Radio trailer research:

Radio trailers were one of the first main communication devices, created by Gugliemo Maconi in the late 1800's. In the year 1923 radio began broadcasting. Due to the radio reaching as much of the population as it has, radio advertisements are one of the main methods of communicating to the population about a product. Therefore radio is a perfect media platform to promote/ advertise a product.

Radio advertisements promote many things, from products to new/ existing companies. This is an effective way of advertising as it engages the public and is also cost effective as radio trailers are much cheaper than TV adverts. 

Radio trailers are similar to film trailers, but they have to include a lot more description of the product throughout the sounds of the trailer. This is because the audience has to create an mental image, therefore it is crucial that the trailer is as detailed as possible so the audiences mental image is as close to the real image as possible. 

In order to create a strong mental image from a radio trailer, that is close to the real image/ TV trailer the following techniques are used:

• Music: Music is used in radio trailers to help set the scene as well as capture the atmosphere of the film for the audience e.g. an action movie radio trailer may have a rock song throughout the trailer to set the theme of the film. Also often on radio trailers the music used is the soundtrack to the film. The music in a trailer is one of the main ways you can get the attention of the audience. The Music used in the radio trailer should be associated with the film. The music will usually play throughout the film but in the background of the trailer so that the dialogue used in the trailer can be heard clearly by the audience.
• Voice over: This is the narrator of the trailer, they will explain the key parts of the film by giving a general breakdown of the plot. The voice over would also give reviews that have been given to the film, nominations for the film, and information on when and where audience can see the film. It is that the voice over used is memorable and engages the interest of the target audience. E.g. a narrator for an action film may have a deep, powerful masculine voice. 
• Sound effects: Sound effects are commonly used in radio trailers to make the trailer sound more interesting and interest the target audience.The effects often include paradigms of the genre of the film e.g. a horror film may have sounds of scraping sharp knives, or screaming. often these sound effects come from parts of the actual film that is being promoted.
• Sound clips/ dialogue from the actual film: Often in radio trailers clips from the film are used so that the audience is able to create an idea of what the film will be like. E.g. from this clip the audience would be able to create an idea about the following things: what genre the film is, what the storyline might include, and if the audience will like the film or not. Therefore these clips give the audience a short taster of what to expect from the film, without giving away the full plot. 

Example: The Book of Eli (2010) American trailer. 

The Book of Eli has a fairly conventional radio trailer as it is an action film, that has a male narrator with a deep voice for a voice over, this adds suspense and drama to the trailer which makes the trailer more interesting for the target audience. This trailer is good, as it gives away key parts of the film without giving away the full storyline. Therefore the audience would be able to make a judgement on whether or not they would like the film, without the full plot being spoilt by having a full reveal of the plot. This radio trailer starts with reviews and opinion of critics on the film, this allows the audience to decide whether or not the film is worth seeing. Also certain audience members may follow certain critics, therefore if they see that a certain critic has give the film a positive review, they would be more likely to go see it. Also because the film has been described as a 'absolute must see' by critics more audience members would be interested in seeing the product. This is because audience members are more likely to go see a film that has positive reviews, than a film with negative reviews. Also the description in the trailer of the film is relatively minimal, but paired with the positive reviews such as 'absolute must see' more audience members would become interested as they would want to watch it and find out what happens for themselves. Also because the trailer isn't overly detailed the full plot wouldn't be given away, so the audience would still be able to find the film interesting and surprising. The trailer also mentions popular actor Denzel Washington plays a part, and is described to be 'at the top of his game'. This would interest audience members that like Denzel, so they would find this film more appealing because he has a role in it, meaning they would be more likely to go and see it. The trailer also mentions this film is rated R in America, therefore restrictions have been made on the audience able to view this film, as minors and young teens aren't permitted to watch this media text. The trailer also states that the film is available for viewing in all local cinemas within America. The radio trailer for this film has music in the background that connotes danger, suspense and success to the audience. This suggests that the film will give the audience a mix of emotions throughout, including the following; sadness, happiness, and maybe even frustration and fear. The music used is played at a low level in the background, but still gives a big impact on the audience, therefore it is very effective.