Codes and conventions for our radio trailer

Plan for our radio trailer

The codes and conventions for a radio trailer, which we have observed from listening to previous radio trailer produced, are as follows:

• ·     The typical length of a radio trailer is approximately 30 to 40 seconds long. This is so that only focused, relevant information is included which conveys the overall message of the documentary and keeps the listeners interested.
• ·     The use of voiceover is to inform and entertain the listener. This also establishes the main tone of the documentary.
• ·     The music is kept at a steady pace, which is not too loud so it doesn’t distract from the voiceover. The music is also used for dramatic effect, and adding musicality to the trailer.
• ·     The addition of facts which highlight the main message of the documentary, informing the listener of the documentary purpose.
• ·     Documentary extracts such as interviews from vox pops and experts, only used for a few seconds to give an insight of what the documentary involves and the type of people involved, and their different contrasting opinions.