For my research i began looking into the different types of genres covered by film trailers and identify the type of films which focus on specific genres in association with what genre i would like my film trailer to follow. I will cover the codes and conventions places inside a film trailer and how to base my trailer on the genre i want to do.
Film Genres:
Horror films are designed to:
- Frighten and Panic
- Cause dread and Alarm
- Tap into our hidden or worst fears
- Captivate and entertain us
- Often conclude in a twist or terrifying finale!
Fears created by horrors:
- Different type of audiences react differently to different types of fears
- Nightmares
- Our vulnerability
- Our ability to care
- Alienation
They tap into different fears, fears we didn't know we had or knew of:
- Fear of death
- Loss of identity
- Fear of the paranormal
- alienation
- nightmares
- fear of death & identity
genre hybrids
- horror romance- twilight
- horror romcom - Shaun of the dead
- horror war - Dead snow
- Horror historical drama -pride and prejudice
Characters:
- There's always a lead character, often the survivor in the film, this draws our attention in and make us not what the lead character to die or get hurt; thus the suspension when the the main character getting chased etc also can be known as the big "fight scene" towards the ending of the film
- The killer or monster often has a trademark characteristic in the way he kills, the people he kills or the weapon he uses to kill them.
- Its usually based on good vs evil; two characters conflict
- The outcome is usually the good person survives and defeats the killer/monster, or one big chase/fighting scene and the film ends with a twist so they can carry on the film, thus creating a sequel or a trilogies, a good example of this is Scream.
Vladimir Propp came up with a character theory for studying media texts and productions, his theory was that there are 7 broad character types in the 100 tales he analysed, which can be applied to other media:
- The villain (contrasts between the hero- I will use this within my film trailer by making the lead character stand out; by challenging the ghost- being brave)
- The magical helper (helps the hero in the quest- I will use this character type in my film trailer, as a ghost usually haunts more than one person, so i will also have another brave character type)
- Her father
- The donor (prepares the hero or gives the hero some magical object)
- The princess (person the hero marries, often sought for during the narrative)
- The dispatcher (character who makes the lack known and sends the hero off)
- The hero or victim/seeker hero, reacts to the donor, weds the princess
This type of genre is designed to educe fear and apprehension from the viewers by making supernatural story lines into reality situations. Everything that is normal in society is shown throughout the film and is shown on a new level of fear, showing a complete paranormal society to make the film seem every more real and believable that
"this could happen in any ones town". Films today are mealy based on the olden classic story lines that where filmed and produced in the past, each new story line is developed and played off a previous film and into research and planning, and all include the same ingredients to make a scary film scary! (and your typical horror film/slasher) They can also include other genres into their film such like science fiction(SCI-FI), fantasy or thriller. modern films often show much more graphical scenes as they don't need to use camera tricks to trick the audiences, as now its all SGI or special effects sets, make ups, elaborate props etc to make the scenes more believable with much more gore.
- Ordinary introduction into an ordinary lifestyle
- the first Type of murder/death to get the audiences attention etc- killer maybe shown or unshown/unknown
- Credits follow horror theme- Spooky font, title movement, object of significance or image shown e.g. weapon, blood, house etc.
- Main characters introduced- young/youthful
- Teenagers or young adults- easy targets also their vulnerability plays a big role- home alone etc
- Teens usually a couple- football boyfriend popular etc.
- Phone calls- threatening them, home alone, lights out etc, e.g. Scream 1,2,3
- Own family are the killers- brothers e.g. Halloween
- The Victims are helpless/unprotected
- Superhuman killer- doesn't die or get caught- sequels and trilogies
Codes and conventions of a film trailer:
- Will attract an audience into watching the full length featured film
- Set the genre of the film, creates a feel for the setting
- suggestion of the storyline
- Introduces some of the main characters
- draws the interest of their audience by showing footage to grab their attention
- made up of quickly paced clips
- slowly builds from beginning to an exciting end
- contains (usually) graphics like the film title and opening dates, promotions etc
- May include music and a voice over
- About 60-90 seconds long, don't want to give to much away and the teaser trailer is often shown a while before the film is realised as it wants to build up a buzz before the film
- Fast editing for a teaser trailer, but sometimes a slow start then builds up faster and faster throughout the trailer.
- Famous actors and directors shown to build up an even more buzz to look forward to a good film if its been produced by a good company
Codes and conventions for a teaser trailer:
- Time limit is usually 30-60 seconds
- either a short clip or just one clip
- usually fast, or slow then picks up
- gives a breif insight of what the films about- leaves you wanting to see more.
- contains little footage from the film to "tease" the audience.
- they are shown way before the films ment to be out, so it teases the audience: closer to the time an actual trailer comes out
Todorov said that conventional narratives are structured in five stages:
1. A state of equilibrium at the outset
2. A disruption of the equilibrium by some action
3. A recognition that there has been a disruption
4. An attempt to repair the disruption
5. A reinstatement of the equilibrium
This relates to my film trailer as the first point made is the equilibrium of the two characters sharing ideas about a ghost haunting them. The second points is where they make a circle and chant for the ghost to appear, the third point is where suddently wierd stuff happens (one dissapears, one dies etc)The fourth point is where one of them watchs the webcams etc to find the rest of her friends.
Alien- 1979
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oYNvmNZP2o - Alien 1979
Horror trailers set up a situation that is in the film and then leave the viewer wanting to know more. One of the best examples of this is “Alien (1979) trailer, where the camera shows shots of the film with a long, slow pull back of a large alien egg. The egg cracks and lets out a glow and the trailer ends with letters of “in space, no one can hear you scream” this trailer doesn’t tell us about the characters or doesn’t show much at all, all we know is that something bad will come out of the egg, and something that makes people scream! And also it is based in out of space. This makes us the audience wonder what’s I the egg, and to find out more!
This is footage of the egg close up, with the egg close up it makes the audience wonder what is it? also with the title half written and not making sense it draws your attention in to find out whats the film is called, also to create tension they play music each time the shots draw out further...
now this is the shot fully pulled out, with the effect from the last print screen we can tell its an egg, and the egg holds an alien inside; and with the title alien clearly shown with the egg , with the dark background and fearsome music we can notice the genre will be horror based, in this footage the egg looks small, but with the camera footage before this with its close ups making the subject to look big, it makes me question; how small is the alien?
This end of the film trailer, showing a wide shot of the situation, and where the story would be based which is in space, this gives the audience that it will be based in out of space and not earth, the cover line reads "in space no one can hear you scream"... which is true, so they are using real facts about space and myths about aliens into real life situations, also this wide dept of field shot makes people feel uneasied as you can tell by the shot their would be no where to hide or help for them millions of miles in space, which is one of the things that horror/sci-fi films like to base their movies on,like "wh
at if...or what would happen..." they are also tapping into the fear of the unknown, basing their film about aliens grab audiences attention as everyone has or would wonder what happens if we ran into aliens?
After watching the film trailer for alien this has all the ingredients that I researched about film trailers, it starts of slow- leading the audience further into the trailer by doing this and the pulling back of the egg. Also its clear what the film genre is as it shows horror and is in out of space, making it a Sci-Fi/ horror/ thriller. It suggests the storyline via the title and settings and is clear that its to do with an evil alien, you know its not a good alien as the fast pace of the footage towards the end and jumpy load music.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre - 1974
Another way of showing a trailer is by making the audience ask questions, often trailers show teens/venerability of kids getting chased etc, so us the audience know something bad has happened to the teenagers, but we don't know what happened to them? so this draws in our attention to want to watch the film; an example of this is: Texas Chainsaw Massacre http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs3981DoINw after watching this film i noticed key codes and conventions like, chase scenes which would build up suspense, also the voice overs which mentioned that "its a real story" etc to encourage people to watch the film and "one person survives-but who?", all these questions would make us want to see the film and find out!
This shot grabs peoples attention as she is being captured during the daylight? not the night time which most films would do, while this is states it is based on a true story it has to show its a true story as in real life situations and reality as people don't just get kidnapped at night time etc... also this footage makes up want to find out what happens to the girl, where is she going to be taken(mid shot/long shot... not wide dept of field to tell what the house etc looks like)
The spotlight is on HER, everything around her is dark, it would make people feel uneasied and tap into peoples fears of the dark, or being chased by the unknown. with fast pace chasing shots grabs our attention by trying to get us to watch the film and film out what happens to her, and want her to get away..but does she get caught?
Friday the 13th- original
Also in horror trailers you usually get a few action shots of knives plunging (point of view shot going towards the victim, or a shown in their shadows etc), weapons being picked up, axes being thrown, chainsaws being used etc. the trailer would probably show blood. There will always be teenagers lured in to see the dead body in the cosset, or them dead on the living room floor. Showing the 24 frames to the dead body is effective as walking the viewer to the steps of the cinema. An example of this is Friday the 13th trailer which includes 13 shots in a row of each characters murder, it’s cheap and original but very effective! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjiqwTv9yeI
Wolf Creek
After watching the wolf creek trailer i realised that this is a good example of how to tap into audiences fears and unknown fears, as using common people in a common situation (road trip, car breaking down) is more realistic to the audience and they can emphasis and relate to the film. It uses techniques such as "based on a real story" etc which also helps tap into the audiences fears. Using real life and realistic situations makes the horror even more believable. also using young teens is a way of showing venerability.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWKnmnK0M80 saying its based on true events; is believable and cover lines like "the last thing they needed...
clip of someone driving past them...was company" all help tell the story and give key clues to what happens in the film.
"how can you be found when nobody knows your missing" very scary cover line to spook the audience, makes them want to find out who survives and what happens to them in the middle of nowhere? playing on unknown fears of loss of identity and people are scared when they get lost; so this plays on real fear and situations.
A cover line which makes you think what happens to the teenagers? and also adds a chilling scary effect from the contrast of white writing with the black background.
A cover line to help people want to go see the film if others think its an exciting scary film
Teens drinking, relating to teens and makes me think the age braked is 18-25 based on the films certificate rating(18)
The orphan:
The orphan is the route i would like to go down, a film with surprise and is really jumpy, its different than a man with a mask trying to kill someone... as the orphan is realism; adopting an unknown child into the family and things being awkward etc so this would reach the audience as they could relate to the orphan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ywOPNNii9w
It introduces the story line in an orphanage, and shows the parents looking around, speaking to the little girl; with all the teachers saying how well she is at art and other things to do with school; this is what typically happens with you go to an orphanage and shows realism and a real life situation happening, this is a good start as it draws the audience in as they want to find more about this little girl
Then further into the trailer is shows you the little girl meeting the children of her adopted parents family; an awkward situation in it self. you can tell that its not going to go very well, the children seems spooked out and look like they take an instant dislike to her. also in school she gets bullied, you can tell by the look on the little girls face after that bad things will start to happen
After these clips a few footage of strange things happen, like the girl pushing someone of a playground slide, etc, to get more of the attentions audience that this isn't an ordinary good girl. These cove lines appear "there's something wrong with Esther" creating fear within the footage by writing not just moving images.
This cover line appears shortly after a bit more footage, to entise the audience that there will be a good twist and ending, and that you would not guess the little girls secret; thus making the audience want to watch the film to find out
A bit further into the trailer and it just shows past pace footage of bad things happening, fighting scenes, creepy scenes and action scenes like a tree house on fire, the parents running into there cars driving off, the orphans mother shouting "what did you do?!" at her, showing that the parents are on too ethster and her "secret" by on the phone to other places that have adopted her "there is no record of her..." "trouble seems to find her...". Making a dramatic ending to the film trailer would show a dramatic ending and film! making their target audience wanting to go watch the film. Also towards the trailer more night time scenes are shot with an awkward situation like heavy snow and nice.
Production company: shown at the begining
Shown right at the beginig
Release date : shown at the end
These two teaser trailers BOTH do not realse dates, as teaser trailers are shown so far in advanced, too tease the audience; so they usually say something like "coming soon" "coming this summer" etc but no pacific realease date.
Locations within paranormal activity teaser trailer:
Calling the ghost... or "bloody mary" - another way of calling a ghost idea for my film
Footage mainly set inside the house and around the house
Bad stuff starting to happen
Bad stuff starting to happen
After looking at paranormal activity teaser trailer- it was very short, about 1 min long. It showed a few clips of happy times within the film, then after the two kids "call the ghost" bad stuff starts to happen. This is the idea Id like to follow for my trailer, quick and short jumpy clips like paranormal activity with not showing too much of the story line- and mainly focusing on one item/thing/person (using a lot of jump cuts- with close ups).
Text
Shown half way through the trailer, linking with the fast pace footage before; usually a build up to the end of the trailer. helps transition and spilt clips up
Costumes and make up
Casual wear, that people tend to wear on a day-to-day basis- usually linking to the scene depending wear they are etc. Make up is always used on all characters, but more is applyed when blood/a dirty look etc is needed
Iconography
the identification, description and the interpretation of the content of images. The number of figures used in the footage or image, their placing and gestures.
comedy:
Comedy films are designed to make us the audience laugh and to be entertained. Comedy is a big category as its mainly a certificate 12 or 15 so this creates a wider audience and is targeted at most people with a sense of humour, and also concluding in a happy ending. Comedy films are enjoyed by the audiences as a film rather than its own entirely a distinct genre.
Comedy films falls into two main sub-genres; the comedian-led film, structured by gags. The other sub-genre is the comedy situation film with a more coherent narrative. Also these can overlap, and into other genres (hybrid genres) like comedy-horror, comedy- musical and teen comedy- which is set in a high school involving teens sexual adventure ad conflicts with higher arc key of authority.
Romantic comedy- very popular, targeted at women and couples which usually falls into the age range of 25-35
Social comedy- situations, focusing on class conflict and social realism
In a comedy film, audiences (us) respond to two different comedy elements:
The gag- visual, verbal jokes
Comic situations- narrative comedy in which it is the developing relationships between the characters in the film, and the social environment and situations which is often humorous.
The timing and performance of the actors all times in well with the situation and drama of the film, this is a key secret of how the film is funny. Our pleasure comes from the “gleeful” anticipation of the humiliation of the comic character or our fear for the hero.
Hybrid genres:
Action-comedy: This is where action and comedy are entwine into one film, the film stars combine wit and one-liners with a action plot and stunts. Types of films: rush hour, bad boys, hot fuzz, kick ass, Jackie Chan.
Horror- comedy: This is where a horror film which is usual dark themes and are treated with a humorous approach, these are either goof horror clichés like, scary movie, Shaun of the dead, haunted mansion.
Fantasy- comedy: this is where films use magic and supernatural or mythological figures or comic purposes, most fantasy comedies include a parody or turning many of the fantasy conventions upside down such as the hero becoming a coward. Examples are: the princess bride, night at the museum, Shrek!
Sci-Fi- comedy: they use the elements of a science fiction film, over the top extremes and exaggerated science fiction stereotypical characters, examples are: back to the future, Ghost busters, men in black.
Meet the fockers: In this film, it introduces the genre as comedy clearly, as it opens with introducing the situation "two family's meeting, the husband meeting the dad of the girlfriends etc" which is always an awkward situation in it self. It shows slow clips which show different "funny" or awkward real life situations like meals with the family going badly, which the audience can relate to and they use famous actors to grab the audiences attention. It shows clips of gags; jokes, and real life situations. It also doesn't play a lot of music, but relied on dialogue to grab the audiences attention like "can you be the next godfocker" etc; also includes voice overs like "This Christmas" from "universal pictures" "the more things change- (shows a clip of something changing/awkward convo, situation) the more they stay the same", this all plays a roll in showing the comedy film and genre. Their are a lot of still camera shots where the camera doesnt move but there is a lot of movement inside the frame, this can make it comically stupidity, this is funny for the audience as it plays on stereotypes e.g. the big man(granddad) putting pressure on the underdog(the husband) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eAcuQeKxHU
Sci-Fi
Sci-fi films codes and conventions are pretty much the same as any of reason to make the film a good film; good story, good acting and direction. Sci-fi films do not have to involve spaceships, time-travel, robots and aliens these are just elements that can be interesting and great special effects on screen, they should help tell the story and genre but not be the story!
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi) films is a type of genre and media where the events being described are taking place in a reality other than the one you are currently experiencing. This can be a long time ago (star wars) or alternate present (Twilight) or the future (dark star). Sci-Fi filmed do usually deal with cool hardware and technology.
Here are some usual themes in Sci-Fi films:
· Space travel
· Time travel
· Alien abductions
· Empires in space
· Space war
· Or “what if”
Sci-Fi films are usually portraying Sci-Fantasy (SF) in their films as it is hard not to other types are:
Apocalyptic- Apocalyptic fiction is concerned with the end of civilization through war, astronomic impact, ecological disaster or self-destruction from ourselves. E.g. the last man, when worlds collide, earth abides.
Military Sci-Fi- set between conflicts between national or interstellar forces, characters are usually soldiers. Stories can be about military technology, ritual and history.
Space opera- is an adventure sci-fi film set in outer space like on a planet etc, where the emphasis is on the action. The conflict is usually heroic.
Inception:
The film trailer inception is a good sci-fi thriller/action film, you can clearly tell from the trailer that the film has codes and conventions for an action film with fast pace shots with the music running along going with the footage, there are also a sci-fi element to the film as “going into peoples dreams and getting out information” isn’t ordinary and using the advanced technology they would be using you can tell it’s a sci-fi, also with footage from the film such as the street bending downwards etc which defines the laws of physics as it cant happen in the real world; thus making us want to see this “dream world”, also showing that they are in some ones dream! It introduces the storyline with shots and voice over’s at the beginning of the trailer, which tells us what the film will be about, also showing who directed the film “from the directors of the dark knight” which is all grabbing the audiences attention- then it shows footage of them being in a dream; cool shots like a train running on no tracks and the streets bending to show the audience in pictures not just speech what the film will be portraying. The trailer leaves us with wanting more. They mention Leonardo Dicaprio’s will be in the film; the film is aimed at teens and young adults- this will encourage them to see the film.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66TuSJo4dZM
After looking into these i have decided to go with a supernatural thriller, relating to the ring.
the logo of dreamworks appearing at night time, very gloomy and scary connoting horror, using non-diegetic sound of rain to create tension.
two medium shots showing two characters, then the camera zooms in onto the window then an eye level shot of two women
an eye level shot making it look like the two girls are looking straight at us, when they are watching tv- making us think what they are watching.
the room is a teenage girls room, due to the single bed- showing vulnerablity within the two girls, making me question if they are home alone due to the girl on the lefts face expression (scared)- also questioning what they are watching, scaring themselves while there parents are out? they also look young and due to it being dark outside also makes me wonder if they are allowed to awake at that time. the light also keeps turning off by itself, with the weather outside being dark and rainy- connotes horror and vulnerabilty since its harder to get help when there is a storm outside. non-diegetic sound used again for the rain storm to emphasis how bad the weather is. when they turn on the TV and non-digestic sound is used for the fussyness of the Tv making the audience think theres something wrong with the tv- the weather outside affecting the TV and light? connoting something bad is about to happen or the girl thats sitting low on the floor is hiding something.
While researching film genres, i have chosen to do a horror film trailer, as i feel it will be fun and i think i could do a good job of this. Iv realised that creating tension can hold the audiences attention and keep them interested, while researching different techniques i can use to help me with my film trailer like things to make my genre obvious; fast pace shots, horror gory shots, spooky shots, using darkness to connote horror, screaming to connote danger, and to use audio sounds is just as important as the filming aspect. Also my actors (teens; girls and manly men played in horror films, to help portray the killer as "invincible" when the "hard manly man" gets killed etc, and the young teen girls are used as venerability as well) to help me portray the danger and horror by being scared and frightened, as people can emphasis with these actors with common fears like the dark, scary noses etc which would relate to the audiences fears or unknown fears.
BBFC Film ratings:
certificate 15:
Theme: no theme is needed, providing the film is appropriate to 15 year old. Language: there can be frequent use of strong language, the strongest terms are only rarely acceptable throughout the film. Continued aggressive use of strong language and sexual abuse is unacceptable for 15 year old. Nudity: there are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational way. Sex: sexual activity and nudity may be shown but without strong detail! Casual sex should be handled responsibly! There may be occasional strong verbal references to sexual behaviour. Violence: violence may be shown but not dwell on the infliction of pain and injuries. Scenes of sexual violence must be very discreet and brief. Imitable techniques: dangerous fighting techniques such as ear slaps, head-butts and blows to the neck are not acceptable, there may be no emphasis on the use of easily accessible lethal weapons (knives mostly). Horror: no detailed footage infliction of pain or injury is not acceptable. Drugs: drug taking may be shown but not in great detail. The film cannot promote or encourage sex or drug use or violence etc.
certificate 18:
The BBFC respects the right of adults to choose their own entertainment, within the law. You must be expected to show ID and only let 18 year old into these films with this certificate, as if the film is released onto DVD, it is therefore more accessible to younger viewers. There are no constraints at this level on theme, language, nudity or horror. The board may cut or reject the following content- any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous shots which is likely to promote the activity. This can include details of illegal drug use, murdering, and very explicit images of sexual activity- unless they can be exceptionally justified by context sex education at “18”. Where sex is genuinely seeks to inform and educate audiences in sexuality, safe sex and health, exceptions to normal constraints on explicit images may be made in public interest. Including more explicit detail which is into the public interest must be kept on the minimum, and should be illustrated to educational or instructional.
Other BBFC certificates:
- U- suitable for all-
It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child, but a U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years or over. U films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer counterbalance to any violence, threat or horror.
- PG - parental guidance
General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children, the film should not disturb a child ages 8 or older, however parents are advised to consider whether the film may upset sensitive children.
12A and 12
These are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for over 12s and over, any children under 12 may be upset at the film and can contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.
The 12A category exists for only cinema films, no one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, even though it is not recommended for a child below 12. A adult may take a child younger than 12 in their own judgement is the film is suitable for that particular child.
The 12 category exists only for videos, DVDs, no one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated video.
This R18 category is a special and legally restricted certificate for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and DVD video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops etc, R18 DVDs may not be supplied by mail order.
Certificate ratings for trailers.
Films are not the only thing that can get a certificate, film trailers can also go under examination, when classifying trailers examiners use the same classification guidelines, as they do when viewing a full length feature film. These guidelines, are laid out what is acceptable at each category for issues such as theme, sex, violence, drugs etc and will help the examiner make an informed decision on the right category for each trailer.
The BBFC also pays attention to film and DVD, online etc trailers on the basis that these works come “unbidden” to the audience. While audiences may have chosen to watch a particular film they have no choice about the trailers or adverts which may be shown, these may be completely different to the films content and these have raised issues and offence within the public. The concerns are usually from the parents with the adverts from the lower categories “U, PG, 12/12A” which the trailers or adverts are shown before the film.
Film trailers are always shown when they think they would grab their audience, like a U and PG would be shown before a 12A started in the cinema, and shown through the day etc. While 18s would be shown later on in the day, sometimes after the watershed at 9oclock, this would be more suitable for their audience as their audiences would be 18 and over and would therefore be up later, already watching an 18 in the cinema etc.
I will be basing my film with a certificate rating at 15 as there are much of a wider audience, even though theres a limite to how much death blood gore can be shown; i will just stay between the lines of a 15 rating and also with a age rating of 15 it can be advertised broadly within 12A's before a film in the cinema etc. I also wouldnt need to show that much gore and blood etc as my storyline isnt based on a teen slasher/thriller.
For 15 and 18 only trailers for films of the same certification are most likely to be shown in most 15 viewings 18 certificated film trailers will be edited to be shown as again most of the audience may be over 18,
this would also widen the advertising limitations (
trailer can be shown in more than just an 18 screening)!
