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
What’s
in a trailer?
- The name of the film is included at the end.
- There are close-ups of the main actors.
- Dramatic music is included.
- There are a large number of fast cuts.
- Key words, a slogan, a catchphrase or captions situate you in the place and time in the movie
- Key dramatic moments from the film are included.
- There is a dramatic change of pace or direction.
- There are short extracts of dialogues and other soundbites.
- Characters, setting and plot are all established to an extent.
- There is an unresolved conflict, argument or problem.
- A narrator describes or summarizes the film in an exaggerated tone.
- 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’.
- Write a statement to indicate the purpose of the video.
- Analyse the most important features of the documentary.
- Prepare a list of items for a class discussion.
