Most trailers are produced at the same time that the film is being edited. The timing of a trailer campaign is important: it must be shown far enough in advance to generate excitement about the film's release but not so early that people forget about the film before it even comes out.
Trailers are never released at a random date, the producers have always thought about what time is best to introduce audiences to the film. For example, horror films are likely to be released during Halloween season as it intensifies the buzz that the film creates and family films are likely to be released during summer as school is out and families are together. As a class, we watched and discussed the main talking points about trailers from Toy Story 4, Yesterday and The Brink.
Toy Story 4
Toy Story 4 is a sequel produced and distributed by Walt Disney and Pixar. The main talking point of the trailer is the fact that it is a sequel and so audiences will feel a certain nostalgia seeing characters they've seen before. Throughout the trailer, intertitles come up with text saying 'old friends' which helps to reinforce the characters that the audience will get to see again. Equally, the song 'You've Got a Friend' is heard at the beginning which is iconic to the film's previous movies and so will attract the loyal audience members who are fans of the other Toy Story films.
Secondly, the trailer successfully creates the feel-good sentiment that Disney is renowned for. This is achieved through the music 'God Only Knows' by the Beach Boys which evokes happiness for the parents watching as well as the 'school's out for summer!' vibe. It creates a sense of idealised happiness of childhood and convinces audiences that this is a family film that will provide audiences with happy memories of coming to see the film, promoting togetherness. The film also expresses good morals throughout the trailer through characters such as Little Bo Peep who is presented as a confident and independent woman who would inspire younger girls watching the film.
The visuals of the trailer show funfairs and warm weather with blue skies and so it would be smart to release the film during summer as not only does it fit with the ambiance of the film but practically speaking, in the UK, kids break up for summer holidays at this time and so the producers would be making the most of the fact that cinemas would be full of families and kids.
Yesterday
The main talking point of Yesterday's film trailer is the link to The Beatles and the fact that it takes a 'new spin' on the well-known and loved band. This instantly creates a strong audience attraction as both young and older demographics enjoy their music but are also getting a new, modern-take and unheard-of experience. The music that is included throughout the trailer generates nostalgia for audiences who have grown-up listening to it. The unrealistic element of 'magic' included in the trailer helps to create a narrative and sense of intrigue that tempts the audience towards the film.
The film would likely be released during summer as many of the shots show blue skies and the sea, reminding the audience of the holidays and generating excitement towards to film. Furthermore, the trailer has a strong 'summer feel' because of the representation towards festivals, music concerts and live music and anyone who has been to a festival themselves will relate to the buzz that is created.
A-List actors within the film also create an appeal towards 'Yesterday'. Lily James is a big star talent of the film and will attract mass revenue as well as the guest appearances of Ed Sheeran and James Corden, helping to increase the production value of the film.
The Brink
The main talking points about this trailer is that it follows real-life events and includes real politicians such as Nigel Farrage and carries a documentary feel whilst giving the audience a POV that they have never experienced - almost a behind-the-scenes. This stance allows audiences to feel like they have an understanding of what goes on behind doors away from the public and this intrigue makes them have a strong urge to watch the film.
This film would attract audiences who have a knowledge of politics, especially right-wing audiences as many of the policies discussed in the trailer follow the beliefs of that leaning. Despite this, the film still manages to attract left-leaning audiences as they feel as if they are getting an insight into the secrets of those opposing politicians. The film would need to be released during if not, shortly after the life events took place in order to attain a invested audience whilst the plot was still relevant.
The film chooses to use a 'fly on the wall' perspective where the audience sit and absorb the events being shown. This type of cinematography does not lead to searching questions or create a climax and so I read film critics from The Guardian and The Observer which helped frame my understanding of this film. The Brink positions Bannen in a completely different way than in the film Frost/Nixon (another political/documentary film). Frost/Nixon presents the politicians in a negative way whilst Bannen shows the events how they happened in real life which gives the audience room to form their own opinions rather than be influenced.
TOY STORY You show good understanding that a sequel has a pre-sold audience and you comment thoughtfully on the appeal of Disney's brand values as well as identifying the 'school's out' quality of the film.
ReplyDeleteYESTERDAY Good analysis of the broad appeal of the film across several age groups, based on the music of the iconic Beatles, the promise of comedy and the star power of James, Sheeran and Cordon.
THE BRINK Sound reasoning regarding the timing of release for this film with its political background and its 'fly on the wall' style. You position this film in relation to other similar narratives (Frost/Nixon) having researched what film critics had to say.
Altogether, not only beautifully clear work with ample evidence of intelligent understanding but, equally, articulate reflection. Well researched, Jess.