Trailers: Teaser vs Theatrical

Teaser? Theatrical? What's The Difference?

For our AS production, we had the choice of either producing a teaser trailer, or a theatrical trailer. So, in order to make this decision, we needed to research the differences between the two.

This table shows the vital elements within each one, and by putting the lists next to each other, we were able to see what each one would require from us.

Theatrical Trailer	Teaser Trailer
Shown just before release Uses more footage (as more is available) Film production is in the final stages Longer than teaser trailer More likely to contain a soundtrack	Shown a considerable time before release Shows a hint of the production (not much footage available to use) Can be original footage (AKA. Footage which does not feature in the actual production) Creates mystery Usually used for larger budget films 1min 30s max. length

We also defined a "trailer" as "Footage advertising a film, edited in a certain way, which contains exciting and funny scenes/events without spoilers, as well as drawing an audience's attention by showing a unique selling point or hook, and remains concise (usually no longer than 2mins 30s)"

As a group, we felt that a theatrical trailer would allow us to be more creative, and to learn far more techniques than a teaser, due to the longer length. We also felt that it would be difficult in a teaser to avoid the temptation of the narrative, as a teaser is only a brief hint, whereas a trailer will display the basis of the narrative.