| Philosophy of trailers?
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 | Philosophy of trailers?
by Valerie Shoaps on Mar 2, 2002 at 9:48:00 am |
Hi,
Can anyone recommend any good reads on the net for the philosophy of making trailers? I'm interested in the pro's and con's of what to show, what not to show, continuity with the original picture, etc...
I'm working on one for a French film for the American audience. It's particular because the trailer won't have any subtitles, yet I've got to convey solely through the visuals.
Many thanks for any info.
Valerie
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• | | | |  | Re: Philosophy of trailers?
by Chad Briggs on Mar 2, 2002 at 3:14:04 pm |
Valerie-
Not sure if I know of any "articles" about the philosopy of trailers, but you can't go wrong by watching lots of them. One of the coolest things about DVD's (IMHO) is that most of them nowdays include the theatrical trailer, and variations on the theme. I cant' tell you how many times I watched the Mask of Zorro trialer when I got that DVD way back when.
Also, many of the popular streaming sites have tons of the availbe for viewing, if you have the bandwidth to watch. Apple is among the best for "professional" viewing because you can go frame by frame in the quicktime player and really break it down. (With the streaming formats, fast fwd/frame stepping/and rwd are a joke, it's baiscily, stop, pause, and play)
-hope this helps
-Chad
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• | | | | | Re: Philosophy of trailers?
by Valerie Shoaps on Mar 3, 2002 at 1:03:18 am |
Hi Chad,
I've spent a lot of time on the QT site; I've learned a lot by watching. Just wondering what the 'guides' are, or maybe if there are any?
Valerie
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• | | | | | Re: Philosophy of trailers?
by Chad Briggs on Mar 3, 2002 at 3:05:35 am |
Valerie-
I really can't say I've read any "written" rules. But as with any storytelling medium, you have to work with it's limitations, and in a trailer obviously it's time. How do you incite people to see a 2 hour flix in a minute or so (depending on how long it's going to be). Do you build the action to a quick pace with frantic cutting? Or do you go a minimilist approach a la the Episode II teaser, with just the breathing in the audio track and slow fades of action shots. Sometimes the rules can depend on what your trying to accomplish. Just my thoughts on it anyway.
hope it helps
-Chad
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• | | | | | Re: Philosophy of trailers?
by Valerie Shoaps on Mar 3, 2002 at 3:10:42 am |
Hi Chad,
It seems that the frantic cuts are predominant in most trailers. Do you think clips out of sequence from the actual film is a big no-no? I'm building one now that's locked in with a soundtrack, but have been fighting myself over this issue as it seems to flow visually very well, but isn't true to the movie. Most of the trailers I've seen are from movies I wouldn't go see... I have eclectic tastes.
Valerie
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• | | | | | Re: Philosophy of trailers?
by Chad Briggs on Mar 3, 2002 at 3:27:05 am |
Val-
Frantic cuts do seem to cater to the MTV 15sec spot generation nowdays. Folks have grown up been bombarded by media and they can process information at incredible rates. Not say that you can't cut slower and get away with it, but it's just harder to resist the urge to do so in these times.
Out of sequence things shouldn't be any big deal, the audience wont know they are out of sequence anyway untill they see the movie :) If the cuts tell your story they way that you need it, so be it, go for it. By the way, ecletic tastes are kind of a oxymoron prhase around here. Were ALL eclectic. Thats how we know we are editors, animators, and so on :)
Also if your locked into a soundtrack because the producer says "it has to flow with this" or have to battle for creative control with someone else, that makes it a lot tougher. Then it becomes a game of give and take.
-cheers
Chad
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It depends on who your target audience is...
I agree that watching DVDs of the trailers for movies is one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with a lot of different styles. I just rented "Fight Club" a few nights ago. The DVD had multiple versions of trailers geared towards different market segments. It was interesting to see how they cut different trailers for the different audiences. There were several cuts for female audiences that emphasized the "comedic" and "love interest" aspects of the movie, a different one that emphasized the "buddy" aspect between the main characters. (I won't explain the details of this, so as not to ruin the plot for those who have not yet seen it.) Then there was the most obvious cut, emphasizing the "action"...lots of fights and explosions. There were also different versions for foriegn release and so on and so on...
The pacing for each trailer was different, and the shot selection varied (either slightly, or very much) depending on which market segment the producers were trying to reel in. The music was also vastly different depending on the intended audience. (For the female target audience, the music was very happy-go-lucky, but for the male audience the music was much darker.) You just have to remember three things: Who is your audience? What do you want them to do. (Buy tickets to the movie... of course.) and... what is your time limit? (Is the trailer for television or theatre release?)
Those three things should dictate how you should put any product together...not just trailers.
Good luck and remember...chances are that if you have fun and enjoy the process the audience will enjoy the results. And if people enjoy the trailer, (Whether it's adventurous, emotional, romantic or funny.) they will go see the movie. Then your work is done.
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• | | | | | Re: Philosophy of trailers?
by Valerie Shoaps on Mar 5, 2002 at 12:25:43 am |
Grinner,
No vo's for this baby since it's in French but for the American market (the film has subtitles). I've got to use visual impact to convey what it's all about. The music I choose from the film really adds to what I'm trying to do with it, and I'm really embedding the footage to some of the sound points in there. I'm up to 28 seconds... going good so far.
Timothy,
Great points! I'll have to rent Fight Club to see those... interesting that they went for some many markets/audiences. I haven't seen the movie yet, so I have no idea about it.
Thanks to all as this has been a great thread. I'm really appreciative of the talent and experience floating around in here, and hope to be able to contribute myself.
Valerie Shoaps
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• | | | |  | Re: Philosophy of trailers?
by grinner on Mar 3, 2002 at 8:10:45 pm |
Theres no set formula for this, though we're all familiar with the "In a world.." vo with 2 bites following, then a montage followed by another vo. Sounds like you'd just be leaving out the sound bites.
The voice over could carry the message while the visuals enhance it.
(in theory)
grin
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