Differences between Trailers and Openings

A title sequence or opening is a scene or sequence of scenes, usually shown at the beginning of a film, to show the names of the key production and cast members, not to be confused with the credits. These titles are normally superimposed over a scene, allowing them and the scene to be viewed easily at the same time. However, dependent on the genre, these titles may be intentionally obscuring the camera shot to create atmosphere and mystery. Title sequences may also help to build up the story plot or show a crucial moment (only to be realised later into the film), building up anticipation and atmosphere. Openings normally introduce a setting through wide, aerial, establishing or panning shots or with close up shots, match cuts and a fast cutting rate to present the antagonist(s)/protagonist(s) in this setting or an event. (Please see the Protagonist and Antagonist post for more details)

A film trailer is a composition of a montage of scenes shown throughout a film, which allow the viewer to get an insight of what the story line and genre are. Film trailers are sometimes also known as previews. Dependent on the genre, trailers can be shown at different paces. Action, horror and thriller trailers tend to be fast moving showing lots of pinnacle moments from the film in a short space of time. However, romantic, comedy and adventure films tend to be shown at a slower pace showing lengthier clips whilst keeping atmosphere and tone at the heart of the trailer. It must be noted that there are many sub-genres of films so not all trailer will stick to this norm. Trailers entice the viewers to watch the whole film, to find out what happens as trailers normally end on a ‘cliff-hanger’. Film trailers are usually much shorter then title sequences, so that they can be advertised in-between programs or before film showings in cinemas.