A trailer is a short video advertisement that is created for a movie and shows the most exciting and engaging parts of the film. It provides the audience a quick idea about the plotline of the film and makes them want to watch the full film. It is usually around 2 minutes and 30 seconds in length.
The basic template for movie trailers remains unchanged, with a beginning that establishes the characters and introduces the conflict, a middle that drives the story forward, and a climax that leaves the audience craving more. This basic storytelling framework has served as a blueprint for thousands of years and it still works today.
1. Don’t spoil major plot points in your trailer
A great trailer doesn’t give away key story points that could change the outcome of a movie. It should showcase the most memorable scenes without revealing too much of the film’s premise. This is a challenge to filmmakers, but it’s one of the best ways to get an audience’s attention.
2. Show the most unforgettable scenes
A good movie trailer should include the most visually dazzling and emotionally captivating scenes. This could be shots with showstopping special effects, funny jokes that don’t affect the plot, or any other scenes that will make the viewer want to see the film.
3. Use the right music to set the tone
Whether you’re making a trailer for a thriller, romantic comedy, or horror movie, it’s important to choose a song that will grab the attention of your audience and set the mood for the movie. A strong orchestral piece or a recognizable hit will help build excitement and create an emotional response in the viewer.
4. Edit the trailer to control its pace
A well-crafted trailer will use editing techniques like fade ins and outs, quick cuts, sound effects, and synchronized music cues. These tricks will allow you to slow down the pacing of the trailer to build tension or amplify it to show action.
5. Add soundbites, memorable quotes, and funny jokes to the trailer
Snippets of dialogue or other audio will keep viewers engaged and entertained. These elements can also be used to break up the seriousness of a trailer’s premise and balance out darker elements.
6. Highlight the movie’s talent
A trailer can contain a cast run, which is a list of star actors and other notable performers who will be seen in the film. These star players will draw more attention to the movie than others, which is why they are often featured at the end of a trailer as it reaches its climax.
7. Use visual variation to enhance the trailer’s appeal
A good trailer will be made up of a variety of shots, including establishing shots, close-ups, and wide-angles. To achieve this, plan your shoot ahead of time by creating a shot list that lays out the exact scenes you need to capture on camera.
Once you’ve gotten the shots you need, it’s time to put together your trailer. This process is just like any other film shoot, except that you’ll need to cut the footage into a trailer-friendly format.