“In a World…” The epic evolution of movie trailers
Mar 19, 2025
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Andrew Anderson, a producer at Twenty Thousand Hertz, dives into the fascinating evolution of movie trailer sound design. He discusses the dramatic shift from the iconic ‘Voice of God’ narrators of the ‘80s and ‘90s to the booming audio of modern trailers. Hear insights on the legendary Don LaFontaine and the impact of sound cues in trailers from classics like Star Wars. Anderson highlights overused tropes and explores how the industry has adapted to the digital age, making it a captivating exploration for film and sound enthusiasts alike.
The evolution of movie trailer sound design reflects changing marketing strategies, showing a transition from straightforward narratives to epic soundscapes.
The podcast highlights a new competition, SoundOff, encouraging audience creativity by inviting submissions of mini episodes focused on sound.
Deep dives
Origins of the Podcast
The creation of the podcast stemmed from a contest called PodQuest, initiated by the podcast network Radiotopia, which aimed to encourage new podcast ideas. The host had the concept for the podcast about sound for several years but was motivated to finally start it due to the contest's deadline. Although the podcast did not win, it served as a crucial turning point, leading to the establishment of 20,000 Hertz as a platform for exploring sound. This backstory illustrates the power of competitions in fostering creativity and launching projects that may not have come to fruition otherwise.
Announcement of SoundOff Competition
A new competition, called SoundOff, invites listeners to create and submit mini episodes, each lasting two to five minutes, focusing on various aspects of sound. The submissions can feature any sound-related content, such as music, sound design, or interviews, with the requirement that they are appropriate for all ages. The top submissions will be highlighted in a special summer episode, with incentives included like a feedback session with the production team and a gift credit to the 20,000 Hertz store. This initiative aims to inspire the audience to engage creatively and share their unique sound stories.
Evolution of Movie Trailer Sound Design
The podcast features a discussion on the significant evolution of sound design in movie trailers by comparing iconic trailers from various decades. A specific focus is placed on the impact of the Star Wars franchise, highlighting how it transformed sound design practices with its groundbreaking effects. It also analyzes the formulaic approach of modern trailers, which often rely on epic soundscapes and predictable patterns, in contrast to older trailers that conveyed more of the plot in a straightforward manner. This comparison reveals how trends in sound design reflect broader changes in film marketing and audience engagement over time.
Movie trailers have changed dramatically over the decades, from the classic “Voice of God” narrators of the ‘80s and ‘90s, to today’s thunderous “bwaahs” and “boojes.” In this episode, Dallas and producer Andrew Anderson take a deep dive into the evolving art of trailer sound design, breaking down the most iconic trends and overused tropes. Featuring legendary trailers from Star Wars to Predator, plus an intimidating encounter with the most famous trailer voice of all time.
Enter the “Sound Off” Story Contest at 20k.org/soundoff. Submissions close on May 7th, 2025.