Graphics Planning

Graphics are an integral part in trailers to help tell the narrative and to attract audiences. The graphic seen above is taken from the trailer for 'Shame', a simple white text graphic on a black background is a technique that I plan to use because of it's simplicity and it stands out as it breaks up different scenes. The words used are also vital in attracting an audience, here this graphic is used early in the trailer as it grabs the audiences attention early so that they do not flick channel or divert their attention away from the screen.

Though with 'Shame' being an American production with a big production budget behind it, there are other film trailers that use the white on black graphic to help the audience understand the narrative better. This graphic seen above is taken from the trailer for the film 'NEDS', a low-budget British film that highlights the simplicity and gritty nature of the film by using graphics with no glitz or glam.

From looking at a number of trailers, there is a recurring theme ... the use of separate graphic screens to help tell the narrative or show off awards that the film has won. Something which I have paid particular attention to in graphics in trailers is the use of colour, background images, font and terminology. In the trailer for 'Descendants' the graphics seen are put on a patterned blue background with images of Hawaiian flowers. The graphics here help establish location and perhaps themes of the film with the colour blue normally reflecting a cool, fresh theme whereas grey may represent an eery, moody, gritty theme. 

The ident scene above is taken from the trailer for 'Shank', an urban action film set in the decaying future London. Again the use of white on black, however this time I want to draw attention to the font and effect used on the words. The slight glow and smudge to the writing gives the ident a sort of futuristic look to it, which can also be seen in films like 'Star Wars'. Although I am not going for a film set in the future I believe the font here with the effect is something that I may look to use in my trailer.

A recurring scene in my trailer is a running scene with my main character where drama is heightened and a feeling of determination is established. Having looked at the trailer for 'Shame' I saw that these running scenes may be the best time to put in some reviews of my film, with just a few words from famous magazines or newspapers.

The background is darkened and the graphics are emboldened and stand out because of their white colour. The terminology is vital as these words are going to stick in the minds of the audience as they are influenced as to whether to go see this film or not, and there is no greater influence than positive reviews from respected magazines.

The final graphic of my trailer will be the arrival of the title of my piece, the billing block and the date that my film is due to be released. This screen shot seen above is taken from the trailer for 'London River', having used white on black throughout my trailer I would want the final graphic of my piece to be no different. There are effects used on these graphics again with a slight fact to the edges of the words. This is something that I would aim to use because I believe it gives the graphic something extra rather than just being writing on a screen, it gives it some depth.