Conventions of a Typical Film Trailer

Here is a list of typical features in a film trailer;


1. Voiceovers are used to tell the story and give credit information
2. The stars of the film are showcased
3. Key points are sometimes conveyed through titles
4. Conversations between characters often consist of one liners
5. Dramatic camera angles may be chosen to show events or characters
6. Action is interpreted with actor or director credits on screen
7. Music plays an important role in creating atmosphere
8. The film title may not appear until the end
9. The trailer builds to a climax, where it ends
10. Montage (a series of shots from different points in the film, edited together) is often used to highlights the most dramatic, humorous or fast-paced aspects of the film.




All of these work together to attract the audience and to make them want to see more. Making sure the trailer doesn't give away too much is a key component of producing a trailer but also to make sure enough is revealed to intrigue the audience enough in the first place.