Choice of Trailer Type

For our trailer we decided it would be beneficial to incorporate both styles, Scene and Highlights. We introduced our trailer through a scene of the film. This helps to establish the setting of the story making it understandable for the audience to follow. An example of this being done in another trailer is 'Cloverfield'. The scene trailer is used well here as you are able to follow the events occurring. We decided not to continue with the scene style throughout the whole of the trailer as this may come across as boring and drag.

 

Once we had introduced the storyline we decided to then switch into showing the main highlights of the trailer. Quick snappy shots really grab the viewers’ attention. This allowed us to build pace creating excitement. At the very end we added in a jump scare. Not only does this gain a reaction from the audience it makes our trailer more memorable and people will be eager to watch the actual film. An example of a highlights trailer can be seen in 'Paranormal Activity'. The style is used well here in order to build tension and anticipation.

Practice Horror Trailer

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Class Trailer Review 4 "Grave Encounters"

Grave Encounters/ 2011/ Psychological Horror

Plot:

A camera crew lock themselves inside ‘the most haunted building in North America’ and they try and capture different paranormal sights on camera. After a while they realise that the building is actually haunted and one by one they all go missing until the last person is trapped in there forever.

What did you like about it?

I love horror films that try and document different mysterious events that go on through everyday life like Paranormal Activity and Sinister, and this is exactly what this film is about and you can see this clearly through the clever editing techniques of the trailer. When a lot of the footage is captured through a handheld camera, it makes the film look a lot more convincing and it tricks the audience into thinking that they’re actually in the film. I also liked the use of low key lighting in most of the night time shots as it adds mystery into the scene because you never know what could be hiding in the dark.

What didn’t you like about it?

I found the sound effects in this trailer to be a bit over the top and amateurish. It didn’t go well with what was happening on the screen and I felt like that ruined the trailer as it didn’t make me feel scared and I imagine a lot of people would think the same. Also, after watching the film, I know that at the start the camera team are trying to scare the audience on purpose but actually end up getting haunted themselves, but I don’t think the trailer portrayed that very well and it didn’t show the true context of the film.

My Score:

5

Class Score:

6