Sci-Fi Trailer Codes and Conventions

The genre incorporates hypothetical and science based themes into the plot of the film. Many sci-fi films use a futuristic setting; this may be away from Earth, such as other planets or in space. The film may also take place on Earth, but in the future, where the world has a different look than it currently does in the present day. Another common convention of the sci-fi genre is futuristic technology, which is technology that has not been invented yet. The technology is sometimes used by the characters to help them in some way. The film will also have a focus on special effects to further enhance the futuristic setting and make it more realistic for the audience. In many cases, special effects and CGI are used because it wouldn’t be possible to create the technology or environment physically, so it is added in in the editing phase.  Most sci-fi films have a large budget since using SFX can be expensive and low budget films will not be able to do this as easily.

Comedy Trailer Codes and Conventions

The setting is always dependant on the type of comedy that you want to use. The most common places for a comedy sketch to occur are in bright places, towns and cities that have a welcoming atmosphere. The lighting in comedies is often high key lighting or natural lighting. Bright and warm colours are used commonly to show that the scene is happy, such as blue and yellow. The scenes are usually set in daylight. Mid-shots, close-ups and two-shots are used commonly to show the relationship between each character, the reactions to jokes and the main focal point of the story line.

Sound is very important within the comedy genre. Diegetic sound such as dialogue has to be very clear to make sure that the audience can hear all of the dialogue. Non-diegetic sound is also very important, edited sound that is added helps emphasise the event on screen, this induces more laughter, and most common usage of sound within the comedy genre is studio laughter and sound effects. The trailer shows clips of a few of the funny scenes but not all of them so that the audience don’t know everything about the film before they watch it.

Action Trailer Code and Conventions

Action films are usually centred on a protagonist hero who has to overcome a series of challenges which test them physically and mentally. The trailer often has a 12 or 15 certificate; these are chosen due to the controversial actions that are initiated in these films. This immediately tells us the film will not child friendly and will feature violent scenes.

Many sub-genres in the action genre such as:

• Action adventure
• Action horror
• Action comedy
• Spy film

The trailer only shows the parts that contain the most amount of action, this is to entice the audience and encourage them to watch the film when it is released. The music is a very important aspect because it tells the audience when the action will take place; for example, if there is a car chase scene then the music will speed up.

Horror Trailer Codes and Conventions

A horror film is a movie that seeks to elicit a physiological reaction, such as an elevated heartbeat, through the use of fear and shocking one’s audiences. Horror films often deal with viewers' nightmares, fears and terror of the unknown. The films typically either end the film or leave it unfinished so that a sequel can be made, this could result in a franchise like the Saw films.

Iconography-

• Often dark colours like red & black (links to evil, blood and danger)
• Low-key lighting can help to create dark shadows and unfamiliar shapes in the blackness

Themes-

• Good vs Evil
• Religion
• Nightmares
• Supernatural

Setting-

• Abandoned houses
• Cabins
• Graveyards
• Anything that connote isolation or being alone

Sub-genre's-

• Action horror
• Slasher film
• Zombie film
• Supernatural horror

Codes and Conventions of Film Trailers