Trailer Conventions

Although trailers follow similar conventions, there are structural differences depending on genre’s that can also be identified. For example, horror trailers often pace there clips from slow to fast, using fade transitions and sound effects whilst quickening to add suspense. They also have common features, such as the sound of silence or a line of dialogue before an attack.



Trailers are designed to be interesting and persuade you to go to the movie. Often the best parts of the film are shown which don’t give away too much of the story line e.g. in comedies jokes are shown, in action trailers explosions may be shown. They are designed to be fast and snappy, with highlighted parts to put across the basics of the storyline as so you feel somewhat involved and want to know more.

There are of course some negatives that come along with trailers. Sometimes they hype up a film to be a lot funnier/scarier/better than it really is, however this is the trailers job to get people to go and see it. Often within the small amount of time the storyline can be lost or jumbled which might put people off from seeing it. Also with trailers having to show the best parts of the film to advertise it well, some of the greatest parts may have been seen a dozen times by the movie goer already on adverts.

Trailers could include the name of actors if they are well known or making their debut so that people can associate them with the film. This will also catch the attention of fans who would be more likely to invest into a film with a star in it that they want to see so advertising the fact would make it more effective. Also, using dialogue to form the storyline seems more effective than a voice over as it involves the audience with the film more.  Using well known or catchy songs get help the trailer be remembered, particularly in comedy. The title could be mentioned to subliminally reiterate the watchers knowledge of the film. The best parts of the film or most potent lines of dialogue are often used.