Monday, 17 November 2014

Deconstruction of Teaser Trailers (editing)

I wanted to take a closer look at a couple of teaser trailers and how they are actually edited together i.e. the transitions used, type of sequence used, typography used, where the titles go etc.

I Spit On Your Grave


  • starts with production companies, followed by a dimly lit establishing shot of an old, wooden looking cabin
  • transitions are fade to black and black to picture again
  • short, 2-3 second long sequences are used in conjuction with non-diegetic creeking noises
  • dimly lit, ambient lighting used only - adds to realism of the sequence
  • tracking shots, and steadicam used.
  • edits of sudden black and white and tears appear across still images, like a ripped/folded photograph
  • the typography uses a simialr type of edit, with flashing/beaming light, as if a torch is going over it. 
  • fast paced edits of crying, turning around are used to build the tension
  • sudden flashes of colour, as if a shutter has been used over the image
  • the typography is used to set the narrative, in a slow building way
  • most of the fast paced horror sequences happen in the last third of the sequence, with no more fading transitions, only straight cut edits
  • the title is at the end in the same style as the typography throughout
  • one more gruesome image is shown, followed by 'coming soon'.
A Nightmare on Elm Street


  • starts with production companies
  • establishing shots, dimly lit, greeny/bluey hue throughout. desolate land. very eerie.
  • non-diegetic music starts the audiences fears. 
  • a chase scene starts and slow motion is used to really capture the actors fearful facial expressions and body language
  • the contrast of the firey-red petrol bomb and the bleak greeny-grey hue emphasises the importance of the fire.
  • slow motion sequences show the anguish on the actors face as he burns alive.
  • 'from producer' shows legitimacy and will give the audience high expectations
  • the font used is red on black, with a serif style
  • fade to black transitions, accompanied by a clicking noise
  • establishing/long shots used of freddy at first, to keep the mystery
  • yellow hue starting to be used
  • panning shot of 'elm street' referring to the film title and as this is a remake, reminding the audience of what they may already know
  • establishing shot of house, accompanied by creepy non-diegetic singing, '1,2 freddy's coming for you, 3, 4, better lock your door'
  • fast shuttering again, to build tension, make audience jump
  • slower sequences are mixed with 'jumpier' sections 
  • several long shots, showing the immense lighting and special effects used to create decrepit scenes
  • again last 20 seconds show the really fast paced moments, building to the girl being lifted from her bed. this shows the audience a lot of the action to get them scared
  • fade to black, show title
  • then last little scare - small scene of freddy talking, doesn't really do much but we finally see his burned face - the final reveal
  • tag line shown, then the date of the release.
You're next


  • starts with panning shot, seemingly normal, old, grand house used - shows definite wealth
  • ambient lighting. 'girl next door' type actor, brown hair, plain clothes
  • then sudden shattering of glass
  • slow motion, low angle shot of all weapons falling and girl falling - non-diegetic ringing music - implies panic
  • distorted slow motion view of people escaping, reflecting the moment of panic by the actor
  • low angle shot of masked perpetrator entering the home, axe visable, makes the killer seem bigger and powerful 
  • slow motion shows girl crawling away, particular interest in her very scared facial expression and body language. non-diegetic music gets faster, more panicked
  • close up of axe hitting the ground next to the 'final girl', music stops, straight cut to black
For ours
  • definitely use fades to black at the start, until final third, where all the action happens - use straight cuts
  • use non-diegetic building music and shuttering sounds 
  • use ambient lighting, play around with hues and effects 
  • keep title til end, then 'coming soon'
  • use fades to black for typography
  • use some kind of shuttering over the text also, and serif fonts.

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