15 Film Trailers and Narrative - Structure

Learning objective: To identify and list the elements of narrative structure within film trailers.

• Key words: Characters, tagline, graphics, enigmas, audio codes, technical codes, editing.

It is important that genre is established in a trailer as it grabs the attention of the audiences that studios know will want to see the film.  

If it’s a fantasy then fans of that genre will want to see your films more than the very different audience who will be more interested in then latest romantic comedy.  

The trailer’s voiceover or text on screen will sometimes compare a new film to a previous, successful film that the studio released in the same genre (e.g. "From the people who bought you…").   

Of course, when choosing moments from the film the film studio will often choose a range of sequences (action, romance, comedy) to show that their film has ‘something for everyone’.

Typical narrative structure is often broken down in this way:

1. Opening: establishes setting and introduces character
2. Build up: Relationships established. Development of characters and their world
3. Problem: a dilemma or series of complications.  Characters are faced with an obstacle to overcome a mystery to solve, or often more than one
4. Events: a series of events/action as characters try to overcome obstacle, solve problem, discover truth and so on.  Further complications may arise in the process

Task 1: Discuss and list the elements of narrative structure in this trailer, Orange books.

Task 2:

Identify and list the elements of narrative structure within this trailer. Orange books. 

1. Opening: What setting is established? What characters are introduced?
2. Build up: What relationships are established? How are characters developed?
3. Problem: What problems will the characters face?
4. Events: What events will take place as complications arise? 
5. Any there any other narrative codes present that we have discussed? Enigmas (Barthes), stages of equilibrium (Todorov), binary opposites (Levi Strauss), character types (Propp)

Year 10 Written task success criteria
Knowledge of the concept of genre/narrative/representation
Awareness of relevant theories
Demonstrates knowledge of the convergent nature of contemporary media
Use of media terminology/key words
Quality of written communication