Trailers are short promotional films often containing a combination of clips, images and audio that can be used to sell a movie or to advertise a particular event. They are usually between two and a half minutes in length and can be produced for use on television, social media or websites. They are typically accompanied by a short synopsis of the film’s story and often contain deleted scenes.
The origins of the trailer are unclear, though it is believed that Nils Granlund, an advertising manager for Marcus Loew theaters in 1913, created the first film trailer by splicing together rehearsal footage from a Broadway play to advertise his theater’s showings of the new film The Pleasure Seekers. The film trailer industry has since grown to become an important part of the film marketing industry, with the development of digital technology allowing trailers to be created and shown on many platforms in short amounts of time.
They are designed to entice potential viewers and are largely successful in this regard, with the trailer being one of the most popular forms of advertising available. They are able to present films in an appealing and polished way, and they can often be found on TV and in cinemas around the world.
These trailers are primarily used to promote films for the cinema, although some of them can also be used for other purposes, such as promoting special events or promoting a video game. They are typically screened at the beginning of a film or video and may be shorter than the full film, depending on their target audience.
Most trailers include a list of the main cast and crew of the film, as well as a studio production logo near the end. Some trailers are even shorter, with only a list of the principal actors and the title of the film.
A trailer is a great way to introduce your audience to the characters in your film, so it is important that you make sure to use them well and show them how they fit into your story. Using clips of the characters, especially important moments from their history or their superpowers, can help the viewer get to know them and find them relevant to your film.
Another important aspect of a trailer is the voice-over, which is an essential tool to hook and hold your audience’s attention. A well-written and well-edited voice-over will keep your trailer on the right track, drawing in your viewers visually and audibly.
Alternatively, you can use sound effects to enliven your video and create a more engaging and memorable experience for your viewers. A good sound engineer can help you to create a high-quality audio track that will enhance the visuals in your trailer and draw your audience into your story.
Aside from the traditional trailers for movies, there are many other types of trailers, including TV spots and videogame trailers. They are shorter than the full-length trailers and can be played on different platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.