1) What are the typical codes and conventions of film trailers - what information is usually provided?
The purposes of a trailer are to promote and introduce a film. They normally introduce the storyline (narrative), genre, setting and characters which should lead to the audience having certain expectations and ideas about the film. The genre and storyline are the main two things that give the audience the most expectations. A genre carries certain conventions; for example, with a slasher film you would expect a killer, murderer’s weapon, screaming victims, police investigating etc. This means the audience would want to see some of these things within the trailer so they can identify the genre. The clips used are non-chronological order however, they have a structure that outlines the film’s plot.
- Screen text - shown in the majority of film trailer and tells the audience relevant info such as, the release date, the production company, age certificates, director(s) etc...
- Institution information - production company, studio, distributors ect.
- Credit block - mostly shown at the very end of film trailers and consist of all the information on the company that made the film.
- Voice-overs - they usually use the voice of a male. This is because, it could suggest that male voices are more powerful and dominant. The fact that there are not many female voice overs portrays that society is unequal.
- Names of main stars/actors - are shown early on in the trainer which alerts the audience about starring actors and the protagonists and antagonists.
- Important information such as the name of the film are sometimes shown at the end of a trailer. This is because, if the beginning of a trailer is appealing, full of excitement, keeps the audience engaged, this would make the audience intrigued in watching the whole of trailer and wanting to know the name of the film.
- Background music - essential in trailers as it can suggest the genre and perhaps the narrative.
- Majority of trailers follow the typical narrative pattern according to Todorov's theory which shows equilibrium(normality) at the beginning followed by a disequilibrium(problem/dilemma) and then back to the equilibrium at the end of the trailer. No narrative closure.
- A number of enigma codes are being used in every trailer, which is effective as it is supposed to keep the audience hooked and wanting to go and watch the whole film.
- Reviewers quotes are often shown in some trailers as it allows the audience to know if the film is worth watching or not.
2) How are trailers distributed?
- Usually the trailers are distributed by the same studios that produced them. i.e. Warner Bros. distributes Harry Potter films but also it's trailers.
3) How does Ill Manors use trailer conventions?
The name of the film should be shown and is quite important as it makes the audience aware of what the film is called making them research it. The typography 'Ill Manors' is in a bold and hard hitting font which reflects the nature and genre of the film. The title of the film is shown at the end of the trailer. This is effective as it will keep the audience engaged and hooked with all the crazy events being shown. Additionally, important information such as the realise date is also shown at the very end and this would make the audience aware of when the film will be coming out in cinemas making them feel more excited. Moreover, reviewers quotes are a small part of the screen text which is also quite effective in promoting the film to the audience. And gets the audience thinking about whether it is worth watching or not. In this case, 'Ill Manors' reviewers quotes are shown in the trailer demonstrates that the film is worth watching and this is made evident through 'Simone Baired, Time Out' at 0:15, as he stated "A film for our times". Additionally the director's/producer's name is stated in the middle of the trailer "From Visionary artist Plan B" which clearly states that Plan B produced this film. This is effective, in making the audience aware who the director of the film is and also if people are fans of his music they are most likely to view the film.
According to sound non- diegetic sound is used throughout the entire trailer of a voice over, Plan B. The voice of Plan B demonstrates that he, himself is the narrative of the film which is unique and very original. Furthermore, montage editing is used throughout this trailer which shows it is a non-linear narrative in terms of the shots and fast pace meaning, it doesn't follow the structure of Todorov's theory. It is also a multi-strand narrative as there is more than one narrative. This is effective in conveying excitement for the audience. In addition, the music used in the trailer is more urban which would appeal to the youths. Also the sound track is featured in the film which would appeal to the audience.
4) Who is the target audience? Does it have a unique selling point or use particular techniques to appeal to the audience? Consider the way the scenes are edited together-does the trailer give away any clues about the narrative? Are the main stars visible in the trailer? Is there information about the director of the film? Is there information about the release date? Is a narrator's voice-over used?
I think the film is targeted to young adults from ages 18-34, however it could appeal to the male audience highly. This is because, the film contains a lot of violence, males, sexual content, drug-taking etc which would appeal more to a male audience rather than females. Also, from watching the trailer according to the psychographic group I think it would associated with strugglers. This is simply because, strugglers seek escape and the trailer clearly shows adults who have been brought up from deprived areas or haven't had a good childhood which has had a impact on them growing up, perhaps lead them to do drugs etc. Moreover, montage editing is used to show the audience that the film has a multi-strand narrative. The ways the scenes are edited together cleverly gives away clues and ideas about the narrative because it highlights that the film is going to focus on different characters and their violence /problems. The fact that flashbacks are shown in the trailer connotes significance in reflecting back on each character life. The main stars in the trailer are invisible as none of their names appear in the trailer, which could suggest that they are not well known actors. Furthermore, there is information about the director "From the visionary artist Plan B" which is highly effective in portraying to the audience that he directed and produced Ill Manors, therefore the audience would be more aware, especially fans of Plan B . Additionally, the voice over of Plan B shows the audience he is the narrative of the film. Additionally, the screen text such as the release date and the name of the film is shown at the very end of the trailer. This is quite effective as from the beginning of the trailer, the audience would be engaged and appealed with the events rather that the name, therefore they would wait till the end of the trailer to know what the film is called.
I think the film is targeted to young adults from ages 18-34, however it could appeal to the male audience highly. This is because, the film contains a lot of violence, males, sexual content, drug-taking etc which would appeal more to a male audience rather than females. Also, from watching the trailer according to the psychographic group I think it would associated with strugglers. This is simply because, strugglers seek escape and the trailer clearly shows adults who have been brought up from deprived areas or haven't had a good childhood which has had a impact on them growing up, perhaps lead them to do drugs etc. Moreover, montage editing is used to show the audience that the film has a multi-strand narrative. The ways the scenes are edited together cleverly gives away clues and ideas about the narrative because it highlights that the film is going to focus on different characters and their violence /problems. The fact that flashbacks are shown in the trailer connotes significance in reflecting back on each character life. The main stars in the trailer are invisible as none of their names appear in the trailer, which could suggest that they are not well known actors. Furthermore, there is information about the director "From the visionary artist Plan B" which is highly effective in portraying to the audience that he directed and produced Ill Manors, therefore the audience would be more aware, especially fans of Plan B . Additionally, the voice over of Plan B shows the audience he is the narrative of the film. Additionally, the screen text such as the release date and the name of the film is shown at the very end of the trailer. This is quite effective as from the beginning of the trailer, the audience would be engaged and appealed with the events rather that the name, therefore they would wait till the end of the trailer to know what the film is called.
5) How has the genre of the film been represented through characters, setting, lighting, colour, music, camera shots/movements/angles and editing?
The genre of the film is a teen urban drama and this is firstly represented through the characters costumes and make up. The male characters are wearing track suit bottoms, hoodies, caps ect and these clothings are very stereotypical in portraying young adults. The clothing worn in the trailer, does reflect the genre because, as it is a teen urban drama the audience would expect the males wearing these type of clothing as it fits in very well with that genre. The music used in film trailer is urban which is related to the genre as well as that type of music is definitely associated with teenagers in these days. Also, according to Props theory the dramatic, fast pace sound is used to highlight the 'Villian' in a more deceiving way and this is made clear when the audience recognise the character Kirby. This links with the genre, as the dramatic music could demonstrate that he is dangerous and not trust worthy. Furthermore, there is more than one setting in the trailer. For instance, a house, police station, in an alley etc. This is because, for every different setting it includes different characters which could suggest that the film follows a multi-stranded narrative. The camera movement focuses on different characters in the film not just one main character which suggests it is also a multi-stranded narrative.
The genre of the film is a teen urban drama and this is firstly represented through the characters costumes and make up. The male characters are wearing track suit bottoms, hoodies, caps ect and these clothings are very stereotypical in portraying young adults. The clothing worn in the trailer, does reflect the genre because, as it is a teen urban drama the audience would expect the males wearing these type of clothing as it fits in very well with that genre. The music used in film trailer is urban which is related to the genre as well as that type of music is definitely associated with teenagers in these days. Also, according to Props theory the dramatic, fast pace sound is used to highlight the 'Villian' in a more deceiving way and this is made clear when the audience recognise the character Kirby. This links with the genre, as the dramatic music could demonstrate that he is dangerous and not trust worthy. Furthermore, there is more than one setting in the trailer. For instance, a house, police station, in an alley etc. This is because, for every different setting it includes different characters which could suggest that the film follows a multi-stranded narrative. The camera movement focuses on different characters in the film not just one main character which suggests it is also a multi-stranded narrative.
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