Working with videos

The art of the trailer

In class we discussed the aims and main features of a particular video genre: the trailer.

Among the aims, we agree that trailers may be used:

• To provide a summary of the film’s content
• To show the audience what makes the film unique
• To reveal just enough of a film to make an audience want to go and see it
• To show the best moments or highlights of a film
• To raise interest and ask provocative questions about the film

These are the features we analysed.

What’s in a trailer?

1. The name of the film is included at the end.
2. There are close-ups of the main actors.
3. Dramatic music is included.
4. There are a large number of fast cuts.
5. Key words, a slogan, a catchphrase or captions situate you in the place and time in the movie
6. Key dramatic moments from the film are included.
7. There is a dramatic change of pace or direction.
8. There are short extracts of dialogues and other soundbites.
9. Characters, setting and plot are all established to an extent.
10. There is an unresolved conflict, argument or problem.
11. A narrator describes or summarizes the film in an exaggerated tone.
12. Written quotes ‘sell’ the movie with superlatives and other exclamations.

Language Learning with Digital Video (CUP).

Now, watch the video ‘America’s complete Immigration History’.

1. Write a statement to indicate the purpose of the video.
2. Analyse the most important features of the documentary. 
3. Prepare a list of items for a class discussion.