Sound Design in Hollywood Film Trailers: From Trends to Staples
How Has Sound Design Revolutionized Hollywood Film Trailers?
In the ever-evolving world of Hollywood film trailers, sound design plays a pivotal role in captivating audiences and setting the tone for the cinematic experience to come. Over the years, certain sound trends have emerged, evolved, and even become staples in the industry. Let's take a closer look at some of these trends and how they have shaped the landscape of trailer sound design.
“Film trailers are officially more popular than ever; one of the driving forces behind every film trailer and marketing campaign is carefully selected music”
The Rise and Fall and Rise Again: Clock Ticking, BRAAM, and Trailer Hits
Clock ticking, once a popular choice for building tension in Hollywood film trailers, eventually fell out of favor as it became overused and predictable. However, like many trends, it has made a resurgence, now serving as a new staple in trailer sound design. Similarly, the infamous BRAAM sound, originating from the film "Inception," was a game-changer in its time, but has since become a consistent part of the blockbuster film trailer sound palette. Trailer hits, another staple, are now a common feature, adding impact and intensity to Hollywood film trailers.
The Power of Simplicity: The Ping Phenomenon
One trend that exemplifies the power of simplicity in Hollywood film trailer sound design is the "Ping." This solo piano note with reverb was a game-changer when it first appeared, but it has since become a ubiquitous element in trailer soundtracks. The Ping and the BRAAM are remarkably similar, both being single notes carried out in different frequency spectrums by different instruments. This trend showcases how less can often be more in the world of Hollywood film trailer sound design.
Rareform Audio & Black Sheep Music: Leading the Way in Hollywood Film Trailer Sound Design
At the forefront of Hollywood film trailer sound design is our trailer music and sound design publishing imprint Black Sheep Music (abbreviated as BSM). BSM has lent its music and sound design to Hollywood blockbuster campaigns such as "Oppenheimer," "Trolls 3," “Fast X,” "The Fall Guy," "Monkey Man," "Imaginary," "Shogun," and hundreds more.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Hollywood Film Trailer Sound Design
As Hollywood film trailers continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovation in sound design. Some trailers now feature 5-7 different sections, each loaded with intricate sound design elements. What will be the next big trend or staple in Hollywood film trailer sound design? Only time will tell.
Sound design trends in film trailers have come a long way, evolving from novel ideas to essential components of the trailer sound palette. As we look to the future, it's clear that sound design will continue to play a vital role in captivating audiences and enhancing the cinematic experience. You can be assured that our team at Rareform Audio & Black Sheep Music will stay at the forefront of this continuous evolution in music and sound for the entertainment industry.
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Need help building the tone for your production? Hit us up – the Rareform Audio team would love to help you create the perfect soundtrack that speaks to your audience and enhances the power of your visual storytelling to new heights!
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