Misleading Movie Trailers explores the world of deceptive film marketing, revealing how trailers often misrepresent a movie’s true content, tone, and genre. This practice, driven by market pressures and creative liberties, can erode audience trust and negatively impact a film’s success. The book argues that these misleading tactics are a systemic issue within the film industry, not just isolated incidents. For instance, trailers sometimes selectively showcase scenes or use suggestive editing to create a false impression, which exploits consumer behavior.
The book progresses through a structured analysis, beginning with a theoretical framework that defines “misleading” trailers and examines the historical evolution of movie marketing. It then presents case studies of specific films and their trailers, dissecting instances of misrepresentation and analyzing the marketing strategies employed. A key finding is that while crafting an appealing trailer is essential, crossing ethical boundaries can lead to negative word-of-mouth, highlighting the importance of advertising ethics.
Finally, the book synthesizes these findings to explore the psychological principles behind deceptive marketing and the role of online communities in influencing audience perception. Ultimately, Misleading Movie Trailers aims to foster transparency in the film industry. By analyzing the persuasive techniques used in trailers, the book offers insights for filmmakers, marketers, and consumers, encouraging critical thinking and informed decision-making. It also benefits business management by exploring the effect of misleading ads in general and it's effect on future customer relationships.
