RESEARCH: WHERE ARE TRAILERS SHOWN?

Trailers in different media:

Trailers are shown on various different media platforms: the cinema and TV as well as online with radio and poster campaigns offering lots of coverage for new films.  Trailers are often shown in cinemas prior to the film of a related genre and often match the classification for they share or have a similar target audience. Film websites publish trimmed trailers leaving out images spotlighting any harmful, harsh, and mature themes to ensure that it is suitable for viewers of all ages.

I have come to the conclusion that…

 

When watching live TV, its common for watchers to use adverts as a ‘break time’ to refresh their food and drink, talk to friends (if watching tv with others), check their phones or go to the toilet etc. Therefore this means that it is unlikely for trailers to be successfully taken in and acknowledged during advert breaks for viewers mostly only care for the film/ tv show they are already watching. Its common for people to use advert breaks as a time to ‘zone out’ instead of paying close attention to what is on screen.

Although the amount of people who watch TV is significantly more than the amount who visit the cinema, this is a very successful place to screen trailers, and arguably more so because these trailers are much more engaging. With a lack of distractions and the big screen with surround sound, audiences are captivated by the shared experience at the cinema and therefore the trailers will grab much attention. On the other hand, many people do consider the trailer time (15 minutes) and consequently miss the advert period where relevant trailers are shown. Therefore, cinemas can either be perfect for trailer coverage and revenue or not: depending on the viewer. 

 

Trailers on DVDs have big disadvantages for these are viewed as an outdated platform for watching trailers – and films. Because of the recent instant availability through viewing platforms like Netflix, Amazon prime, sky go, DVDs have become futile. Additionally, viewers have the option to fast-forward the trailers however much they wish and therefore will often skip the trailers to get to the film which paid to watch. This is arguably the worst platform of all for trailers to be recognised.

I watched a video where Dan Skinner explains how the style of a trailer is affected by a number of factors including where it will be seen, who by and for how long.

Teaser Trailer

-       -  Shorter and more succinct version of the main.

-        - The teaser offers a small peak into what the audience should expect: the genre.

-        -  It doesn’t tell the audience of the plot/narrative

-        - he teaser focuses on making a good person impression without giving too much away

 

Main Trailer

-        2-3 minutes

-        The main trailer is detailed and focuses on storytelling – it offers a deeper understanding of the narrative.

-         Follows a three acked structure: beginning, middle and end.

-       - Introduces the audience to protagonists, antagonists, problems.

-         Montages used to build excitement and intrigue: fast-paced cuts.

-         It is the most important media marketing because it will be viewed in theatres, cinemas and across all social media platforms.

 

 TV Spots

- Condensed trailers: aimed towards viewers who already have knowledge of the film.

- These are much shorter. There are three standard times: 30, 20 or 10 seconds long.

-        These are used to leave an impression through carefully chosen impactful and exciting shots.

-        Reviews are often included for by the time the TV Spot comes out, the film has already been reviewed. These reviews create positive encouragement to assure that people take an interest.

 

 Using Graphics

- Two types of graphics: Copy and Pedigree.

- Copy: help guide you through the story. This is the writing that features in a trailer. This text points the audience towards certain details which the film makers want to be drawn attention to.

- Pedigree: may be a company logo or the director of the film/ cast/ writers. This draws interest for audiences can notice that it has come from makers they adore and enjoy watching.

 

 Trailers in the Digital Age

- These are more about visual elements and sound quality

- Sounds are different on different devices: a trailer sounds better screened at a cinema rather than on a mobile device.

- Production companies are also adapt trailers to suit a variety of devices.