Comparing Different Types of Trailers - Conclusion

There are many similarities in the conventions of the different trailer types, however I have found that there are also differences between the theatrical, teaser trailers and TV spot.

The release date is a big difference between the different types of trailers. Teaser trailers typically come out a long time before the film is released so the release date is very vague (e.g., December 2025). However, TV spots are very specific such as 'This Wednesday', because TV spots are released very close to the film release date, often the week before the film comes out. Theatrical trailers are often released a considerable amount of time before the film is released, often a couple of months before, and include a date (e.g., June 12), however not as specific as a TV spot.

The editing in the different types of trailers also differs. In teaser trailers there are a variety of different transitions, possibly portrayed with a voiceover, whereas, in TV spots there are a load of flashes which often last around 1 second each, of different clips from the film. Theatrical trailers tend to have much slower editing than the other types of trailers, and include more fades and dissolves. 

The length of the different types of trailers also varies. Theatrical trailers are the longest and often last around 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Teaser trailers are shorter and often last around 1 minute and 30 seconds. TV spots are significantly shorter than the other types of trailers and often last around 30 seconds each. 

What each type of trailer reveals about the film to the audience also differs. Theatrical trailers include detailed information about the plot and introduce multiple characters. Audiences watching these trailers get a clear sense of the storyline. Teaser trailers reveal very little about the plot and withhold information from the audience, in order to create anticipation and keep the audience hooked. TV spots usually focus on visually striking moments to entice viewers to watch the film close to its release.