Differences between Trailers and Film Opening

Often, film trailers and film openings are mistaken and thought to be the same. This is wrong. There are lots of differences.

Film Trailers

• Give information about the film.
• Shows a montage of clips from the film (fragmented narrative).
• Shows sections of the film that will grab audiences attention and get them into the cinemas to watch the film (often the best parts).
• Title of film at end of the clip with voiceover and actors name.
• Will often have a tag line.
• Institutions logos can be found at the start.
• Fade to blacks are regularly used.

Film Trailers generally consist of lots of random, different parts of the film. Always very action packed and snappy, moving from one shot to another shot very quickly. It will consist of different characters, however the audience does not know who they are as no background information is given. As a way of drawing in the audience, film trailers often include the best parts of the film, include key actors who are highly respected and well known. This is known as celebrity endorsement and helps make people want to come watch the film. It will usually also include the directors name, date it premiers and title.

This is the trailer that was initially released before the film was out in the cinemas to watch. The idea is that this draws in an audience and makes them aware of the film coming out and in turn makes them want to watch the film.

Film

Opening Scenes

• Details of cast, crew and institution who produced the film.
• The films title.
• An introduction to character or character type.
• Indication of place.
• Indication of historical period.
• Information regarding mood and tone.
• Introduction to signature theme tune.
• Information about genre.
• Questions that the viewer finds intriguing.
• Patterns and types of editing that will be echoed in the remainder of the film.
• Mise-en-scene and cinematography that will be echoed or elaborated upon later in the scene.
• Sets the film up.

A film opening, unlike trailer, can be a lot slower paced. It sets the scene and introduces the main protagonist, and maybe antagonist. The openings are more strictly structured than film trailers. The titles are in specific orders too.

This is the opening scene of Hot Fuzz, in comparison to the above which is the film trailer.



Film Openings help to establish..

• Genre
• Narrative
• Character
• Atmosphere
• Themes
• Setting
• Sound
• Titles (Integrated and Personnel)