1) Research: TV drama trailer analysis
You need to write detailed 250-word close-textual analyses of six TV drama trailers in your chosen genre. For each trailer, focus on a different aspect of media language, and embed each one on your blog:
TV drama trailer 1: Narrative and genre
How is narrative and genre communicated quickly and clearly to the audience?
In the trailer of Bodyguard, it is clearly shown that the genre is action/thriller. The genre is communicated to the audience as there is tension being built up within the trailer and then the driver gets shot as the prime minister is going to a meeting. Throughout the trailer, the narrative builds up more and more which allows the viewers/audience to gain a better understanding of what Bodyguard is going to be about. As the trailer goes on, we start to understand that there is more that the prime ministers 'Bodyguard' is more than just a 'Bodyguard' as a relationship is developed between them.
TV drama trailer 2: Mise-en-scene
What do you notice about the use of mise-en-scene to create meanings for the audience? Think CLAMPS.
In the trailer of Luther, the use of costume is very classic to determine who is who and what type of role they play. Luther is dressed up in a suit along with a trench coat which helps the audience identify that he plays a crucial role in this TV series and he is a detective. The use of lowkey lighting from 00:06 - 00:12 allows the audience to figure out that Luther is speaking to a criminal or someone who is going to cause trouble for him. Furthermore, it could illustrate that the female is linked to the investigation he is working on. The use of make-up at 00:05 is significant for the audience to inspect that the character is definitely an antagonist.
TV drama trailer 3: Camerawork
Here you are looking for particular camera shots and movement. E.g. Are close-ups used to introduce key characters to the audience? How are establishing shots used?
In the trailer of Top Boy (Season 3 Trailer), it starts with an over-the-shoulder shot of Ashley Walters which allows the audience to identify the fact that Ashley might be at the place which he may own or is most respected at. Furthermore, it allows the audience to know that Ashley is a very important character within Top Boy as the trailer starts with him. The second shot in the trailer starts with a close-up pan however goes into a long shot. It starts of with a police officer walking past in front of the camera and then you can see a group of youths (IC3 Males) looking at the police officer as he walks past. This allows the audience to establish the fact that this trailer involved crime and action.
TV drama trailer 4: Editing
Analyse pace, transitions, number of shots and juxtaposition e.g. eyeline matches. Does the pace speed up towards the end of the trailer?
In the trailer of Power (Season 6) Trailer, there is a fast paced montage feel within the first 6 seconds. The first 6 seconds consists of 11 shots with most of the shots being medium-close ups of different key characters within Power. At 00:09 there is a long shot of the scenery which allows the audience to identify where the series takes place and in this case, it is in America. The pace of the trailer slows down as the narrative is being entrenched. As the trailer comes to an end, the pace of the trailer increases and more tension is being built up.
TV drama trailer 5: Sound
Analyse both diegetic and non-diegetic sound - music, dialogue, voiceover, SFX, background or foley sound etc.
In the trailer of Money Heist, there is voiceover used throughout the trailer which is explaining the narrative of the the show. In the beginning, there is a voiceover along with non-diegetic sound being played. The show is about the Royal Mint in Spain being taken over by the Criminals and they're holding hostages. Their aim is to take the money without harming any law enforcement and officers. From 00:17 - 00:28 there is upbeat music being played as the group of criminals are going to plan how the heist is going to be carried out.
TV drama trailer 6: Trailer conventions, graphics, text-on-screen etc.
Here you need to explore trailer conventions - what does this trailer have that you've spotted in all the trailers you have analysed so far? Look for things like text on screen, graphics, title, release date, social media links and more.
In the trailer of Blue Story, it starts with graphics on the screen saying 'paramount pictures' followed by 'BBC Films'. As the trailer is starting and graphics are being shown, there is a voice over of a news report along with non-diegetic sound of police sirens. The news that was being reported is "The latest young person apparently at the wrong place at the wrong time". This could help the audience figure out what type of genre the trailer is about and could be identified as a crime/action trailer. After the graphics of 'BBC Films' There is text on screen telling the audience who created this film. On the screen it says "From Rapman, Creator of Shiro's Story". Shiro's story was a very successful show in London. By putting this into the trailer allows the audience to know that this is gonna be a very good movie as well. The trailer ends with text on screen saying "Blue Story".
