Film and Trailer Differences

Trailers are different from opening sequences in films. To ensure that I do not result in creating a trailer, we have looked closely at a trailer to differentiate the two. In lesson on Thursday 12th we looked at a trailer for the film Homefront (2013).

Sound:

• Trailers use a variety of sound techniques. Most sound is non-diegetic and it is present to add drama and emotion to the visuals. If diegetic sound is included within a trailer, it is amplified, an example of this being dialogue.
• Non-diegetic sound in the Homefront trailer incorporates a slow piano piece for the slower, more emotional scenes at the beginning of the trailer, this is replaced by a deep but slow drum beat as the narrative becomes more tense. The pace of the trailer once again quickens and this is reflected in the music as first there is a break with only quiet and not very frequent drum beat, to increase tension, and this eventually manifests into a high tempo electric and techno style piece to accompany the high action sequences. Towards the end, a slow piano piece takes over once again to match the high emotion and to underpin the father-daughter relationship.
• Sound bridges are used throughout, usually on dialogue. An example of this is the children's party at 1:34 where 'Happy Birthday' is being sung. The sound is at first diegetic, as high-angle long shot is seen of a party, but the montage continues with the track still playing. First of all this adds an eerie feel to the clip, enhanced by the drum beat and electric added in and also highlights this as a significant point in the film. 

Editing:

• The editing pace is fast. This is to incorporate the best moments of this film and but simultaneously refrain from giving away any narrative plot points. Montages also allow many different sequences in the film to join and almost create a micro-narrative for the trailer. Along with the soundtrack it is attention grabbing, exactly what a trailer wants to achieve.
• Transitions are mostly straight cuts,to avoid any unnecessary halts to achieve the speed. During the Homefront trailer, many transitions are quick fade-up and downs from black, and during the fight sequence with the girl 0:27-0:29, fades with white. These fades are accompanied with drum beats. They add dramatic tension to the scenes are sometimes aid the fact that some snippets of the film do not fit together in the full version. At some points there is more than one black insert to create a 'blinking' effect, again to create tension.
• The production companies involved in the film appear at the beginning of the trailer, after 2:01 inserts are incorporated with lead names and finally the title at 2:24.

Camera:

• A surplus of camera shots and angles are incorporated. The editing showcases a large variety of them into a two and a half minute trailer.
• There are long high-angle shots to establish the surroundings, especially at the beginning of the trailer. These also showcase the big budget locations, sets and equipment such as cranes that feature films tend to have access to.
• Close-ups are shown of major characters, to introduce them, and of significant props, such as the guns.