A trailer is a vehicle used to carry freight or equipment. It can be driven either manually or mechanically. It can also be pulled by a tractor or by other means, such as by train or river barge. Trailers can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, steel and aluminum. A trailer can be attached to a truck, a car or another vehicle. A trailer can have either rails or ramps on the back. If it has ramps, the trailer is called an open car transporter or auto-transporter. If it has rails on both sides, the trailer is called a sheet & post trailer or cargo trailer.
A film, book or television project often has a trailer to help promote it. These short clips are designed to give viewers a taste of the story without giving too much away. They are usually narrated and may feature music or other sounds to create an emotional impact. A movie trailer can be a very effective marketing tool and is often used to help secure financing for a new film.
To make a good trailer, it is important to keep in mind the three Cs: character, conflict and consequence. A great trailer will introduce the audience to your characters and compel them to want more. It will have a strong sense of place and time, and it will be compelling because of its drama and tension.
The best way to get a feel for the type of trailer you need is to watch other trailers of similar genre films or books. Using note cards or a whiteboard, list key scenes and dialog you like. Then watch that particular film again, taking notes this time about what the visuals are saying to you.
For a book trailer, you will need to decide what the narrator’s voice should sound like. If you know your target audience, try to match the tone of their voice and delivery. Writers can also simulate sounds with their words, such as the chirping of birds, the clicking of typewriter keys or the cries of an unattended baby.
To prepare for shooting a trailer, you should take a detailed look at your script and plot outline. Identify the key scenes and character moments that you need to include in the trailer. For example, you might need to show an image of the main character or a dramatic moment that will hook your audience. You will also need to compile a mood board, which is a collection of images that represent the tone and atmosphere you want your trailer to have. Animoto has a library of stock photos and videos you can use for your book trailer. You can find them in the Media Library tray to the right of your video builder screen. You can also upload your own footage to create a custom book trailer.