Radio trailer research (Codes & conventions)

During my research I gained more knowledge than on the codes & conventions of a radio trailer than I had before. This knowledge will be necessary in order for me to produce a radio trailer for my documentary which meets all the qualities of a radio trailer.

I found out that in a radio trailer these are the main aspects one must include:

• Voice over with hints/sound or speech from the film

• Information at the end of the trailer

• The slogan to the film or documentary

• Sound effects when appropriate

• Duration ranging from 30-60 seconds

• The purpose is to persuade various audiences to watch the programme

Using a voiceover will enable the listener to be informed about the film or documentary and maybe find out aspects that didn't seem so obvious. Voice over definitely informs the listener on where and how they can view the film or documentary which is the most important thing.

Little hints and speeches from the documentary allows the listener to have only a little taster of the documentary giving them an insight on what to expect.

Music related to or from the film/documentary is another convention used in radio trailers as it introduces the atmosphere of the film/documentary amongst the listener. This would have an effect which would make the listener feel as if they are in the film or documentary but in reality they are not.