We're The Millers (2013) Trailer Analysis http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=0Vsy5KzsieQ The trailer opens with a studio ident; like the previous trailer analysed this again adds a feel of professionalism and could reflect the particular genre/target audience of the production. In concern to the said trailer that I am analysing, the ident shown is of the TimeWarner subsidiary Warner Bros. Pictures. As stated previously, I will be considering including an 'ident' within my own trailer to echo the standard of an established studio. Over the 'ident', a soundtrack has been cut in during post-production. The soundtrack appears to be 'upbeat' which allows the audience to recognize the genre (comedy) and begins to create a connection between the following clips; this is necessary due to the typical montage edited format of the trailer. Both 'ident's' (that of Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema) then follow through to cut to the introduction of one of the films protagonists. The audience first views Jennifer Aniston's character through a medium long shot taken from behind - her face is then revealed by the following medium close up shot. By opening the trailer with scenes involving this particular actress, the audience's attention is immediately gained- the production company is using the 'star system' to their advantage through doing so. This is, obviously, something that I would not be able to copy within my own film promotion. The soundtrack starts to create a sound bridge between the proceeding footage as other characters begin to be introduced. A fade transition is edited in to create a divide between the solo scenes of Aniston and the development of the storyline. A shot-reverse-shot edit establishes a relationship between our female protagonist and male protagonist; (apparently platonic) neighbours. Following this, the viewer is also made aware of the females occupation as a stripper - this is through the diagetic conversation made towards the protagonist referencing 'lap dancing'. Within this scene, the soundtrack cuts out briefly as the first comedic line is presented. When producing a trailer it is essential to include the 'best bits' from the production, so clips which establish the genre (comedy) and maximise audience pleasure are to be expected of. The next shot-reverseshot scene involving the protagonists conversation (depicted through over the shoulder medium close up shots) reveals the male's job within the drug dealing trade ("You're not a neighbour, you're a pot dealer"). This particular occupation results in the male protagonist being asked to travel to Mexico as an act of trafficking drugs - this basically sets the consumer up for the plot of the film. We see this development through a diagetic conversation shown Low angle medium close up onscreen between the protagonist and his 'boss'; in between the conversation an aerial shot and wide shot of the Mexico location are edited in between fade transitions. This jump cut creates a shared frame of reference between the characters and the audience. Towards the end of this scene, the soundtrack cuts out as the conversation reaches the 'height' of comedy and a wide shot captures a CGI killer whale attacking a CGI dolphin. The editing remains fairly uniform throughout the trailer, as a fade transition cuts in following the previous footage to the next scene which involves another shot-reverse-shot conversation this time it is between the male protagonist (whose name is still unmentioned) and a new character, who later becomes his pretend 'son'. The next scene depicts the male protagonist asking his 'stripper' associate to become involved within his drug dealing pursuits; again, like the earlier conversation requesting the protagonist to smuggle pot from Mexico to the USA, we see a flash forward edited in through a

jump cut. As previously said, there is a definite structure within this particular trailer what with the continuation of shot-reverse-shot editing to illustrate a conversation and fade transitions dividing the supposedly 'present' from the jump cut. A few screen shots of mentioned scene....

Medium wide shot

O.t.s.s close up

Medium long shot

O.t.s.s close up

The protagonists proposal speech concerning his decision to create a false family in order to safely cross the border whilst smuggling illegal substances creates a sound bridge which is cut in over the next scenes introducing the fellow 'family' members; one being a dork (son), the other a punk (daughter). The genre of comedy is again made obvious through the characters enrolled; having a dad as a dealer, a stripper mum, a dork for a son and a punk daughter, the 'Millers' appear to be anything other than the conventional family. The 'best bits' (general trailer Medium long shot convention) establishing comedy within the film, continue to be shown. For instance, through a series of varying shot types the consumer views the pretend family dressed up in costume to appear as a 'squeaky, clean, all-American family'. Following a 'box out' transition, we see Aniston transformed from her original 'stripper' exterior to wearing a typical 'mum' shirt and having hair fashioned into a neat style. The addition of a HIgh angle close up transition which varies from the original 'fade' used previously creates a feel of change. The next shot captures the 'dad', 'son' and 'daughter' in slow motion walking toward the audience, framed by a medium long shot. The effect of utilising the slow motion edit increases the impact and comedy further. The contrast of the apparently 'prim' and 'typically American' family with the hip-hop soundtrack cut in also heightens the comedic value, thus, furthering audience entertainment. Another general trailer convention which is added within this film promotion is 'inter-titles'. These cleverly intertwine with the edited footage (such as being removed as a car passes by etc). Inter-titles are something that I will consider applying within my own trailer production in order to advertise and promote; for instance, important information is given within inter-titles such as dates. It is also important to note the inclusion of the film title and the date cut in at the end. When creating a trailer it is always important to re-establish provided information in order to persuade and promote. Overall, I really like the structure of this trailer what with the introduction and jump cuts at the beginning to the montage editing of the 'best bits' toward the end. The continuation of soundtrack throughout furthers the feel of a uniform style and appeals to the audience whist varying shot types enhance audience viewing so the production does not appear bland. The genre of comedy is also well depicted.