CASE FILE Trailer Structure Β§1/7

Operation

TRAILER BEATS
Classification EYES ONLY
Subject area SEQUENTIAL
Document date β–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆ
Distribution RESTRICTED

Artefact Β· The Question

Play three trailers for completely different films back to back. Why do they all hit the same beats in the same order?

Detonate it in order.

  • Think of a trailer that hyped you up. What order did it reveal things in?
  • Why do so many trailers feel weirdly similar?
  • Where in a trailer does the music usually change gear?
  • What's your guess for the 'beats' every trailer hits?
  • When does a trailer spoil too much, and when does it tease just right?
  • What’s the last shot a trailer should leave you on?