Comparing Teaser Trailers in More Detail - Introduction

In the next few posts, I’m going to have a more detailed look at the conventions of teaser trailers from two films of different genres.

Teaser trailers are a short preview of a film which tease audiences months before the film is released. This is done to create excitement and interest for the period between the film being announced and it hitting cinemas, encouraging viewers to keep an eye on social media where information about the film will be drip-fed to them. Teasers usually feature a few images from the film but won't give away too much to the audience (partly because filming may not be complete). They are often created for films that already have an audience - either because the film is based on an existing, well-known brand or is a sequel/part of a franchise. Additionally, some teasers may not even give the audience a glimpse of the new film, instead referencing older films in the franchise, to create enigma, mystery and early buzz.

The two teaser trailers I will be looking at are from the following films, which are based on material already familiar to audiences:

'Mufasa: The Lion King' (Adventure)

'Avatar: The Way Of Water' (Sci-fi)