Drafting and planning: Features of a trailer

It is very important that from the get go unless for a plot specific reason that the trailer lets the audience know what type of genre it is going to be so that it can target a specific audience. Trailers can be viewed anywhere, mainly on the site youtube which allows the trailer to be seen at home o computers or on the go on phones.  A typical trailer will consist of various shots from the movie it is promoting, as the trailers job is to attract an audience into the movie the shots that are usually going to be the most exciting from the movie or the most visually stunning. These shots and such dialogue will generate a certain mood and enigma for what the movie may be about. In a typical trailer the trailer will give information/ highlight the important facts of the movie, the plot and information about the characters.
Trailers will often follow a similar pattern, the information and the scenes will often be fact paced with lots of footage which requires and allows the audience to stay interested in the trailer this creates a roller coaster effect as the tension will build up as the trailer goes on but will then drop as the trailer finishes.

The typical conventions of a trailer are as followed:

• The 'best bits' will be highlighted.
• Showcases the cast and main characters that are involved in the movie.
• Visual images will not be shown for long unless to highlight visual importance or effectiveness.
• Conversations between characters normally one liners. Or narration from the main character.
• Dramatic camera angles/shots
• Potential voice over to give clues or expand on the story (give insight)
• Trailer will build up to a climax and then end.

Typical camera shots that are used in a trailer:

• Close up- To show emotions on the characters.
• Establishing shot- To set the scene of the trailer.
• Low angle shot- Show dominance of a certain character.
• Pan shot- To further show the surrounding.
• Hand held camera- To show that this is a user generated movie.

             These shots can actually help the audience know what type of genre the film is going to be.