A trailer, coming attraction or a film teaser is an advertisement for a movie that is to be shown in the future at a movie theater/cinema. It is a product of creative and technical work and is usually produced long before the film is finished and ready for release.
A great trailer will tell the story of a film in an emotionally compelling and exciting way that gets audiences to sit up and take notice. It should follow a three-act structure, with the beginning laying out the premise of the story and the middle heightening the conflict between the main characters, and the end climaxing in a dramatic cliffhanger that will make people want to see the movie.
It should also contain elements that are crucial to the plot of the film, such as a strong piece of “signature music” (either a recognizable song or a powerful, sweeping orchestral piece) and audio and visual cues that are integral to the storytelling and mood of the trailer. Often the trailer will also feature a cast run, which is a list of the principal actors and actresses in the film, who are usually featured at the very end of the trailer.
Good trailers will also show off the most visually dazzling and emotionally captivating scenes without spoiling important plot points. This is especially important for thrillers and action films, which will need to show off their best moments in order to sell the movie.
Another element of a good trailer is the use of quick cuts that help to convey the emotional and physical intensity of the scene at hand. For example, if there is a fight scene in the trailer, it is important to keep the camera moving quickly enough to give viewers an idea of how intense it is.
Regardless of whether or not a movie is good, a trailer is an essential part of its marketing campaign. It is one of the most successful and cost-effective means to promote a film, as it has the ability to create an instant connection between the movie and its audience.
The length of a trailer is an important consideration for its success, as it will determine how many times the trailer is shown in theaters. The MPAA and studios agree that a two-minute trailer is the ideal length, and this allows theater owners to schedule more showings for a single movie in one day.
Shorter trailers are also popular, such as television trailers (also called TV spots) that can be less than 15 seconds long and are often used to highlight specific scenes or themes within the film. They can also be edited with specialized video editing software to make them even shorter.
Trailers are often made with a variety of special effects that can be used to enhance the visual effect of the film. This can include special camera movement, lighting, and audio effects.
The use of trailers has become more widespread as the digital medium has advanced and paved the way for new methods of distribution. The Internet has allowed for a more varied, interactive experience with movie trailers, and social media has become an important tool in promoting and sharing them. Some trailers have become viral successes, with audiences sharing them on Facebook and other social media platforms. This has resulted in a significant increase in the number of views for each trailer, and increased interest in upcoming films.