A trailer is a wheeled vehicle that can’t move on its own and must be pulled by a bigger vehicle, such as a car or truck. People also use trailers to transport goods and equipment. There are many different types of trailers, including semi-trailers and box trailers.
The term “trailer” can also refer to a film preview or advertisement that is shown in theaters before the main feature movie. These trailers were originally called “trailers” because they trailed the films that they promoted. The first film trailers were spliced together from rehearsal footage and shown at Marcus Loew’s theaters. In 1919, Herman Robbins established the National Screen Service to create and distribute film trailers for studios and theaters.
Today, most trailers are shot on high-definition digital video and can be shown at any resolution. Most modern trailers are also mixed in Dolby Digital audio, which enhances the visuals and sound effects in the scenes that are presented.
When creating a trailer, it is important to keep in mind that the goal of a successful trailer is to grab attention and draw an audience’s interest in the full movie. Often trailers will highlight certain key moments of the film that are most interesting or shocking. The trailer’s editing style should also be considered, as well as the music and other soundtrack elements that will accentuate the story.
The most effective trailers follow a three-act structure and provide viewers with the main characters and plot. The beginning should introduce the setting and premise, the middle should heighten the conflict, and the end should feature a climax.
Film directors often use the trailer as a chance to experiment with editing techniques and establish their own style. For example, a director might choose to edit a trailer using a particular type of camera angle or use specific music or sound effects that are distinctively his or her own. In this way, a director can establish a brand for his or her work in the trailer and build anticipation for the full film.
Whether you are planning to shoot your own documentary or making a promotional trailer for your film, interviewing subjects is an inexpensive and easy way to get footage for the trailer. In addition to talking with the subject, be sure to pick up some establishing shots and cutaways for use in your trailer. If you are promoting a true-crime project, try to visit the location where the events took place and get a variety of aerial shots and ground-level angles. Watching documentaries and other film trailers is a great way to see how filmmakers use interviews, archival footage, and other documentary-style clips to convey the story. You may also want to consider hiring a composer for the music of your trailer, as good music can tell the audience how to feel about a project even before they start watching. This is especially useful if you are trying to sell a thriller or horror movie.