Pro: Shorter Trailer Lengths
The element of NATO's plan that's getting the most attention is the limit on full-length theatrical trailer lengths. Typically 2.5 minutes, some studios cut 3 minute trailers (like Universal's
R.I.P.D., below) to show the audience. As great as it is to watch trailers play out on the big screen, I think we all would agree that we wait too long before the movie we actually paid to see starts. If NATO gets their way, a trailer can be no longer than 2 minutes. This would be extremely beneficial for all movie fans. With one less minute to work with, studios wouldn't be able to spoil as much and have to focus more on selling the audience on the concept of their film. Trailers would be forced to become more economical and do their actual job - tease - as opposed to spelling out the story. Thirty seconds may not seem like a lot of time, but trust me, it is. Another positive would be that moviegoers would have less time to wait for their film to start. There are typically seven trailers shown before a screening, so time would certainly be saved. By the time the previews start rolling, everyone is eager for the movie to start, so let's cut as much filler as we can and get to the show. There are some instances where a three minute trailer works (like the epic third
Man of Steel trailer, which teases the film's action and themes, but doesn't give away any major spoilers), but most of the time they serve as condensed versions for the movie they're advertising and that needs to stop. Studios would still be able to advertise their upcoming slate for general audiences, but we'd be exposed to fewer spoilers. That's a win-win.