Teaser Trailer Research

COMMON FEATURES

- Trailer length: (Always shorter than feature length though time length not much relevant, teaser and feature trailers are distinguished more by editing style and content)
- Shorter than feature length trailer (even if only marginally)
- Doesn't show too much of the narrative (if any)
- Faster pace
- Engima code (cliff hanger)
- Establish genre
- Creates atmosphere
- Must establish at least 3 of these: Who? What? Where? When? Why?

SIGNIFICANT CAMERA SHOTS/ANGLES/EDITING

- Extreme close up of face (usually eyes or mouth) - exaggerates facial expression making it look much more frightening.
- The Omen teaser trailer - long continuous shot - creates a sense of suspense.
- Flashing shots - gives a lot of suggestions in a short amount of time - creates a tense feeling, e.g. bracing yourself.
- Syncing the shot editing with the rhythm and soundtrack of a heartbeat - creates a feeling of suspense.

EFFECTIVE LOCATIONS

- The woods
- Haunted House
- Ghost Town
- Your own home

EFFECTIVENESS OF VARIOUS SOUNDTRACKS/VOICE OVERS

- Deep voice hollywood voice over - gives the trailer a more upper budget feel and suggests more drama.
- Short voice over at beginning left to define the rest of the trailer. Creates a sense of getting only part of the story, leaves viewer craving to know more. Very Effective.
- Syncing shot with soundtrack of heartbeat - create a sense of suspense.
- Xylophone music - idyllic sound though the irony of 'devil child' causes the music to instantly become spine chilling.