Narrative Structure And Development Of Teaser Trailers

Most full length trailers follow Todorov's Narrative theory (1969). He suggested that every narrative (and the subsequent trailer) contains 5 stages; Equilibrium- everything's fine and peaceful. Disruption- an event occurs that causes disruption, usually caused by an antagonist character. Recognition- the protagonist character recognises that there is something wrong. Attempt to repair- the protagonist attempts to repair/solve what has happened, this may include a battle between the protagonist and antagonist. Equilibrium- this is when peace and tranquility is restored, unless there is going to be a definite sequel, in which the film may end on a cliffhanger, where equilibrium is not restored. This final stage is the most used throughout full length and teaser trailers, because the function of a trailer, which ever type, is to entice the audience to watch the feature length narrative, as this is where the money is made. Teaser trailers, do not however, have to follow this style. Teaser trailers are only produced to reveal the most minute detail of the content of the narrative of films and of the characters and what their role will be within a film. Therefore it is not required to go into as much detail as revealing who the protagonist or antagonist is, or what they will do to either disrupt or restore equilibrium.