Why is the trailer made?

Firstly, I will look at the names of three films and without watching the trailer’s I will try to determine the content of the film. This is to see what effect a trailer can have on the audience and how without them you aren't given a lot of clues as to the plot.

Identity Thief

Definition of ‘Identity’: The distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity; individuality.   

Definition of ‘Thief’: A person who steals another person's property.

From researching the definitions I think this film is an action – crime film about a person who literally steals people’s identities and uses them to his power. Maybe they have a status which he wants and so impersonates them. Due to the fact I think this is an Action film there will be conventions like chases, fight sequences and a hunt or journey to find something. These could be used for tracking the thief down.

After watching the trailer I can see that I was a little wrong with my expectation of the film. Identity Thief is a Comedy however, I was correct in saying it was also a Crime. The person who steals this man's identity is actually a woman so this is comedic. The whole plot is fairly unrealistic as it seems that he hunts her down and tries to bring her back to his state to charge her I suppose but, if this was real...I don't think he would be the one having to do this and matters would probably be taken into someone with a higher status's hands. But, this scenario fits into the Comedy genre and also could work as a USP as the two genre's (Comedy and Crime) are an odd and rare combination.

Oz the Great and Powerful
Definition of Great: wonderful; first-rate; very good
Definition of Powerful: influential: able to exert a lot of influence and control over people and events.

This reminds me of The Wizard of Oz so they could be a connection to this film. Also, there’s been a production of Wicked which is supposed to be the untold story of the Witches of Oz. The Great and Powerful sounds scary at first however, there is a childlike feel to it which makes me think this film could be a Fantasy. Also, it appears that Oz is the name of somebody and so the small introduction after ‘the great and powerful’ sounds like it’s quite like a fairy tale as its rather surreal and you would not receive titles like this in reality. Furthermore the title could suggest that Oz is fairly old and maybe he has earned this title over the years.

Now I've watched the trailer I can confirm my prediction on the film fitting in the Fantasy category, it also is an Family and Adventure genre film. There is a connection to the Wizard of Oz as I said. The film uncovers the story of how the Wicked Witch is destroying their villages and lives and Oz's magic is the only thing that can save them. There is a lot of CGI shown in the trailer which is typical as this is a Fantasy film and so this and chroma key will enhance the magic and set the scenes. 

Robot and Frank
Definition of Robot: programmable machine for performing tasks: a mechanical device that can be programmed to carry out instructions and perform complicated tasks usually done by people.
Definition of Frank: expressing true opinion: open, honest, and sometimes forceful in expressing true feelings and opinions.
Judging by the name I think this is a Science-Fiction film because there appears to be a use of technology. The 'and' used shows togetherness and suggests that there is possibly a partnership or teamwork involved. So, this could be aimed at families as there is an element of togetherness here too. Ignoring the definition of 'frank' I reckon that he is a person which enhances the idea of partnership.

After watching the trailer I'm very surpised that this is a Comedy-Crime-Drama. It seems like a heart warming film and towards the end Frank (who is a mid sixties year old man) says he needs the robot because 'he's my friend'. So I was correct in thinking that there is an element of togetherness and a partnership. This friendship which forms is very unusual and so is the plot; this is their USP (unique selling point).

From this analysis I have concluded that I have to pay attention to my film title for the audience to have some suggestion as to what the film involves and maybe even the genre. I realise now some of the importance of having the trailer as without this insight into the film the audience can be put off as they receive the wrong impression of it and aren't willing to watch it.