Radio trailers & analysis

Radio trailers for films are still commonly used but are not used as much as TV or video based adverts, physical adverts are still really common and often seen on bus stops and outside cinemas.

Squirm

The first trailer I looked at, Squirm (1976), was an American R rated horror movie. The trailer features a voice over from an American sounding man detailing the events of the film. The trailer uses pronouns to directly address the audience and make them feel as if they're there. There is eerie music playing in the background which adds to the suspense created by the film and also makes it clear that it's a horror film. The choice of words used also add to the sense of it being a horror film with them having strong connotations. The advert mentions what company the film is coming from and also the sounds taken directly from the film. The use of sound from the film gives the listener an insight into the film and it could draw them in and get their attention. The name of the film is repeated throughout which will stick in the listeners mind and the certificate is also mentioned at the end.

Star wars

The second trailer I looked at, Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back (1980), the advert begins with listing characters from the last film which conveys that it is a sequel, the English sounding narrator then gives a brief insight into the content of the film and mentions the plot. The trailer mentions the book that will be released alongside the film which is a form of synergy. The name of the film is repeated several times throughout which will help the audience remember it and the main music from the film is used which helps draw attention to the fact the film is a sequel. The trailer mentions a place to view the film and also states what modern technology is used in the film which can be a unique selling point for it. The certificate of the film is mentioned as it's a U which the vast majority of people are able to see.

So, from my analysis a good film trailer needs to have:

• Audio from the film
• A strong voiceover
• Certificate and any unique selling points mentioned
• Famous actors or directors names
• Brief overview of the plot.