History of voice over in trailers

In film, the film-maker places the sound of a human voice (or voices) over images shown on the screen that may or may not be related to the words that are being spoken. Consequently, voice-overs are sometimes used to create ironic counterpoint. Also, sometimes they can be random voices not directly connected to the people seen on the screen. In works of fiction, the voice-over is often by a character reflecting on his or her past, or by a person external to the story who usually has a more complete knowledge of the events in the film than the other characters.

                                                      

Fight Club

 

 

Voice-overs are often used to create the effect of storytelling by a character/omniscient narrator. 'The Usual Suspects' teaser trailer has the main protagonist explaining his side of the story and the crimes he was convicted of. Using him as the voice over suggest to the audience immediately that he is the protagonist and the one we have to feel a particular emotion towards in the film.

 

 

                        The Usual Suspects

 

 





 

 

 

In our A2 film we are using the character Lukas for our voice over as he is the main protagonist and the character we should feel the most emotion with on the films journey. Our voice over is clam is breaking the fourth wall by directing questions and anecdotes at the audience who are watching the trailer. The voice over in a rom com is very common and is used in films such as paper towns, me, Earl and the dying girl and 500 days of summer. 500 days of summer includes a voice over in the first 20 seconds of the trailer and what makes it unique is that the voice is not a character in the film but a typical American 1970s voice over from older commercials.

 

 

 

                                             500 Days Of Summer