Film Trailer Research

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. Often more than one.
4. Events
   A series of events/action as characters try to overcome obstacle, solve problem, discover truth etc. Further complication may arise in the process.
5. Resolution
   The protagonists are victorious, problems are solved, truth revealed.
6. Ending
   Characters reflect on events, reinstate relationships and look forward.

Occasionally people complain that film trailers give far too much away. An effective trailer avoids any suggestion of resolution and ending, perhaps just a hint that the protagonist is going to learn an important lesson. The intention is to leave audiences wanting more, not feeling they have seen all the ‘best bits’ already. The key events are often put in non-chronological order so the actual film will not be too predictable.