Deadline Teaser Trailer Analysis

8/2/2019 Deadline Teaser Trailer Analysis

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Product Evaluation:

Analysis of Teaser

Trailer

DEADLINEBy George Robinson, Mejan

Zaman, Murray Wilson and

Rehaan Ahmed.


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The teaser trailer begins with an establishing shot of London as this is where it is

set. The scenery is indicative of a typical London urban landscape. It is a drab and

ordinary residential area, not one in which the audience would be expecting

anything out of the ordinary to happen.

This opening shot is atypical for a suspense thriller so the viewer is given no clue

at this point how the film will unfold.

The beginning of the

soundtrack consists

of a very enigmatictechno beat

comprised of electric

instruments such as

an electric drum set.

This is combined with

a soundscape which

is synthesized to

create an increased

feeling of unease and

anxiety for the

audience.


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The next shot is a title shot showing the films Production Company

Lightspeed Pictures. This shot includes a small animation whereby the screen

lights up and the words appear. This is common when production companies

are shown in trailers. The font is Baskerville which makes it easily readable and

very bold as well.

The soundtrackis maintained

and the mystery

gradually

increases for the

audience.


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We then see a mid shot showing an unusual looking character sitting on a park bench readinga newspaper. The mise- en- scene in the shot creates suspicion for the audience as the black

clothing the character is wearing does not match the calm and peaceful surroundings. After a

couple of seconds, another character enters the frame and sits down on the bench beside

the first character. The similarities in clothing, facial expressions and body posture suggests

that these characters know each other. This therefore increases the audiences anxiety, as the

men are not acknowledging each other.

The soundtrack slightly

lowers in pitch here but

the tempo is maintained.

This slight change in the

music creates significance

to this particular shot and

to the characters.

Diegetic sounds of birds

whistling are included

emphasizing the parkenvironment. Foley sound

effects of footsteps are

used to create a sense of

realism as well.


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Another title shot is used again which

says In Association with. This is

another common title shot in films and

is used to advertise production

companies. The font is in white and isof American Typewriter. It is small as

not to distract the audiences

attention.

A mid shot of the first character is used

next. He says Is it done. This generates a

sense of apprehension for the audience

as they grow eager to know what the

second character is supposed to have

done. This short and unspecific questiongives the impression that these two

characters know each other very well

and the fact they do not make eye

contact gives the impression that they

could be involved in some sort of

criminal activity.


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The title shot of the production

company Mango Tree Productions is

included in the next shot which has been

highlighted in bright yellow to attract the

audiences attention.

The non-diegetic sound is reduced in

volume while he talks whilst the diegetic

sound of dialogue is increased to show

importance.

Following the title shot is a mid-shot of

the second individual who mimics the

body posture of the first character. He

says Its been taken care of, as

promised. This shows that they work for

each other. He never makes eye contactwith the first character suggesting they

dont want to arouse suspicion or draw

attention to themselves as they could be

wanted men. This creates a sense of

tension and suspense as their criminal

intensions become evident.


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Another mid-shot is used and the character

says good. I've got another job lined up for

you. This immediately creates impending

danger as the audience is made aware that

there will be more criminal activity. This shot is

used to highlight the characters facial

expressions and clothing. The character is

wearing a black suit which is usually

associated with gangsters and criminals. He is

reading what appears to be Russian

Newspaper which suggests he is a foreigner.

The shades the character is wearing also

create an increased sense of mystery as theydisguise his eyes from the audience.

The next shot is a title shot which says

Based on the best selling novel. This is

another common title shot in films as

it gives the piece a sense of authority .

The font is in white and was made

using the American Typewriter font.

The writing is small again so as not to

distract the audience from whats

happening on screen.


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Another mid-shot is then used as the second character says who is it this time.This immediately informs the audience that this character is an most likely an

assassin of some sought due to the word who. The calm manner in which he said

it also lets the audience know that he most probably has a lot of experience and

has killed a lot of people creating a sense of unease and anxiety about this

character. In this shot, he also finally makes eye-contact with the second character

which demonstrates his interest and gives an increased sense of prominence.

The techno beat is

constant until this

character speaks and

a short silence is

established to createemphasis on the

dialogue.

Non-diegetic sound

remains as the

character speaks butis reduced in volume

to create emphasis

on dialogue.


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After the transition, the

soundtrack immediately

changes and a new

soundtrack is introduced.

The new track has a

much faster tempo andincludes a base heavy

beat produced by a base

drum. Guitar riffs are

present which have been

synthesized to create a

sense of excitement. The

track has been overlaid

with a Foley sound effect

of heavy breathing which

also creates a sense of

unease due to its

representation of danger.

The sudden change in

music is used to

accentuate this new style

of shot in the trailer and

create much moreintensity.

The next shot is a long shot of a London skyline which pansacross to the left. This is a very bold image that immediately

draws the audiences attention. The sun setting behind the

group of buildings represents the good and evil aspect in the

trailer. The bird flying in the distance can have a deeper

spiritual meaning and can represent freedom and also

emphasize the good and evil aspect.


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We then see a montage of different characters in the film which generates a feeling

of excitement. The first shot in the montage is a mid shot with a low angle tilt

showing another unknown character on his phone. The low angle tilt can represent

the characters level of importance or power. There is a dark and cloudy sky in the

background which can represent the serious and dark atmosphere surrounding the

character and the film. He is wearing dark clothing and shades which match the dark

atmosphere and give the impression that this man may be another criminal.


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We then see the long shot again which is panning to the left. The

camera movement combined with the introduction of new characters

can suggest that we are almost moving through the city of London and

are introduced to more characters who all have one common goal. The

pace of these shots increase to add to the tension and excitement.

The level of

volume

increases

slightly

increasing the

tension andsuspense.


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The montage follows another mid shot of a character that appears in the beginning ofthe trailer. The shot shows the character fixing his gloves as if he is preparing for

something. Due to his costume being dark and serious combined with his serious facial

expressions this suggest that he is about to do something bad. The gloves help drive

this idea as they conceal fingerprints. The low angle tilt also increases the characters

level of importance and as the character walks to the left side this further suggests that

the character had bad intensions as this can symbolise evil in the world of film.


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We then see the long shot of the London skyline again which

continues to pan across to the left. The camera movement again

represents the movement through the city of London. The modern

style of the buildings in the shots represent money and power and

that is usually associated with crime.

The overlaid

Foley sound

effects of heavy

breathing are

enhanced

through the

increase in

volume and the

tempo is

maintained. The

heavy breathing

is urgent and

exciting as it

matches thepace of the beat.


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Another mid-shot which shows two unknown characters exchanging a

package. The audience assumes the two men are criminals due to the

shady location and costumes such as hoody and a dark black suit. The dark

and gloomy background behind the characters creates a feeling of

insecurity.


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Here we a see mid shot showing what appears to be a chase sequence. The shot

clearly displays the two characters but also the lonely and desolate streets In the

background of the shot, adding to the intiated suspense. The camera pans to the

right following the first character which suggests this character is one of the main

protagonists. The second characters costume suggests he is a villain due to the

balaclava. The lighting remains dark giving the trailer a dim and gloomy atmosphere.

The diegetic sound of

music remains and the

beat increases in tempo

matching the visuals of

the characters running.

Vocals are included inthe soundtrack to

personify and

accentuate the visuals

on screen.

Non-diegetic sound

effects such as the

characters footsteps are

included to maintain

the sense of realism.


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Two establishing shots are

used next in the trailer. They

are primarily used to highlight

the location of the film to the

audience. In the first shot we

see the 02 arena which is a

some what of a landmark in

the city of London. The

gloomy sky maintains the

atmosphere and can

represent the dark and

criminal side of London.

The second establishing

shot shows a London Street

in the centre of London. The

surrounding skyscraperbuildings represent money

and power which adds to

the criminal aspect of the

trailer therefore creating

even more excitement for

the audience.


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This mid-shot shows the protagonist bursting through a door aiming his pistol

cautiously. The reasons for this are not evident and this therefore creates mystery

and anxiety for the audience. The bleak walls of the building suggest it is perhaps

abandoned and this is another cause of tension and excitement for the audience.

The facial expression of this character highlight his complete focus on the task at

hand and help convey the idea that this person has experience in this very

dangerous line of work.

Non-diegetic

sounds of the door

kicked open is

used to shock the

audience and

emphasizes the

urgency and focus

of the character.

Diegetic music

remains which

adds to the

suspense and

tension.


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A quick close-up shot showing the bottom- half of an unknown character running up

some stairs. As the audience cannot see who this is and why he is running it creates asense of mystery. The costume is again all black which is common in this trailer. This

gives the audience the impression that he is another criminal. The camera moves

forward with the character which give a slight shake effect adding tension.

The pace at this point has picked up immensely therefore creating a sense of urgency

and intensity for the audience.


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A mid shot is then used which shows the other protagonist looking inside a

mysterious briefcase. The camera movement includes a vertical pan giving thebriefcase and the character a higher sense of prominence. The briefcase is dark

which represents criminality and the audience is unable to see what is inside

therefore adding to the mystery already initiated through the previous shots. As the

briefcase opens we see the facial expressions of the character grow more stunned

giving the impression that something important is in the box. As the box opens the

light reflects off the box which further draws the audiences attention.

The editing speed

gradually increases

as more action shots

are included in the

montage.

More vocals in the

soundtrack are used

which help generate

more atmosphere

and help emphasizethe visuals on

screen.


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A close up of another characters face is shown which highlights his emotion to the

audience. His eyes dart from side to side showing his worry about the situation he is in.

His reactions are like a Rabbit caught in the headlights, he clearly is clearly aware that

something bad will happen but is unsure how to get out of the situation. The audience

can empathise with this character as this close-up shot highlights his fear andinnocents. This shot increases the tension and atmosphere as the audience know that

something bad will happen to this character.


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In this next frame we see a mid long- shot of the bottom of the bridge showing

the main protagonist walking from under the bridge. The seriousness on thecharacters face shows his concentration on the job at hand. The dark lighting of

the bridge and his costume is sombre in line with the mood given to the

audience. This dim light gives the audience the impression that he is about to

do something immoral and ruthless. The absence of other people around him

suggest he his criminal and wants to keep a low profile.


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The next shot is a long shot of a desolate side street in central London. Two characters

run into the shot and it is clear it is a chase sequence due to the actors running

movements and body language. The camera pans forward with the two characters

and is hand-held making the camera shake slightly. This effect adds more intensity for

the audience and is almost like the audience is running with the actors creating a

sense of realism. Both characters are again dressed in black, giving the impression that

they are both criminals.

Non-diegetic

sounds of the

charactersfootsteps are used

to maintain a sense

of realism and also

adds to the

urgency felt by the

audience.

The guitar riffs

remain present and

are used to create

unease for the

audience.

f h f h


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A point of view shot of the assassin

taking aim is used with a low angle tilt

showing his level of power. The

characters face looks very serious and is

clearly feels no remorse or mercy for

any of his targets. The light in the shotsurrounds him as to show that this

character is driven by evil intensions.

Non-diegetic sound of the door

banging open to represent the assassin

some what erratic methods of killing.

A close-up of the victims face shows

him helpless and bloodied. This

close-up shot primarily highlights his

emotions and conveys his

desperation to the audience. The

high angle tilt shows his level of

power and innocents which makes

the audience almost feel sorry for

this victim.


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This mid shot exemplifies light and dark. For example, the dark left hand side ofthe image reflects both his clothing which is sombre and his demeanour which

indicates that he has received bad news. The desolate underpass on the left also

matches the atmosphere creating previously in the trailer. Whilst the portion of

the frame on the right which is more light and inviting suggests to the audience

that there may be some positive outcome to his situation and this character may

have good intensions. .


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In the next frame we see a mid-shot with a low angle tilt representing the power thecharacter now possesses. The shot clearly highlights the gun which immediately shocks

the audience. The shot shows a view to a kill and his facial expressions suggest he is

poised to shoot and will not be dissuaded from this course of action. The Lighting in this

particular frame is very low so signifying his dark and evil intent and the shot clearly

highlights the gun which is a weapon for killing. This shot maintains the level of intensity

and dark mood of the trailer.

A violin note is

present at this

point in the

soundtrack to

generate a feeling

of unease anapprehension

about this shot.

This sound also

creates tension as

the audience

doesnt know

whether the

character will pull

the trigger.


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A mid-shot is then used of a masked character attacking someone. Due to the position of

the camera being in front of the actor we cannot see the other actor and this thereforegives the appearance that he is attacking the audience. This shocks the audience and

maintains the intensity. The character is wearing all black again suggesting he is another

criminal and the balaclava informs the audience that he doesnt want to be seen.

The pace of this shot is very quick which create an intense and excitable feeling for the

audience.

Non-diegetic sounds of

intense and fast paced

footsteps are kept to

maintain the sense of

realism but also

increase the audiences

excitement. Heavy

breathing produced

naturally by the

characters are also

included as this again

maintains the realism

and focuses the

audience on the action.


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There follows a mid shot of the main protagonist shooting his gun at someone.

The shot does not show who he is shooting at thus creating mystery and tension.

The surroundings are also quite different from before as the lighting is a lot

brighter and the surroundings dont look so desolate. The facial expressions of

the character are very serious and he looked poised to kill. This quick shot jolts

the audience as the intensity at this point is peaking.

Diegetic Foley sound

effects are used as the

character shoots the

gun. This sound has

been enhanced

through the increase

in volume. This Foley

sound effect shocks

the audience and

maintains the

intensity of the overall

trailer.

The soundtracks

volume reduces

slightly to add

emphasis to the gunshot.


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Long-shot of main protagonist throwing dead body down a section of stairs. This shotstartles the audience as it looks like the dead body is about to fall on the camera and

therefore creates a lot of excitement. The shot has an extreme low angle which gives the

character at the top of the stairs a huge amount of authority and power. The abstract

design of the stairs can also add to unease and mystery already created throughout the

trailer. As the character has thrown the body down to ground floor this will give the

impression that this killing was a message as the body will be easily found.

Non-diegetic sounds of

the body falling sown

the stairs is used. The

body bag hits multiple

banisters on the way

down which further

adds to the realism of

the trailer. As the body

is in a bin bag, rustling

sounds are alsopresent forms of non-

diegetic sounds in this

shot.


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This mid-shot shows the result of the protagonists handy work and shows a dead

victim bloodied and motionless. There is high angle tilt used to represent the

characters level of power. As he is obviously dead he has no power. This is definitely a

distressing scene and gives the audience an insight that the film is filled with violence

and wrong doing. The character is wearing a white t-shirt which enables the audience

to see where the victim was shot. The audience is left with no doubt by this shot of

the protagonists Modus Operandi.

N di ti d


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Mid-shot of the main protagonist on the phone to an unknown character. The facial

expression of the character suggest he is unhappy with something and therefore builds theexcitement for the audience as they know there are some issues. The background of the

character suggest that he is a remote location perhaps the forest which is an unusual

location due to the previous shots being in the busy city.

The pace at this point starts to gradually slow down and matches the transitions from each

shot.

Non-diegetic sounds

of dialogue in

included in this

shot. The character

says We have a

slight problem. Thisobviously suggests

that there is an

issue with

something creating

tension.

Foley sound effectsof bird whistling are

also present to

match the location.


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As the trailer continues a long shot

again showing the chase sequence is

used which gives the audience a front

view of the characters. One of the

actors is wearing a balaclava which

inform the audience that he wants to

remain invisible to witnesses.

The pace of the shot remains high

maintaining the energy produced

throughout the trailer

The pace of the editing remains

constant.

A mid-shot showing the maincharacter catching the masked

man and throwing him onto a wall.

The surroundings remain quiet as

there is no people in the frame.

The lighting is still dark and

appears to be dusk.


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This dimly- lit shot shows one of the main characters with his back to the audience. He isdressed in black and his body remains stationary suggesting his reflection on past events.

He is in silhouette looking out over the water which can represent purity and want of

change. The murky colours continue to represent the dark demeanour of the trailer and

the film.

The pace of the trailer starts to decrease slightly which prepares the audience for the

ending.


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A quick close-up shot showing the actor in the balaclava. This shot primarily teases

the audience as they think they will be able to see who the masked man is but as it is

a trailer it doesnt show it. The lighting remains dark to keep continuity and it

appears to be dusk. The dark light and costumes represents the atmosphere and

genre as being a thriller.

Diegetic sound of

the music is still

maintained. The

vocals in the

soundtrack havefinished. The

volume reduces

slightly.

Non-diegetic

sound effects ofheavy breathing

are used to show

that they were

running for a long

time maintaining

the intensity.


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As the trailer ends we see a mid-shot of a dark alley where the main character is walking

through. In this shot he is wearing shades and also has the gun ready to shoot. He appearsto be completely focused and concentrated which creates anxiety for the audience as they

dont know why. The lighting of this shot is very dark and the light highlights the characters

face and the gun creating excitement for the audience.

The editing in this shot includes a slight slow-motion which adds emphasis to the character

and the mise-en-scene.


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The final shot in this trailer is a close-up of the main character in a

dark room of some kind using a lighter to see where he is. His facial

expressions look very confused and cautious as it appears he doesntquite know what is happening. The light shining on his face is only on

one side which could have a deeper meaning, like he does have a

good side and maybe doesnt want to be a killer anymore. As he

looks around wondering where he is, he finally looks straight ahead

as if he realises something then the light turns off and the shot fades

to black.

The soundtrack starts

to reduce gradually in

volume and tempo

signalling the end of

the trailer. Non-

diegetic sound of the

snap of the lighter is

used to maintain the

realism. The Foley

sound effect of the

gun shot is used

finally as the

character looks ahead

to shock the audience

and also leaves the

audience on edge asthey dont know

whether that means

that the main

character will die or

not.


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Following the final shot in the

teaser trailer we see two title shots

which state the name of the film

and the date of release. The

writing is bold and is bright withthe colour red to draw the

audiences attention.

The sound includes the echo of the

previous gun shot as if the trailer

was fading to a close. The diegeticsound of music is absent and has

finished.


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Overview

1 minute 35 seconds

36 separate shots + 6 title shots.

Longest shot 9 seconds

6 pieces of diegetic sound

3 pieces of dialogue

2 pieces of different music used

0 voiceover sections

Deadline Teaser Trailer Analysis

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Transcript of Deadline Teaser Trailer Analysis