Podcast Summary

Title: Twenty Thousand Hertz
Host: Dallas Taylor
Episode: “In a World…” The Epic Evolution of Movie Trailers
Release Date: March 19, 2025
Description: Sound, Uncovered. The secrets, stories, and science behind what you hear.

Introduction

In this insightful episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz, host Dallas Taylor delves into the intricate world of movie trailer sound design. Joined by producer Andrew Anderson, sound designer Casey Emerling, and guest Grace East, the team explores how movie trailer sounds have evolved over the decades, highlighting key innovations and trends that have shaped the auditory landscape of cinematic promotions.

The Genesis of Movie Trailer Sound Design

[02:23] Dallas Taylor introduces the episode by expressing enthusiasm for revisiting content from their bonus show, Microhertz, specifically focusing on movie trailer sound design. Recognizing the importance of sound in crafting compelling trailers, the team sets out to analyze its transformation over time.

Evolution Through the Decades

1970s: The Birth of Epic Soundscapes

The conversation begins with iconic trailers from the 1970s, notably Star Wars. Grace East narrates a classic trailer segment:

[08:37] Grace East: "Luke Skywalker was just a farm boy until he received a mysterious message from a princess. Help me, Obi Wan Kenobi. She's beautiful. Star Wars starring Mark Hamill."

Andrew Anderson emphasizes the groundbreaking nature of Star Wars:

[09:26] Andrew Anderson: "I love Star Wars because it was such a watershed moment for sound design in general. That first film just changed everything in the trajectory of sound design."

The clear and direct dialogue in these early trailers aimed to inform and entice audiences without withholding plot details, a stark contrast to modern practices.

1980s: Synth-Driven Trailers

Transitioning to the 1980s, the team discusses the Predator trailer. Grace East shares another narrated segment:

[10:30] Grace East: "There's something out there waiting for us, and it ain't no man. They're up against the ultimate enemy. Holy mother God. Nothing like it has ever been on earth before."

Andrew analyzes the sound design elements:

[10:55] Andrew Anderson: "The first thing I noticed is that in 1987, MIDI and keyboards were really hitting a huge stride. You can hear that all over this. It's almost like pulling out a Casio keyboard and going, 'I'm going to make a movie trailer out of this.'"

He notes the emergence of synthetic sounds and the practical limitations of the era, where elaborate soundscapes were crafted using emerging electronic instruments rather than full orchestras.

1990s: The Era of the Narrator

The discussion moves to the 1990s, highlighting the dominance of Don LaFontaine, often hailed as the "Voice of God" in movie trailers. Grace East recites a typical 90s trailer script:

[21:16] Grace East: "In a world filled with violence, their only weapon is the truth. Jack Kane, a cop who does things his own way. One man must choose."

Casey Emerling reflects on the formulaic nature of these trailers:

[25:35] Grace East: "It's like, work is first, and my family is close second. I'm a distant third. Bringing up the rear by a miracle of modern science."

The use of authoritative narration combined with succinct plot summaries was prevalent, making trailers informative yet emotionally engaging.

Contemporary Trends: The Rise of Ephemeral Soundscapes

Modern trailers, as analyzed by the team, often employ broad, epic sounds interspersed with brief dialogue snippets and high-impact musical cues. Andrew Anderson critiques the contemporary approach:

[05:38] Andrew Anderson: "Nowadays, there's this very big trope about big epic sound, some sort of innocuous dialogue bite, some sort of hit or light booge followed by a plot point, followed by a bigger booge followed by a pop... Then you hear a creeping 80s reimagining song."

This method prioritizes creating an intense auditory experience, sometimes at the expense of narrative clarity, contrasting sharply with the more straightforward trailers of the past.

Technical Insights and Sound Design Techniques

The team delves into the technical aspects of sound design across different eras. Andrew Anderson remarks on the limitations and creativity of past sound designers:

[11:37] Andrew Anderson: "I don't know if that's a fake vibroslap or if that was like one of the real worldizing, you know, because what you want to do... gives a little bit of humanity to it."

Discussing the transition from analog to digital, Casey Emerling highlights how advancements like MIDI keyboards revolutionized trailer soundtracks in the 80s but also introduced new challenges in maintaining authenticity and depth.

The Role of Dialogue Editing

A significant point of discussion is the evolution of dialogue editing in trailers. Casey Emerling observes:

[09:46] Casey Emerling: "I watched quite a lot of trailers for the purpose of this episode, and I realized that in the older ones, they tend to give away a lot of the plot... They almost just list out, here's what's happening in the film."

In contrast, modern trailers often withhold key plot points, focusing instead on creating intrigue through selective dialogue and sound effects.

The Legacy of Don LaFontaine

The legendary narrator's influence on 90s trailers is a focal point. Andrew Anderson shares a personal anecdote:

[23:16] Grace East: "I was booked to do an ISDN with Don LaFontaine... he was just like, you know, da, da da, da, da, da, da, da da da."

LaFontaine's distinctive voice and delivery style set a standard for trailer narration, emphasizing clarity, authority, and emotional resonance.

Predicting the Future of Trailer Sound Design

As the episode progresses, the team speculates on future trends in trailer sound design. Andrew Anderson admits uncertainty:

[26:50] Andrew Anderson: "Predicting the future on movie trailers is something that I've been asked a lot and to be honest, I have no idea."

However, Casey Emerling suggests a possible shift towards simplicity and sincerity as a counterbalance to overly epic soundscapes:

[27:12] Casey Emerling: "I wonder if like simplicity and sincerity, that's possibly an answer because that's sort of the counterpoint to that, isn't it?"

The integration of streaming services introduces more variation, potentially blending nostalgic elements with contemporary techniques to cater to diverse audiences.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with reflections on the dynamic nature of trailer sound design. Andrew Anderson hopes for a future where diverse styles coexist, allowing for creative experimentation:

[27:27] Andrew Anderson: "I could see a lot of throwback types of trailers coming in the future where movie directors are wanting to give the feel of the 90s trailer or the 80s style or the early 2000s style."

Casey Emerling concurs, envisioning a blend of old and new techniques shaping the next generation of movie trailers.

Notable Quotes

• Andrew Anderson [09:26]: "I love Star Wars because it was such a watershed moment for sound design in general. That first film just changed everything in the trajectory of sound design."

• Grace East [08:37]: "Luke Skywalker was just a farm boy until he received a mysterious message from a princess."

• Andrew Anderson [05:38]: "There's this very big trope about big epic sound... Then you hear a creeping 80s reimagining song."

• Casey Emerling [27:12]: "I wonder if like simplicity and sincerity, that's possibly an answer because that's sort of the counterpoint to that, isn't it?"

Conclusion

This episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz offers a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of movie trailer sound design, blending technical analysis with nostalgic reflections. Through engaging discussions and expert insights, Dallas Taylor and his team illuminate how sound has become an indispensable tool in shaping the cinematic experience, continually adapting to technological advancements and changing audience expectations.