RESEARCH: RADIO TRAILER

Radio Trailer: Research 

Today I started my research into radio trailers. I thought the best place to start would be looking into the codes and conventions that make up a good radio trailer. This will provide me with a better idea as to what I need to add to my radio trailer for my short film Dreaming Daisy.

 I also looked into the importance of having a radio trailer and how it helps to distribute the film. From my research I understood that radio adverts have a different effect in comparison to another distribution style because, it has more of a focus on what is being said and creates a picture for the listener, but also allows the listener to use their imagination.

Radio Trailer Codes and Conventions:

•      Voiceover, with hints of sounds/ or speech from the film.
•       Information at the end of the trailer, as to where and when you can view it. Possibly        the viewing certificate.
•       The films slogan.
•        Sound effects if appropriate.

Next I looked into radio trailers for films using the 1970s radio adverts for cult movies. I watched few of them on YouTube and noticed that lots of them have a formulaic structure. Introductory soundtrack (normally a sounds that is recognisable specifically to that film).Sounds that relate to the film that provides suggestions to the plot and gives the audience a taste of what the rest of the film will be like. Concluding information such as the release date and where is can be viewed.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show:

The trailer opened with an enthusiastic voice saying different statements that would catch the audiences attention and make them listen to the rest of the trailer as they are things that would be appealing to a audience, ‘thrills and chills’ and ‘gorgeous girls’.  This opening also helps to signify the genre to the audience as a fun film with a cheeky side; this is also established by the cheers and party noises in the background.

Through out the rest of the trailer there are some of the well-known songs from the Rocky Horror Show being played. The most to be played is ‘Time Warp’ the most famous song from the show. This will lure in any already existing fans. However it also provides a taste to those who are not familiar with the film or the music as to what it will be like. Next the narrator states that there are 18 songs in the show and where they are available, here he also mentions the certificate of the film (AA).

The trailer finishes with the narrator informing the audience of all the vital information about the film, such as where and when it is being shown.

Jaws 2- Radio Trailer: 

The trailer opens with a narrator stating ‘the legend continues’ in a very low dramatic voice. This automatically grabs people’s attention as the word ‘legend’ suggests the genre of the film as action or adventure. Also the word ‘continues’ shows that this film is a sequel and will already have a market audience.

The well known theme tune of Jaws is played in the background, again this will suggest the genre of the film to the audience but also it will attract the already existing audience. Next dialogue is played ‘That’s a shark’ and it has been taken from the actual film, this provides the audience with a taste of the film and a hint of what is to come. The trailer finishes with the narrator telling all the vital information about the film such as where and when it is being shown, 'in the west end and all over London NOW' and the rating it has been appointed, 'certificate A'.

Friday The 13th Trailer:

The trailer opens with screams and shouting that have been taken from the actual film. This implies the genre of horror to the audience; it also provides the audience of a taste of what is to come.  Next a narrator in a low creepy voice ‘ Ask anyone who was brave enough to watch Friday The 13^th on Friday the 13^th … they will tell you they were terrified, over and over and over and over …’ before the narrator has finished speaking he is interrupted by more screams and shouting. This is again implying to the audience that in the film is full of unexpected frights and interruptions.  The narrator states ‘ Friday the 13^th we dare you to see this film’. This statement will lure the audience into cinemas to watch the film because they will feel challenged to go and see the film and it will attract ‘thrill seekers’. At the end of the trailer the narrator states the information as to where and when the film can be viewed and its certificate (x).