The brief

Introduce storyline and characters

Be up to 2 ½ minutes (maximum time allowed by MPAA)

Use a selection of shots

Tell the story through the mise en scene and dialogue, not just titles

Use adjectives in the titles, this is common in advertising

Use multiple short takes so not too much detail is given away

Cut to titles rather than superimposing them (unless linked) as when titles are

superimposed it can distract from what is being displayed on screen

Use silence it creates a shock in the trailer which can work well with certain

scenes

Use different angles to establish hierarchy and establishing shots for setting

the location

Movement of the camera is essential to stop shots becoming too static and

therefore often boring

No camera shaking

The score must be faded in gradually unless an abrupt beginning/end is

required for effect

Use a range of editing techniques such as slow motion and zoom in/outs,

possibly use something similar to the ‘eye shot’ in The Comedown’s trailer

Make sure that everything that appears in the scene is meant to be there. This

avoids any unintentional meanings being picked up by the audience

No repeating shots

Pay attention to the lighting

Trailers require a variety of shots in different locations as it is unlikely for a film to be set in entirely one location.

Drama films often require a lot of close ups as they're based mainly on human emotions and it is close ups that draw attention to that.

The editing techniques need to match the mood of that particular scene, for example, you would not use a slow fade in a fast, action-packed scene.

The titles do not have to comply to grammatical or the rules of standard English, in fact, if they do not it can help to tell the story more effectively by helping to convey a message.

Not to be simplistic, try and be adventurous with editing, shots and the titles

used.

Use a huge range and number of shots.

If a trailer is to use a soundtrack with lyrics they must not overpower what is

being said on screen or take the focus away from that.

Lighting is an important aspect to consider and must be altered if it does not

work well with the mood of that particular scene, small micro aspects of the

trailer like this when put right can have an overall big impact on the trailer

itself.

The film's rating usually appears first followed by an establishing shot with

some camera movement, this is common to many trailers that I have

analysed, and must therefore be something I seriously consider when creating

my own.

A shot that introduces the start of the journey may be required in my own

trailer as dramas are often based around a journey that a character embarks

on.-

Also introduce the 'normal' setting for that characters life (such as the family

home in this trailer) this forms a comparison for the abnormal shown such as

a change in the characters life which is the issue to which they must adapt or

attempt to overcome.

Introduce the 'problem' possibly through dialogue, reinforce the fact that this

is an issue through editing/mise en scene/sound. So music intensifying, lower-

key lighting and maybe slow motion to suggest its significance.

Dialogue to describe the problem further, now maybe the introduction of titles.

A film about friendship, hope, hardship and dreams

Life lessons/ everlasting friendship

Love, hope, disasters and emotions

Making the audience feel like they’re there

Avoid the stereotypical

- A gripping plot

Well developed characters

An intense film

Happy endings

Emotive scenes

Aspects of reality

A message

Something that 'pulls on your heartstrings'

An engaging story with depth to it

Lots of unexpected twists/turns An uncertain ending Lots of action to make it interesting The unforeseeable Tension

- Using imaginative shots for scenes that may typically be recorded using

another type of shot.

- Think carefully about titles, don't just go for standard and boring, try and be

as creative as possible.

More attention must be paid to editing, don't just go with putting all the shots

together and running smoothly and be done with it, try and use creative

editing techniques.

Slow motion can add tension and drama.

Use lot of shots which are varied, this stops the visual aspect of the trailer

getting boring.

Use close ups- to extreme close ups. It really helps to draw attention to the

subject that the audience need to be focusing on.

Make titles to match the films logo, this keeps a consistent design theme

which is recognisable.

Introduce background story

Use an instrumental soundtrack without voice over as it keeps the audience's

attention on what is displayed on the screen.

I need a variety of shots in different locations as it is unlikely for a film to be

set in entirely one location.

Drama films often require a lot of close ups as they're based mainly on

human emotions and it is close ups that draw attention to that.

The editing techniques need to match the mood of that particular scene, for

example, you would not use a slow fade in a fast, action-packed scene.

The titles do not have to comply to grammatical or the rules of standard

English, in fact, if they do not it can help to tell the story more effectively by

helping to convey a message.