Film Trailer Convention

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Film Production LogosFilm logos are always presented at the start of every

trailer to tell the audience what company contributed to the making of the film. They also tell the audience what

genre the film belongs to. For example, ‘Dark Castle’always creates horrors therefore if their logo is

presented it tells the audience that the film is a horror. Audience’s may also be further attracted to the film if the company is well established, if they recognise a

logo of a film company that has contributed to one of their favourite films they may be more inclined to

watch the trailer and therefore the film.

Non-diegetic SoundNon-diegetic sound such as voice overs and music usually

feature in a horror trailer to add enticement to the film. Non-diegetic sound such as eerie music is very

important in horror trailers as it can rise tension and the audience’s adrenaline levels. Non-diegetic sound

keeps the audience’s eyes peeled throughout the trailer. Contrapuntal sound often features in horror

trailers to heighten creepiness and grab the audiences attention. For example, the ‘Incidious 2’ trailer uses contrapuntal sound. ‘Stab’ sounds are also used in

horror trailers to create terror for the audience.

StrapsStraps always feature on horror film trailers to

promote the film and give the audience an insight into the narrative of the film. Straps

entice audiences and leave intrigue for them. Straps for horror trailers often include ‘based on a true story’ straps such as this one encourage audiences to watch the film to see how real to

life the narrative actually is.

The title of the filmThe title of the film always features at the end of

the horror trailer to leave it in the audience’s mind as it will be the last thing they see. This will further encourage audiences to see the

film. After the title is revealed there is usually a sting to scare the audience and entice them to

see what ever horror it is.