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Movie Trailer Format

Segment Outline

The segment outline acts as a guide and checklist for all components needed in the “LCE Movie Trailer”
format. When students are writing their scripts we suggest they split into “group-ettes” and write their dialogue
with those students in their particular segment. You can have more than 1 scene in a segment but again, be
sure to limit the overall script to 2-3mins in length. 2-3 mins equates to approx 2-3 pages of script written in 12
point.

A movie trailer is essentially a summary - or more precisely - an advert for a feature film. It “teases” the
audience by giving them enough of the storyline for them to want to buy a ticket and see the entire film. This is
sometimes why a movie trailer is known as a “teaser.” It will feature some highlight scenes which are either
funny, dramatic or give an insight into how good the film is, without giving away too much.

3 Act Structure​ -
Beginning, Middle, End or orientation, complication, conclusion. These are simple 3 act story structure
headings. Even a movie trailer can be broken into 3 parts. In this example, we have: 1. Introduction 2. Body 3.
Hook. The body should have two or more scenes which expand the action of the film without giving away too
much - but just enough for the audience to be interested.

Filmmaking​ elements include a combination of; Voice Over (VO), titles and live-action scenarios to tell the
story.

Teacher Tip

Genre:
Deciding on a particular genre of film (Trailer), will help inspire ideas, characters, scenes and
dialogue: For instance, will it be a Comedy / Action / Horror / Suspense / thriller / Romance /
Family - or a combination, such as: Drama-dy / Rom-com etc. This will help decide music, sound
effects and the style of shots, voice over (VO) and titles.

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Segment # 1 - ​The Introduction
Background Image / Visuals
Set up the time / place and characters of the
film; This needs to happen in two or three
shots. Always remember: ​"if you're going to
say it - then show it!"​ That will guide how
you create the scenes in Movie trailer
Segment # 2 - ​Body
Background Image / Visuals
Expand on the set up by showing 3 - 5 quick
“highlight” scenes that will heighten the
drama, provide humour, expand/deepen
characters in order to underline what the story
is about - without giving away everything
Segment # 3 - ​The Hook
Background Image / Visuals
Pose the dramatic question which entices
people to want to see the entire film. This
segment will also include where and when to
see the film.
Segment # 4 - ​Extra scene ​(optional)
Background Image / Visuals
After the “when and where” It can sometimes
be good to add a little “teaser” scene from the
film. An extra punch to end it on - Rather than
just a title.
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Audio / Script (examples)
“VO: In a world where nothing is as it seems…”
“VO: When a boy meets a girl”
“Sharon: Hi my name is Sharon and I’m tired of being
teased…. etc etc
Audio / Script
eg 1: Scene of a student suddenly changing into a teacher
and finding himself at the front of the class with students
waiting in expectation…
eg 2: Scene of Sharon scaring a young child because she is
so tall and the mother telling off.
Audio / Script examples
Show a scene with VO and/or Graphics: "Will they escape
the dreaded beast?" "Watch and see as our contestants
battle it out for their careers…" "Will he get rid of his smell
and find the girl of his dreams?"…… " Will they overcome
their differences and together slay the dragon?"…… FIND
OUT THIS SUMMER! in cinemas/on TV December 1
Audio / Script
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