Conventions of a thriller

The narrative centres around a crime eg. a theft or a murder.

The protagonist is fallible and has an 'Achilles heel' that is exploited by the antagonist. 

The title of the thriller may relate to this weakness eg Vertigo and Insomnia.

The protagonist will be seen 'in peril' in one or more scenes before the resolution.

The antagonist ensnares the protagonist in an increasingly complex web, until the protagonist feels isolated and helpless.

The narrative presents ordinary situations in which extraordinary things happen.

Micro elements combine in a build up of suspense. ( Micro means film elements like camerawork, sound, narrative, genre, mise-en-scene, lighting, costumes, actors and facial expressions, etc.)

Themes of identity are common: mistaken identity, doubling/doppelgangers, amnesia.

Themes of seeing, reflection and mirroring. Manipulation of perspectives, visual McGuffins, and optical illusions are common.

The audience of a thriller is placed in the ambiguous position of voyeur. Voyeurism can also be a theme and the objectification of female characters is common especially in earlier thrillers.

A series of/ one important enigma(s) are/is set up in the opening sequence of the film, is further complicated during the first part of the film and only resolved at the very end.

Style models

I used the trailer for "Wolf Creek" as one of my style models as it has a very energetic, chilling feel to it as there are many quick flashes of shots and this makes the genre quite clear, along with the dark, dramatic effect of the shots. The locations of the shots also very successfully portray the thriller intentions of the film.

I also used the trailer for "Unknown" as it also has quick, snappy scenes of action which build suspense and tension for the audience viewing it. Which is what i fully intend to do to make the genre of my trailer clear and successful.

Conventions of a trailer

Conventions:

• Trailers include key moments from the film which are not placed in the sequence of the film, and do not give away any crucial plot details which leaves the audience in suspense and wanting to watch the whole film.

• The title of the film is not usually put on screen until the end of the trailer, often followed by a release date.

• The names of the main starts are put on screen early on in the trailer. This is important as it lets audiences know who they can expect to see in the film. Audiences will often decide they want to see a film just because of the stars in it.

• Sometimes the names of the director and/or producer are included, with phrases such as ‘from the director/makers of...’ This helps the audience to make connections between the film being trailed and previously successful and recognise films.

• On-screen text gives important information about the film, including the stars names, the film title and the release date. 

• Music is regularly used in trailers as it can help identify the genre, style and plot of the film.

Planning

This is my finished digital storyboard where I have planned the length of each shot, my trailer will be around a minute and a half. I have used guide shots so it is easier for me to plan what camera shots i will use and what angles, which will help me when i am shooting as i already know which shots i will use.

Brief for film trailer

A promotion package for a new film, to include a trailer, together with a magazine front cover, featuring the film and a poster for the film.

• a website homepage for the film
• a film magazine front cover,featuring the film
• a poster for the film