Title:
“Horror Film Trailer Case Study: ‘The Returned’ | Festival & Distribution Ready (Screened in LA)“

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Summary:
A festival-optimized horror trailer for ‘The Returned’ (acquired by 5X Media) that helped secure post-screening distribution interest. Edited to:

1. Meet LA industry screening standards
2. Preserve the film’s Argentine horror aesthetic
3. Amplify suspense for US festival programmers

The Brief:
Create a trailer that:

1. Aligned with 5X Media’s distribution strategy
   — all before a make-or-break LA industry screening.
2. Kept the film’s cult Argentine horror identity
3. Repackaged its scares for SXSW/TIFF programmers

Our Approach:

• Festival-First Editing: Built tension slowly with atmospheric shots and minimal dialogue to highlight the film’s visual storytelling.
• Collaboration: Worked closely with 5X Media to align the cut with their distribution strategy.
• Sound Design: Used unsettling ambient noise and sudden silences to mirror the film’s psychological horror.
• Turnaround: Delivered in 3 weeks with 6 revision rounds for fine-tuning.