Film Trailer Analysis: The Gridiron Gang

Film Trailer Analysis:

The Gridiron Gang

At the very beginning of the trailer we see the rating of the movie and trailer. The trailer has been rated for all audiences, however the actual movie has been certified a PG-13. This shows that the target audience for this movie is teenagers to young adults. This also tells the audience that in this movie that some materials are not suitable for individuals under the age of 13. The usual Characteristics for a  PG-13 movie is that any nudity has to be non-sexual, swear words must be used sparingly and violence can be intense but bloodless. From the trailer the audience can also see that there may be some sensitive themes in the movie such as gang and murder. So is any of the audience are sensitive to any of these issues they know that this is not the right movie for them to watch.

At 0.07 seconds of the trailer we see the production logo of Columbia Pictures and Original Film. This is a usual feature in trailers that the production logos are displayed at the beginning of the trailer. The reason for this is to build the expectation of the movie to make them want come and see it, as Columbia pictures is a subsidiary company owned by Sony Pictures who makes a yearly revenue of $8.064 billion USD. This may be reason why Columbia Pictures have produced big blockbusters such as, Spider man trilogy (2002-2207). The audience are more likely going to to see Gridiron Gang is because it is produced by Columbia who has had a reputation of creating big movies. Additionally being a subsidiary company to Sony means that they have a large budget and people tend to think that movies with a bigger budget are better.

The music starts at 0.07 seconds of the trailer. It begins slow as the protagonist is giving a voice over making more effective as it sets the tone of the movie creating a thoughtful atmosphere. The music also matches the pace of the scene as the scenes start out slow.  At 0.47 seconds the music changes from slow to hard. This may because the movie is set at a detention center and majority of the boys that are in their is because of gangs. As a result the music has to match has ti match the reality of the characters therefore the music is from the hip hop genre as this genre is associated to gang life. Additionally as  football is a contact sport and the main attribute to this movie the music has to match the fierceness of the game.

We hear our protagonist (Sean Porter) before we see him. The audience hears him talk about how he wants to help the youth in today's society by starting a football team at a detention center. This shows  the audience that our protagonist is a inspirational figure and according to Vladimer Propp character types he comes under the category of the helper who helps the hero in their quest, but in this context the protagonist helps get the heroes life in order through the game of football. Through the trailer we can also see the protagonist splitting up fights and giving inspirational talks to his team. This makes it easier for the audience to relate to him as he is portrayed as a good person, a person people inspire to be like.  

The title, The Gridiron Gang is presented at the end of the trailer. It is in black writing with a white

background making it stand out. Additionally the font of the title is like broken glass which connotes trouble and danger. The writing is also in capitals thus giving a masculine feel to the movie therefore giving the impression that the movie is aimed for for boys than for girls. Whilst the trailer is being shown background music is being played. The music is from the genre of R&B and is effective when being played with the title as it brings the scene together. As  the background is white it makes the title stand out but also give a sense of goodness and purity whilst the black writing in the font of broken glass and give a sense of danger. These elements contrast each other but the music brings the black and the white together almost bringing peace to the two colors. This is reinforced by the 

two teammates greeting each giving the impression to the audience that they are finally at peace with each other.

From this trailer I have learnt that the timing of the music and what type of music that is used in a trailer is important. In this trailer the music is matched with different elements in the trailer. For example, the pace of the shots and the tone of the voice. If voice over has a rough tone and loud voice it the music changes with it making the trailer more exciting. Another important thing hat I have learnt from this trailer that costume is important. When on of the characters hands the gun to another character he is wearing a white vest top. This is a good costume as it is an item of clothing that is most likely being worn in today society in that specific context. Therefore it is realistic.

This has made me aware that our group has to be careful what costume and music we use for our trailer.