Film Trailers VS Film Opening
Film Trailer Conventions
Film Opening Conventions
Compared to the varied 20-30 second film trailers, film openings tend to be around 2-3m minutes in length to allow the audience to gage the scene and understand the narrative. A film opening's main purpose should be to entice the audience to continue watching and introduce them to the main characters or, in some cases, address a back story/flash back. A film opening could include various features, from long voice overs to establishing shots of cities to straight into the action of a battle or a murder. A film opening is very similar to a film trailer in the respect that they both contain the film title, certification and introduces the characters and establishes the genre. But a film opening has a deeper narrative and needs to fully engage the audience to continue watching. It can also address stereotypes and needs to meet certain codes and conventions of the genre, whereas a film trailer is a quick overview and 'taster' of the upcoming film and doesn't necessarily have to follow a narrative.
Film Trailer Example
Film Opening Example
Now let's compare the film trailer of 'The Conjuring' to the film opening. Immediately, the audience who have seen the trailer know that none of the content show in the first five minutes has anything to do with what was seen in the trailer. The film opening includes a long voice over of two girls telling Ed and Lorrain Warren the experience they have had of a doll named Annabelle that is possessed. This film opening serves as a back story as one of the Warren's cases. In a way, this film opening does not conform to the conventions of a typical film opening as the main characters aren't really introduced. However, it does engage the audience through the narrative of the doll. Not shown in this clip, but after this scene, the recording of the Annabelle case is a clip shown at a lecture that Ed and Lorrain Warren have hosted on the supernatural. Text rolls on the screen and finally introduces our hero's before the title 'THE CONJURING' flashes bright yellow on screen undoubtedly scaring the audience. Overall, the film opening gives context to what Ed and Lorrain Warren do and somewhat introduces them. It follows it's own narrative that is not touched on again in this film but in 2014 Annabelle' would earn her own film.
Firstly, most obviously, every film trailer (and film opening) needs to have the title somewhere within it. The title usually appears at the end of the trailer as the audience have already become immersed within the narrative and are more likely to remember it. Secondly, the age certification should be stated so it provides a guideline for the target audience. A film trailer may also include their names and hashtags on various social media platforms for the target audience to find out more about the film, as a film trailers main purpose is to advertise the upcoming film. In some film trailers, a narrative is explored but only briefly to allow the audience to become enticed and wanting to watch the film to find out what happens. Music can also play an important part in revealing more about the genre of the film but can also aid the voice over as the audience begin to connect with the individuality of the characters. A film trailer usually showcases the most artistic and best camera shots along with fast paced editing to entice the audience and impress them. Among the key features of a film trailer, it may also include the release date, the actors name and the character they play.
Compared to the varied 20-30 second film trailers, film openings tend to be around 2-3m minutes in length to allow the audience to gage the scene and understand the narrative. A film opening's main purpose should be to entice the audience to continue watching and introduce them to the main characters or, in some cases, address a back story/flash back. A film opening could include various features, from long voice overs to establishing shots of cities to straight into the action of a battle or a murder. A film opening is very similar to a film trailer in the respect that they both contain the film title, certification and introduces the characters and establishes the genre. But a film opening has a deeper narrative and needs to fully engage the audience to continue watching. It can also address stereotypes and needs to meet certain codes and conventions of the genre, whereas a film trailer is a quick overview and 'taster' of the upcoming film and doesn't necessarily have to follow a narrative.
Film Trailer Example
This is the film trailer for 'The Conjuring' released in 2013. The trailer starts with the 'Warner Bros.' and 'New Line Cinema' logo to present the production company that produced the film. Notably, throughout the whole of the trailer, the hashtag '#THECONJURING' is always present at the bottom of the screen along with the Facebook link to the promotional profiles. In the first few seconds of the trailer, the main characters, Ed and Lorrain Warren are introduced thus adding narrative to the trailer. The trailer is filled with fast paced editing and the most shocking and scary moments of the film, which immediately entice the target audience. The choice of including previous films that the director has worked on also allows the audience to gage the genre of the film and allows people who liked the director's previous films, to engage in this one. The music is also very sinister and the pace increases towards the end as a montage is created. The title 'The Conjuring' ends the trailer before a quick jump scare is added to shock the unexpecting audience. Finally, the flash of the release date and the website are briefly shown at the end.
Film Opening Example
Now let's compare the film trailer of 'The Conjuring' to the film opening. Immediately, the audience who have seen the trailer know that none of the content show in the first five minutes has anything to do with what was seen in the trailer. The film opening includes a long voice over of two girls telling Ed and Lorrain Warren the experience they have had of a doll named Annabelle that is possessed. This film opening serves as a back story as one of the Warren's cases. In a way, this film opening does not conform to the conventions of a typical film opening as the main characters aren't really introduced. However, it does engage the audience through the narrative of the doll. Not shown in this clip, but after this scene, the recording of the Annabelle case is a clip shown at a lecture that Ed and Lorrain Warren have hosted on the supernatural. Text rolls on the screen and finally introduces our hero's before the title 'THE CONJURING' flashes bright yellow on screen undoubtedly scaring the audience. Overall, the film opening gives context to what Ed and Lorrain Warren do and somewhat introduces them. It follows it's own narrative that is not touched on again in this film but in 2014 Annabelle' would earn her own film.
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