Trailer Research - Horror Trailers

As a part of my research into the genre of Horror, I watched the films that had been nominated under that category for the golden trailer awards. I believe that the trailer for The Possession is the best of nominees. The use of fades rather than just using sharp cuts towards the beginning of the trailer helps to create smooth transitions that allow for a a gradual build up of tension. Also, the lighting of the footage shown is quite effective, and in several ways. At the start of the trailer, most of the shots are light, to help portray the 'happy family environment' that is effectively later ruined through the events of the story. This light is swapped for darkness as to reflect the turn in events as more supernatural/ dangerous things are shown. The music of this trailer also plays a large in why the trailer is effective. The song is cover of Rammstein's 'Engel' which ultimately creates an eerie atmosphere and feeling which is useful for a trailer of the horror genre as it often intensifies what is felt by the audience when watching the clips on-screen. Just as important as the use of music, is in fact the use of silence. Horror trailers, including 'The Possession' often has all sound cut...leaving the audience on the edge, captivated in what will happen next.