A trailer is a highly condensed movie clip. It contains the most exciting parts of the film, usually in chronological order. They can range from one minute to two minutes and thirty seconds. Although they are designed to entice potential customers to see the film, they may also contain other elements such as music, special effects and even deleted scenes.
Historically, trailers were used to advertise and trail feature films. Today, they are often used to promote other forms of media as well. The National Association of Theatre Owners has issued an industry guideline requiring that trailers not exceed two minutes. However, there are exceptions.
The best trailers are the ones that tell a riveting story. Using a three-act structure, great trailers incorporate some of the most dramatic moments in a film. Some trailers are designed to show action in quick cuts, while others include a score or soundtrack to liven up scene transitions.
There are two main types of movie trailers. The first type includes trailers that are marketed for television. These are generally short pieces of footage that are appropriate for the channel they are on. Another type, known as a green band trailer, contains scenes that are more appropriate for a film or movie.
Trailers are often paired with teasers, which are shorter pieces of material aimed at stirring up anticipation. Teasers generally don’t contain plot details, but they are meant to make viewers curious about what they might be seeing.
Teasers are usually much shorter than the typical movie trailer. Most teasers are around thirteen seconds long, although some are as short as a couple of seconds. In a teaser, you get a quick glimpse of the film’s premise, the characters and the setting. Sometimes the most exciting part of the film is showcased, and sometimes it’s the movie’s most wretched moment.
Other features of a trailer include a company logo, which is frequently found on the bottom or side of the trailer. This logo may contain a sponsor or distributor logo, or a production company logo. Often, the trailer will have error-correction information, which helps to ensure that the film is transmitted properly.
For movies that aren’t as high-end as your favorite Hollywood flick, the trailer can be a nice way to present it in a more appealing light. Whether you’re looking to see the latest blockbuster or a low-budget indie, trailers can help you make up your mind.
Featurettes, on the other hand, are a bit less formal. These are short clips that reveal behind-the-scenes details. Nowadays, these are routinely included on television shows’ websites. Depending on the genre of the movie, they might contain some footage that isn’t in the final cut.
Although trailers are not always the most informative, they have become an important marketing tool. With the advent of high-speed Internet connections, you can watch trailers online at any resolution. Besides the most impressive, you can learn more about the nuances of the trailer industry from a buying guide.