Spotlighting Our Contest Participants:
Janelle Jones
We recently wrapped up The Great Movie Trailer Challenge. Five participants won an interview with The Refinery for their paid training program. Two runner-up winners were selected and could choose to win either a 3-month AMC Stubs A-List subscription or a $75 B&H certificate. Participants could choose to cut a trailer for one of three films: Ford vs. Ferrari, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Super Troopers 2.
For the trailer challenge, Janelle Jones submitted a trailer for Ford v Ferrari .
Trailer Challenge, Janelle Jones
Here’s what The Refinery team thought about her cut:
Overall there is a lot to like about this trailer. A lot of the story elements are very good and you managed to solve a lot of the storytelling puzzle in a unique way. The structure is also very good. Where the trailer falls flat is in the music editing. Music is vital to the energy of a trailer and here it is very rough. The coverage and montaging is also a bit weak.
In summary, these are the areas suggested to Janelle to focus on and improve her trailer-cutting skills:
- It is very smart to start on a moment with Matt Damon. He and Christian Bale are the stars, you have to start with them over the Ford crew. Heads up.
- The intro starts with one scene (Damon at the racetrack) then abruptly cuts to the Ford headquarters. There needs to be something to break those scenes up. Logos, copy, a big sound-design-driven race moment. Some kind of clever transition.
- There is no music cue throughout the top. You need something to drive the piece and keep the energy up as the exposition is flying.
- The story is centered on Shelby’s character arc, which is a good throughline, but a lot of the moments and lines throughout don’t quite feed back into the story you’ve set up. Everything should be focused on the story you decide to tell.
- The structure and pacing is good. Great job using pedigree and a True Story card. The overall structure of the piece is great. The Main Title is in the right spot. Nice.
- I like the cue you’re using for the middle and backend. Be careful where it cuts out and then comes back. It feels unintentional.
- The story in the middle gets muddy. Focus everything on the story you’ve decided to tell, in this case, the redemption of Carol Shelby via Ken Miles. That means you’re going to lose stuff like the argument with Ken’s wife. Is it the strongest story to tell, maybe not, but it’s solid and gets you to a lot of really interesting conflicts. What about a falling out between Shelby and Miles… uh oh, Shelby needs him for his redemption arc!
- The build in the backend could be stronger. The shots just don’t flow particularly well. Pay attention to where each shot guides your vision as you watch.
- Love the idea behind the button. Try cutting it shorter. What’s the story behind the wrench? | THROW WRENCH | It’s a long story.