Analysis of the trailer for "Sorority Row"

The second trailer I have analysed is the promotional counterpart of "Sorority Row". The film is also in the horror genre, it is about a group of sorority sisters trying to cover up the death of their house-sister after a prank goes wrong, only to be stalked by a serial killer.

• The audience is immediately thrown into the plot of the film due to the fast pace editing used. However, the genre is not immediately established due to the upbeat non-diegetic sound used. It isn't a conventional introduction to the trailer as the genre is not established nor the characters directly introduced.
• The trailer is 2 minutes and 30 seconds long and has 155 shots. This vast number of shots is evidence of the fast pace editing apparent. Using such short shots creates the effect of the characters not being incontrol of their circumstances which coincides with the narrative of the film. The opening shots give the audience a false sense of security which engages them in the trailer, and effectively unsettles them when the complication is revealed.
• The use of non-diegetic music in this trailer is key. It is used to transform from the innocence to horror and surprises the audience.
• A large amount of dialogue is used in this particular trailer, this is used to establish the narrative as there isn't a voice over and there a limited titles.
• Shots of the caped character or "monster" are included, which like most horror trailers, creates an enigma and establishes the genre.
• Another convention of horror film trailers is that the majority of the shots are in dark settings, this creates suspense at the unknown as well as constructing fear in the audience.
• The trailer has a linear structure, which again helps the audience to understand the narrative whilst building up the tension.
• It is brought to an abrupt finish with a shot of the "monster", this climax is essential when advertising a film as the audience will want to see more.
• There are a lot of medium shots, all fast pace. However, there are also a number of close up shots to establish the characters expressions and allow the audience to understand how the characters are feeling.
• This trailer also follows the convention of using the exact scene where the disruption of the equilibrium is shown as it raises the films dramatic appeal.