Trailer- Film Trailer Codes and Convetions

There are many different types of film genres, which would affect codes and conventions of their trailer. Nevertheless, there is still a universal list of things that all trailers include and general rules that they follow.

Every trailer includes its title, so that an audience member would know what the film is called. The title is usually near the end of the trailer, so that you are able to remember it, but some do have it at various stages through the trailer. How the title looks would also give the audience member an idea of what the film is going to be like, its genre. For example, a horror movies title would usually be red, white or black. An example is this, is Evil Dead which is white on a black background, so it stands out.

Most trailers also have the BBFC age certificate shown somewhere, so the audience would know how old they would have to be to be able to view it at the cinema.  

Almost every single trailer will include the logo of the production company that they use. If an audience member sees a well-known production company logo that they like, they may be more likely to decide to watch that movie, as they may have liked films that that company has made before. Some productions also portray what sort of movie they are trying to sell. An example of this is Blum House Productions which usually only produces horror films (such as the Insidious Series, Sinister, Paranormal Activity Series) and therefore if an audience member spots this, they will know whether or not the film will be suitable for me.

All trailers have snippets of the main characters that you are going to see in the movie. This would allow the audience to spot any actress or actors that they like, which may encourage them to go and see the film. The actors/actresses name along with the director’s name may also appear too. (pictures from Kingsman trailer below)

As well as well known actors, trailers usually have some sort of background track playing throughout. Lots of trailers use well known songs for their soundtrack as this may attract the target audience of their film.

Finally, all movie trailers run for the same length of time around 2-3 minutes, and show the release date or ‘coming soon’ near the end so you know when you can see it.