analysis helped me to gain a better understanding of the conventions and themes used in horror trailers. This therefore is now helping me to create ideas about what my trailer should include, and what is typically found in horror trailers.

Actors - In 2 out of the 3 trailers, the main characters were shown. This is important as it introduces key people in the film, which may also be very effective if the actors are very famous (and therefore give the trailer/film a lot of selling power). It also gives an idea of what the film is about, the storyline theme, and who the film is aimed at. The costume and physical characteristics of the characters is also important, as in most of the trailers, it gave a sense of realism, which is a key convention of many horror films today.

Sound - Non-diagetic music was used in all trailers, and I have found that it is key to creating an atmosphere and building/developing the horror theme in the on screen footage. Sounds that are harsh toned and slow paced are also effective as they build tension and give a sense of negativity. The use of simple non-diagetic music (such as just one or two instruments playing) was effective also as it created eeriness and means that the focus is still on the on screen footage. Diagetic sounds such as loud screams conform to the horror genre as screaming suggests pain and negative imagery, and I will certainly be using this in my trailer!

Locations - In 2 trailers, various locations are shown. This is a key convention of any trailer I think, as it introduces the settings and nature of the film. It also gives a sense about the characters lives and certain locations (such as the houses used in 2 of the trailers) gives a sense of the storyline of the film/the realism of the film. However, The Shining trailer challenged this convention, as only one location was used, and was effective as it left the audience wondering what will happen in the film.

Narration - 2 of the trailers used narration over the top of the footage on screen. This was used to engage the audience and to get them thinking more about the film by involving them. The narrations used asked the audience questions and gave them information about the storyline, which is effective at attracting the audience's attention and increasing their desire to watch the film as it gives them a broader idea of what the film is about. I found that the narration is usually a man, and his voice is usually deep so that eeriness and tension is built, and so a sinister effect is created.

Camera work - The angle of the shots seems to be very important, as it helps the audience understand and feel what/who has power and who is vulnerable in the film. POV shots were also common, which is a big convention of horror films as it lets the audience feel like they are in the characters shoes. This creates fear and tension amongst the audience, which is key in the horror genre. Close-ups/extreme close-ups are used to introduce themes (such as death through the shots of weapons etc.) and storyline hints, giving the audience a better idea about what the film is about.

Editing - In the trailers (apart from The Shining), many clips from the film are used. This is effective at giving the audience an idea of what the film is about, what the theme of the film is, how well it is made, and introduces characters/locations etc. The titles of the films are also not shown until the end. I found this effective as it meant that I had to watch the whole trailer before I could see what the film was actually called and when it was being released.

 Credits/logos - At the end of the trailers there are usually credits, which makes the audience feel like they have just watched part of the film. The audience may therefore watch the film if they like what they saw. The production company's name/logo is also normally shown at the beginning of the trailer, so that the audience can recognise and memorise who the company are before they view the trailer. It also may therefore give the audience preconceived ideas of how good the film will be if they recognise that the company has produced other films that they liked/were successful.

Ratings / release date - This is usually the last thing to be shown in the film, as again, the audience have to watch the whole trailer before finding out vital information about the film. It is also important that the age rating is included, because viewers may be disappointed if they go to the cinema to then be turned down because they are too young. Ratings from critics are sometimes used, which can largely influence the audiences decision on whether the film looks good enough to watch.