Category Archives: Readings

Critical/Analytical considerations of trailers

COWBOYS AND ALIENS: Why did audiences laugh at the trailer?

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Frederick Greene

It seemed an ill-omen when audiences responded to the theatrical trailer for Cowboys and Aliens with laughter. Not full throated laughter indicative of pleasure, but thin, nervous, awkward, even scornful laughs, titters and jeers. I recall seeing the trailer twice … Continue reading →

Posted in Readings | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

THE ARTIST TRAILER: Contemporary Marketing for the Silent Era

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Frederick Greene

Having enjoyed The Artist, whose ingenious reclamation of silent film for 21st century audiences was so nuanced and joyful, I wondered whether its trailer attempted anything as ambitious with 1920’s film marketing. Alas, it didn’t. No great surprise, here, since … Continue reading →

Posted in Readings | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Trailers for Box Office Bombs: Hindsight Speculation About What Went Wrong (Part I)

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Frederick Greene

First, let me emphasize the anecdotal and subjective quality of the analysis to follow. The marketing campaign for a feature film is built of too many elements (print, teasers, trailers, press, tie-ins, promotions, reviews, release strategy, clips, website, standees, etc.) … Continue reading →

Posted in Observations and Provocations, Readings | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment