Film Trailers: 'The Good Lie' Soundtrack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B32NXtkUB6s







To see the soundtracks true effects on the trailer, I watched the trailer for the first time without visually viewing it, just purely listening to the contents of the trailer.


In the trailer for 2014's 'The Good Lie' specific and important information is conveyed to the audience via the soundtrack. The audience is made aware of where the action is set by the obvious American accents used by almost all of the characters within the trailer, consequently meaning that the action is set in America. Dialogue suggests going 'half way around the world' to perhaps Sudan where 3 of the characters are from, which we subsequently find out from the dialogue as well. This idea is reinforced by the diegetic sound of an aeroplane flying at the beginning of the trailer (0.10).


The soundtrack helps to inform the audience about the characters included in the trailer. For example, we know that the central protagonist (the female character who's voice is heard the most) is American, from her accent. We also know that she is an unmarried woman who lives alone when she says (0.22) 'No, I'm not married. I provide for myself'. Also at 0.30 when a character tells her 'I hope you find a husband, to fill your empty house'. It is also clear that the central protagonist works with refugee's to aid them in finding jobs. The other characters included in the trailer are revealed, via dialogue, to be refugees of war from Sudan. This becomes evident to the audience when the central protagonist first addresses them at 0.14, where she attempting to say where they're from but they correct her, telling her and subsequently the audience that they are from Sudan. Their strong accents also reinforce this.


There is no voice over in this trailer, showcasing the stars appearing in the film or giving us important information about the production personnel. Therefore, it is most likely to be shown via on screen text. However, the non-diegetic music within the soundtrack does set the tone for the film. The music is upbeat, pop music to begin with. This subsequently creating a positive atmosphere within the trailer. Fade outs in the soundtracks non-diegetic music allow for more emphasis placed on comical dialogue. For example at 0.30, you can here the upbeat music fade out. This also subtly occurs at 0.43 to allow for emphasis on humorous dialogue. When the music fades back in at 0.45, it has changed to tribal/African styled music which is again, upbeat. This links to the idea of travelling 'half way around the world' and also the primary characters from Sudan.

Film Trailers: Soundtrack

The soundtrack to a trailer has many varying functions. The soundtrack consists of both diegetic and non-diegetic sound, which thus includes dialogue. It helps the audience make sense of the narrative by giving them background information, this is especially referring to dialogue or even a voice over if the trailer includes one. Although, the type or genre of non-diegetic music can also hint at background information such as where the action is set, diegetic sounds also do this. For example, if you heard really modern music, you'd perhaps assume that the film has a modern setting. To accompany this, if you heard diegetic sounds of busy people and cars, you'd assume the setting is in a built up area.


The soundtrack also informs us about the characters, primarily via dialogue, and also showcases the stars appearing in the film which would be done by a voice over. A voice over would also give the audience information about important production personnel such as the director and producer and their previous works. A voice over could possibly summarise the story in around 5-8 lines. This is to aid anticipation but still doesn't give away too much about the story line. All forms of sound in the soundtrack would be used to help build anticipation about the films release and set the tone for the film. For example, if the trailer includes up beat non-diegetic music, then this sets a happy and positive tone for the film. Non-diegetic sound effects would be used to reinforce the title of the film.

Film Trailers: Structural Conventions

The structural conventions of a trailer consist of the following four stages:
1. Opening: Establishes the setting and introduces primary characters.
2. Build Up: Relationships are established  and the development of characters and their world.
3. Problem: A dilemma or series of complications or an obstacle that the character's faced with. There may be more than one problem in the narrative.
4. Events: A series of events as characters try to overcome obstacles and solve the problems they are faced with. Further complications may arise in the process.




Although, the Problem and Events often overlap. This is evident in the structural conventions analysis of 'Big Eyes' that I have previously looked at the conventions of.


Opening
The central protagonist is a female artist who makes clear when talking to her dog, that she doesn't trust people. At 0.14 she tells her dog her secret that she hasn't told anyone before. Judging by the style of dress, the cars featured and geographical landmarks in the setting, it suggested that the film is set in San Francisco, America, during the late 50's early 60's. There is a positive atmosphere with upbeat music in the background and very picturesque scenery.


Build Up
The central protagonist and her friends relationship is established. As well as the central protagonists new husband. The build up shows how quick the process was of meeting her husband to be, to then marrying him by showing the shots in quick succession. This is reinforced by her friend suggesting at 0.43 that their relationship is going rather fast which shows the progression from Build Up to Problem and Events.


Problem and Events
It is evident that there is some overlapping between Problem and Events due to more problems arising. At 0.52 we're shown that her new husband: Keene, is lying about who the artist is of the art he is selling. He assumes the identity of the artist when the audience knows that the central protagonist is the real artist. The Events proceeding, show the central protagonist and her husband to be very happy that they are getting money for the artwork. This being due to the fact that 'lady art' doesn't sell and only art by men sells. Although, the shot showing the characters being so happy about the money, may have had an alternative placement in the film as it is common that film trailers are not in chronological order. The placement of this shot in the actual film is unknown and so it may not actually have any relevance to the problem.


Problems begin to arise after the Events when the central protagonist shows clear discomfort about lying to her child about who the artist is. This issue is what subsequently leads the central protagonist to the events that aim to solve the issue. It is suggested by the shots of inside a courthouse that the central protagonist attempts to reveal her husband for who he really is: a fraud.


'Big Eyes' appears to comply with the structural conventions of film trailers. It would be interesting to see a trailer that didn't conform to these conventions. However, I don't think the trailer would be as successful and effective as those who use the structural conventions. This is because the conventions make trailers easier to understand for the audience and make revealing aspects of the story line easier to comprehend.

Film Trailers: 'Black Mass' Conventions

Black Mass 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XL_4_7cdn0


The trailer is 1.40 minutes long and so it is a full theatrical trailer. However, it is slightly shorter than your average theatrical trailer. This is likely due to the trailer being the second official trailer instead of the first. The title appears near the end at 1.27m. This is very common of trailers, as the title appears at either the beginning or at the end of the trailer. It would be ineffective to place the title in the middle of the trailer because that is when on screen text addressing the audience or credits appear. At 0.49 the credits addressing the release period is shown on screen. The release date isn't specified and it is only shown that the film will be theatrically released during the year 2015. This is then followed by a credit to the A list celebrity actor: Johnny Depp at 0.55m. Johnny Depp is also credited at the end of the trailer at 0.35 along with several other actors. Some being, Benedict Cumberbatch and Kevin Bacon. These being famous actors, highlight the level of popularity of Depp and his high quality of acting. Depp being credited twice shows how his name alone could sell the film.


Johnny Depp being credited twice is much like in 'Big Eyes' where Tim Burton is also credited twice. It highlights how both individuals have the capability to sell the film simply by their names due to their popularity and speciality.


When watching this trailer for the first time, I muted it. This was to see the effect sound had on judging what genre the trailer was. Without non-diegetic music and dialogue, this proves an interesting task as sound has such a fundamental effect on moving picture. However, I wasn't far wrong when judging the genre of 'Black Mass'. I thought the trailer was of drama and crime genre. This is due to the cool toned lighting used throughout which gave the shots a dramatic edge to them. The inclusion of the central protagonist participating in gun violence at 0.51 is suggestive of the crime genre. The on screen text also suggests that the central protagonist participants in more violence and crime than what is shown within the trailer. After turning the sound back on and researching on IMDb what genre it is considered to be, my judgement was correct.

Film Trailers: 'Big Eyes' Conventions

Big Eyes 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xD9uTlh5hI
The trailer is 2.30m and the film title appears right at the end of the trailer at 2.20m. The release date appears at 1.22, it being shown in the middle of the trailer ensure that audiences see it and will know when the film is theatrically released. The director, Tim Burton, is credited at the beginning of the trailer at 42s and also at the end of the trailer. Burton being the first and last credit of the trailer emphasises his importance in the film. From last years media research on film openings, I also know that the directors are often the first or last to be credited within the opening, and will also be credited in the final crediting sequence at the end of the film. This is to ensure that their credits are seen as they play crucial roles in the production of films and their trailers. Tim Burton is also a big name in the film industry being an auteur director. His unique style of films with prominent gothic themes are evident in this trailer. For example, some of his other films have been 'Edward Scissorhands', 'Alice in Wonderland' and the 'Corpse Bride'.



Nearing the end of the trailer, the stars of the film are credited. At 1.53m Amy Adams is credited and on screen text shows that she was an Academy Award Nominee. This is then followed by Christopher Waltz's credit at 2.00m, where on screen text reveals that he is an Academy Award Winner. The inclusion of these awards suggests to the audience that the film includes star quality cast and that it must be worth watching. The trailer is a total of 2.25m. This means that it is a full theatrical trailer and not a teaser trailer or a TV spot trailer which would consist of a much shorter amount of time. However, its becoming evident that in recent years, 'teaser' trailers have become gradually longer, for example, the 'Suicide Squad' teaser trailers which are on average 2-3 minutes long.


When first watching the trailer, I muted it. This was to see how sound affected how the audience received the trailer. It was interesting the see that, without the sound, I judged the genre as slightly thriller. From primarily looking at thriller film openings last year, I knew the conventions of thrillers. To begin with, I was unsure of the genre, but as the pace of the shots began to increase in pace at around 2 minutes and the inclusion of violence (2.08), the house setting on fire (2.14) and the several shots suggesting an aspect of secrecy, I concluded that the film must have some features of thriller. Although, it is clear there is a romance. When watching the trailer with the sound on, it seemed much less like a thriller. Despite the shots themselves suggesting this, the non-diegetic music suggested otherwise. The music is upbeat and so this goes against the conventions of a thriller. The genre subsequently appears to be a drama, with inclusions of crime and romance. However, it also fits in with the biographical genre due to it being 'based on a true story' (0.21).

Film Trailers: Theory

The release dates for film trailers are important as they often relate to the genre or general mood of the film. For example, 'Love Actually' was theatrically released in the UK on November 21st 2003. Subsequently the films trailer wouldn't have been far behind the theatrical release. This being relatively close to Christmas relates to the general mood of the film and it's themes of Christmas. For film trailers to be effective, they must be shown far enough in advance to generate a buzz but not too early so that people forget. So, how do film trailers generate a buzz in the media or within their target audience? Also, what relation does the season of the release date have to do with the release of the trailer?
A Million Ways to Die in The West 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXxqG4aqwY4
The film is a western comedy which is very uncommon in recent years of film production. The western genre itself used to be extremely popular however in recent years, popular western films are scarce. Although, there are evidently exceptions to this. For example, 2015's 'The Hateful Eight' and 2016's 'The Revenant' starring Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio. Despite these popular westerns, they are certainly not of the comedy genre. Therefore, it being a western comedy, will lead to it creating a buzz in the media. Also, the western genre targeting a rather niche audience, will subsequently attract that audience towards the film after seeing the trailer.


21 seconds into the trailer, it's made clear that the actor playing the central protagonist is also the same man who wrote, produced, and directed the film, and provided the motion capture and the voice for the title character in  2012's 'Ted'. MacFarlane also wrote 'A Million Ways to Die in The West' and subsequently wrote a companion novel based on the film's script. Due to 'Ted's popularity, this will subsequently attract the audience that loved 'Ted' towards MacFarlane's new film. The films star quality of cast will also create a larger buzz in the media and attract fans of the actors. The film includes actors such as Amanda Seyfried, Neil Patrick Harris, Liam Neeson and Giovanni Ribisi from 'Avatar'.
Exodus: Gods and Kings 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-8YsulfxVI
The trailer includes amazing and modern SFX and VFX which will create a buzz in audiences as individuals are consistently wanting higher quality cinematography. At 2.20, it reveals to the audience that it is from the same director as the popular 'Gladiator' this will subsequently have the same effect as 'Ted' has on 'A Million Ways to Die in The West'.
The trailer was released around October of 2014. The films theatrical release in the UK was the 26th of December 2014. The release being so close to Christmas means that during the Christmas holidays where audiences do not have school or work, they can visit the cinema more often. During the holiday period, individuals are usually more inclined to spend money, also, it being in the middle of winter, the probable bad weather would mean that individuals would like to go out and do something entertaining, without facing the weather. The cinema provides the perfect opportunity to do this. It's made clear that the storyline of the film is based around the biblical story of Moses. This is related to the Christian holiday of Christmas and so makes sense for it to be theatrically released around this time.
Kingsman: Secret Service
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl8F-8tR8to
This trailer created a buzz in the media as being a comical action and almost a spoof of the famous James Bond films which are inherently British. The film was also based on the comic book 'The Secret Service', this will therefore create a hype in the audience that were also fans of the comic book. The major British theme that is made evident in the trailer also highlights the themes of class and class division. This primary theme of class will create a buzz in both media and audiences due to it being a common factor in everyday life.
The films UK theatrical release was the 29th of January. The release date being in winter creates the same effects that 'Exodus: Gods and Kings' does.

Film Trailers: Unique Selling Point

Marketing campaigns use genres to gain their target audiences interest. There are countless trailers produced annually for upcoming films and subsequently similar genres will have very similar film trailers. Therefore, they must also show how their film is different to others of the same genre. This way, the film will stand out. This is known as the USP: Unique Selling Point.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6W7RutRghXY
The Hobbit is very similar to that of other films of the fantasy genre and it being linked to the Lord of the Rings films, perhaps makes it more generalisable. However, 'The Hobbit' is a well anticipated trilogy that produced a lot of hype when the first film, 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' came out in 2012. 'The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies' being the final film of a popular trilogy is one of this films unique selling points. Its other unique selling point is that the films director, Peter Jackson, is known for his wide variety of grand scale, detailed settings. This is evidently used in the trailer for the final Hobbit.
The Imitation Game
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5CjKEFb-sM
This film trailer has several unique selling points. With the inclusion of star quality cast Kiera Knightly and Benedict Cumberbatch is a huge selling point. However, it is the fact that the pair have never collaborated in a film together that makes it unique. 'The Imitation Game' is also based on true events about the Enigma Code during WW2. This is another unique selling point for the film, especially seeing as majority of the population aren't so familiar with the story. The Enigma machine and code not being that known about, is yet another unique selling point for the film.
Annie 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6lNi7cZ-Ho
The story of Annie is known due to its popularity as a musical on a theatrical stage. The previous film of Annie portrays the stereotypical 'Annie' as a young white girl with curly red hair. However, recreating the film but with, perhaps, better quality cinematography, wouldn't have meant the film or its trailer had a unique selling point. Therefore, the 2014 Annie, features a young black girl as Annie. This created a lot of hype in the media which subsequently brought a lot of attention to the trailer. The alternative portrayal of the famous character was the unique selling point for this film.
A Testament of Youth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tP7k4wqVJo
The trailer makes it clear to the audience that the film is based on true events, this acts as one of the films unique selling points as the majority of films are solely fictional. The trailer highlights the military and martial themes which make it evident that the film is about war. Another unique selling point of this war film is that the central protagonist is a female. This is unique as in war films, the central protagonists are typically male.