BvS The BvS write-a-trailer thread. What kind of reveals would you want in a trailer?

[Zionite1]

I have a few ideas for trailers floating around in the brain...

A Lex/Batman one:

It starts with a shot of the inside of a massive office. You can see lights of a city outside massive windows, but nothing more. The camera pans to one side of the room and there's a figure at a huge desk. The figure can only be seen in shadow at first, but the camera moves in closer and the dim lights outside illuminate the figure of a man, just a bit. He's wearing a business suit and has a bald head (I wonder who? lol). He's looking down at something hidden behind the desk in his hands. As he does this, he speaks:

"Do you remember...what is was like...before he arrived..."

The bald man looks over towards the other side of the room as he says this and then back down at whatever is in his hands. Another voice, a deeper voice from somewhere in the room replies to the bald man:

"He's been here for a while." It's a matter-of-fact, unamused tone.

"Yes, certainly," the bald man replies with a bit of a chuckle, "he was here...hiding from us...Letting us enjoy our free will for a few years more..."

There's a brief silence and the bald man speaks again:

"Isn't that ironic? A creature like that hiding from us. Weaklings that we are..." He chuckles again...bitterly. "I have never felt weak before. Not until he came."

The deep voice replies: "You're afraid of him, aren't you?"

"Yes. Always."

The camera then shows us what the bald man is holding. It's the MOS S shield drawn in blood on a small plank of wood.

"They wrote it in their blood. So desperate for their calls for help to be answered and it was all they had...they drew his symbol in their blood so he would know which building they waited in...for him to find them and take them away from the ones responsible for that same blood. Can you imagine such a thing? Has anyone every done such a thing for you..."

"Maybe." Still unamused.

A small laugh. "Well, he doesn't even need their symbols, does he? He can find them easily. He can see everyone...like a God. And yet...they offer him the kind of love that's written in blood. Many years...I have tried to earn such a thing...and he has it in two short years..."

"I know. He told me the same story."

"It's unnatural, you know. Such devotion."

"I know."

"You're afraid of him too."

Silence follows. The bald man lays the plank of wood with the symbol on the desk and stares towards the other voice.

"You are. We all are. Secretly. Brave men...all afraid of the thing we cannot stop or become. We don't live anymore. We do what he says, Mr. Wayne. And nobody realizes this, but us. Look outside. Look on our very streets and tell me what you see."

"You know what I see."

"Yes! An alien symbol! Those people out there...those weak, ignorant people use an alien symbol in place of a human word..."hope." Why is that, Mr. Wayne? Why do they call out to him instead of their own kind? Instead of me? Instead of you?"

"You know why."

"Because no one can save them but him, isn't that it? Well...I remember the days when our kind pulled ourselves out the abyss and we didn't have to sacrifice half of my city to earn the privilege! Something happened, Mr. Wayne and it must be stopped..." He's interrupted by the other voice:

"I know what happened! You don't think I saw his triumphant introduction?! I saw it all..."

"You saw humanity lose its place as the dominant species on this planet that day, Mr. Wayne! That's what we all saw and no one knows it but us."

"And so we should stop it, shouldn't we?"

"You knew it that day and yet we've allowed it to go on far too long. They need you, Batman. They need us to be what we were before he came."

"I know they do." He sounds resigned and sorrowful.

"He trusts you?"

"Yes"

"Well then, Mr. Wayne. We have a common problem and an obvious solution, don't we? Is that not why you agreed to come here?"

"Of course."

"Then tell me," the bald man gets up from his seat as he says this and extends his hand to the other figure who is now in view and has the distinctive silhouette of bat ears and a long cape illuminated by the city lights, "has there ever been a time when men fought a God and won?"

The batman shakes hands with the bald man and says:

"There will be."

The final shot is the two of them staring off into the city's night skyline through the huge office window.

We never really see the context of this. Is Bruce really with Lex? And if he is, why? What is his relationship to Superman? Is one of them tricking the other? It raises more questions than answers and perhaps would work better for a teaser.

This SO AWESOME!

 

[Sawyer]

The opinions around here seem to be pretty much split down the middle in regards to whether or not we'll see a teaser for the film in the immediate future, but that's neither here nor there. What I want from a teaser trailer is this:

Don't use it to promote the film. Use it to tease the event.

Save the promotion business for when the full length trailers come along. Go wild with it. But for the teaser, do something a little more like this teaser for Inside Out...

[YT]1t0A_tZGrYw[/YT]

75% tribute to the past, 25% content from the film. This movie is going to be a big deal. It's DC's two biggest heroes (as well as two of the biggest superheroes in all of comics) colliding on the big screen for the first time ever, something that has been in development before, years ago, and is finally happening.

Show us in the teaser the impact these two heroes have separately had on the big screen over the past few decades. Preferably images and snippets from the first two Superman films, Burton's Batman films, Nolan's films and then MOS, but if they can find anything worthwhile to use from Superman III-IV, Forever, B&R and Superman Returns, then more power to them.

Use that kind of footage to build up to BvS footage... the murder of the Waynes in either B89 or BB, the destruction of Krypton from Superman or MOS, Keaton's "I'm Batman", Chris Reeve's helicopter save of Lois Lane, Bale's discovery of the Batcave and Cavill leaving the Fortress in costume, stuff like that. End it with the final shots of both Keaton (standing in silhouette atop one of Gotham's buildings, with the Batsignal shining in the night sky) and Reeve (doing his little fly up and turn thing) from their first movies, before cutting to black.

Then the BvS footage kicks in. Just one shot of both Cavill and Affleck recreating this...

There's your teaser.

 

[Greens]

I can get behind this. Your idea does exactly what it's supposed to... tease people.

One thing, though. I think WB will try their hardest to make it clear that this movie is not connected to any previous Batman movie. For that reason, I don't think they'll use archive footage.

 

[BatmanVSuperman]

The "night/knight" puns will be hard to avoid for this movie

 

[AnneFan]

The Comic Con teaser would be enough for me. It sets the tone and the concept. Batman and Superman are going to fight.

 

[Dark_Lord]

I like your idea Sawyer, but I doubt they'd use footage from other movies. That lost shot of yours would also be amazing, but I think they'll focus on the VS aspect. At least at first. I'd love it if they released a video like that online, though.

I'd like the teaser to play like it's for a Batman movie. Like the Batman Begins teaser, but at the very end have Batman say something like "... until he arrived." (I'm no writer ) and then show a shot of Superman ready to face Batman. They could also have a similar teaser from Superman's side.

 

[John Locke]

I had an idea like this back when it was first announced. Start with a montage of all of the villains Superman and Batman have fought. Both Lexs, both Jokers, both Zods, Both Two-Faces, etc. With "They've fought some of the most deadly villains of all time but now they'll face each other" as a voice over but something less cheesy than that. Then show the Comic Con footage or something similar.

 

[Flint Marko]

I can get behind this. Your idea does exactly what it's supposed to... tease people.

One thing, though. I think WB will try their hardest to make it clear that this movie is not connected to any previous Batman movie. For that reason, I don't think they'll use archive footage.

I like the thinking behind the idea, as in building up to this monumental event, but using footage from other movies isn't the way to go about it.

 

[Sawyer]

YOU aren't the way to go about it!

 

[boocherhix]

Both Lexs, both Jokers, both Zods, Both Two-Faces, etc.

Both?

 

[John Locke]

Both?

Yeah Nicholson, Ledger, all the others. It would be short if it was just one actor and then people would be upset about who was chosen.

 

[AnneFan]

I don't think CavFleck would recreate that heroic pose above in a trailer. The Comic Con clip has already emphasised the adversarial nature of the title. I can see that continuing. I'm sure we'll get heroics akin to that, but not yet. That would be likely saved for the second half of the film. And I agree about them not using past film footage which in no way connects to this universe.

 

[matt47]

I don't think CavFleck would recreate that heroic pose above in a trailer. The Comic Con clip has already emphasised the adversarial nature of the title. I can see that continuing. I'm sure we'll get heroics akin to that, but not yet. That would be likely saved for the second half of the film. And I agree about them not using past film footage which in no way connects to this universe.

Agreed, we will probably get that in the 3rd/4th trailer.
I hope we get a shot of them two together looking badess before a 3rd trailer though.

I could see the teaser being some shots of Man of Steel and the destruction with voice over(s) by maybe Lex or Bruce then cuts to black, shows the logo then the comic con clip or something similar ends the teaser.

I would love a shot of Superman flying over the sea towards a dark rainy Gotham towards what ever he and Bats will be fighting against in the 3rd act, maybe he looks a bit hesitant or even scared of what he's getting into, then the camera pans out and you see Batman in the Batwing come into shot next Superman, they both make eye contact, Superman gives him that Superman look n a nod, Batfleck gives one of those bat smirks then BOOM Logo with awesome Hans Zimmer music.

 

[Sawyer]

I don't think CavFleck would recreate that heroic pose above in a trailer. The Comic Con clip has already emphasised the adversarial nature of the title. I can see that continuing. I'm sure we'll get heroics akin to that, but not yet. That would be likely saved for the second half of the film. And I agree about them not using past film footage which in no way connects to this universe.

Which is exactly why I hate the Vs. aspect of this.

 

[matt47]

Which is exactly why I hate the Vs. aspect of this.

It'll just make them two becoming friends that sweeter

 

[Sawyer]

True, but still. I feel like any chance of promo material where they stand together will be slim, and it'll all be "Fight! Fight! Fight!" s***.

 

[matt47]

True, but still. I feel like any chance of promo material where they stand together will be slim, and it'll all be "Fight! Fight! Fight!" s***.

Oh it will. I'm kinda hoping for that tbh. Because I feel if they put something of them fighting together they would probably show what happens to make them two team up and I'd rather be surprised of that in the theater.

 

[HaplessHenchman]

All these trailer ideas is making my anticipation for the movie skyrocket. Is it really still 15 months away?

 

[steve4991]

This thread is gold and, since filming is done, should be kept alive at the top of the topics list. I love reading fan trailer descriptions and what everyone wants to see. My opinion for a teaser? Greens (aka Danny Devito up there) mentioned making sure audiences know this isn't connected to previous Batman films. Why? Because despite Afflecks casting being HUGE, not many people put two and two together. So how do you introduce the next gen Batman in a teaser for a film called Batman v Superman? Easy. Give a voiceover from Ben (in a low, strong but seasoned voice) stating how he mentions returning, and also mentions Superman. Screen is dark, voiceover beings.

"I can't stand by any longer. They wanted to take me down, so they sent him. But he's still flesh and blood."

With a solid two beats of symphonic drums, the screen suddenly shows our armored Batman on the rooftop, white eyes looking up. The sound of rain hitting the armor. Screen cuts to black again (with a slight bass drop). We hear Cavill's voice.

"He doesn't stand for hope. He's no better than anyone else in that city. I will do what I must."

Three beats of symphonic drums, the screen opens back up, this time to Cavill ascended in the storm, eyes glaring red, looking down through the rain. Screen cuts to black once more. Cue logo/light sythn music effect, logo disappears with four hits of drums. End tease.

 

[WBwins]

True, but still. I feel like any chance of promo material where they stand together will be slim, and it'll all be "Fight! Fight! Fight!" s***.

Yeah looks like thats exactly whats gonna happen

 

[Fallen Angel]

What about a teaser with Lex's voice over.

 

[John Locke]

Teaser with Lex could be good. Especially if he reveals that his is going to manipulate Batman and Superman to fight.

 

[AnneFan]

What about a teaser with Lex's voice over.

That would work too. Talking about this super powered world, and how it's his duty to keep it in check, etc.

 

[Fallen Angel]

Teaser with Lex could be good. Especially if he reveals that his is going to manipulate Batman and Superman to fight.

That would work too. Talking about this super powered world, and how it's his duty to keep it in check, etc.

Agreed with both post's.

And I don't mean Lex teaser has to be the first teaser but down the line when we're fully into promo mode. Would be cool to have another Lois voice over trailer too like MOS. She could be the counter to Lex's.

 

[kguillou]

Here's my own take:

BLACK SCREEN

LEX LUTHOR (VO): GOOD MORNING, METROPOLIS!

The WARNER BROS, SYNCOPY and DC ENTERTAINMENT logos crop up.

We pan in with an an overview shot of Metropolis, 6 months after the events of MoS, with the city undergoing notable construction.

Shot of LEX LETHOR at a press conference addressing a massive crowd.

LEX: Today....is a new day.

Shot of Lois and Clark amongst the large crowd taking notes. Both of them looking dubious.

LEX: The last 6 months have been an enduring time for our great city. We faced our darkest hour.

Shot of people in the streets running away from something terrifying.

LEX: I... am Lex Luthor and I'm here to tell you that the dawn is not coming....it is already here.

Several quick cuts of “mini metallo”bots throughout the city rebuilding and reconstructing.

LEX: Together, we will rise like the proverbial Phoenix from the ashes.

Quick shot of Superman picking himself up from what appeared to have been a powerful blow.

LEX: We will be BIGGER...

Shot of Superman flying upwards towards something large.

LEX: BETTER..
Shot of Superman punching something.

LEX: And more resilient than ever before.

Badass shot of Superman in the midst of a large explosion seemingly unscathed.

LEX: We will become...THE WORLD'S FINEST.

(Crowd cheering)

Back to Lois and Clark in the crowd. Lois retorts:

Lois: Wow. Is this kid for real? He's, like, twelve.

Clark smirks.

SPRING 2016...

Shot of the Daily Planet.

Shot of Perry White walking with Lois and Clark to his office.

White: Kent. Lane. I want to introduce you two to the Planet's newest benefactor.

Lois (glibly): Benefactor? You mean owner, don't you?

White: Lois, PLEASE do not tick this guy off. He's rich, really rich and kind of scary.

They enter Perry's office and see a tall, built, dark haired man staring out of Perry's office window with his hands in pockets.

White: I want you two to meet...

Shot of Ben Affleck's Bruce Wayne turning around and smiling ever so slightly.

Shot of him shaking Clark's hand.

BRUCE: Wayne.

Shot of him kissing Lois' hand.

BRUCE: Bruce Wayne.

Clark looks uncomfortable.

...LEGENDS...

Shot of Clark and Bruce walking with each other.

BRUCE: So, Clark, what can you tell me about Lex Luthor?

Shot Lex looking out of his window looking over Metropolis mischievously.

CLARK: Well, he's rich, powerful, mysterious, not many people know about his personal life.

Shot of Lex in some sort of factory building a massive METALLO robot.

CLARK: Come to think of it, he's sort of like you, Mr. Wayne.

BRUCE (smirking): I could say the same about you, farm boy.

CLARK: Excuse me?

….WILL...

Shot of Luthor ranting to somebody (or possibly himself).

LUTHOR: They think he's a hero! This... ALIEN from outer space thinks he can come to MY city and run things?!

Quick shots of Superman saving people and flying through the sky.

Shot of Luthor talking to the giant Metallo robot.

LUTHOR: You know what you need to do.

Metallo's eyes glow green.


….COLLIDE.

Several quick action shots:
Explosions.
Superman fighting Metallo.
Perry White yelling at somebody.
Bruce trying to seduce Lois.
Clark talking to Martha.

MARTHA: You still don't believe in yourself, do you?

Jenny Olsen running away from something in terror.

Clark and Lois talking.

CLARK: I don't know, something about this Wayne guy isn't right to me.

LOIS: Why? Cause he's tall dark and handsome?

CLARK (smiling): Well, I'm.....tall.

Shot of Bruce Wayne confronting Lex Luthor.

BRUCE: I don;t know what your game is, but I'm on to you, Lex.

LEX: Right back actha, rich boy.

Several more quick action shots until we see the text:

BATMAN

V

SUPERMAN

DAWN OF JUSTICE.

Shot of Superman in Lex's office like he just crashed through it. He's floating above Lex with his eyes blazing red.

Superman: Lex, it's about time you and I had a chat.

Just then a voice offscreen growls at Superman.

“STEP AWAY FROM HIM. NOW!”

Superman turns to his side and sees BATMAN in all his badass glory approaching him.

BATMAN: I said STEP AWAY FROM HIM.

SUPERMAN: Or else...what?

Then Batman takes out two batarangs and readies his battle stance.

Superman clenches his fist.

Fade to black.

MARCH 2016

A Zack Snyder film


So what you guys think?