A trailer is a wheeled vehicle designed to be towed by another vehicle. It’s used to haul equipment, cargo and even people.
In film, a trailer is a mini-preview that precedes a feature movie, and it’s one of the most crucial aspects of a movie’s success. Creating an engaging trailer requires a deep understanding of storytelling, visual and audio elements, editing techniques, and marketing strategies.
A successful film trailer is a mini-version of the full movie, designed to entice viewers to see it. The trailer is usually between two and three minutes long, and it consists of scenes from the film edited together. The best trailers tell a compelling story in miniature, and they follow a classic act structure. They also use music and sound effects to enhance their emotional impact. For example, the famous trailer for Alien (1979) conveys a sense of suspense with only music and terrifying sound effects.
Movie studios have been using trailers to promote their movies since 1913. A man named Nils Granlund spliced rehearsal footage of a Broadway play into a montage that trailed after films at Loew’s theaters, and the trailer industry was born. Since then, trailers have grown in popularity and influence. Initially, they were used as simple advertisements for the film itself. But over time, they have evolved into sophisticated art forms in their own right. They’ve become a key part of the cinematic experience, and they’ve helped shape popular culture and film genres.
The best trailers give a glimpse into the full movie without giving away too much of the plot. They also employ clever visual tricks, such as editing in slow motion or highlighting specific details. They may also include a voiceover, if tone-appropriate, and a cast rundown. Some trailers have even garnered cult followings of their own. For example, Quentin Tarantino’s 2007 Grindhouse double-bill, Death Proof and Planet Terror, included five fake trailers between the main features that generated their own fanbase.
A trailer is often seen on television before a feature movie, though some are also released for online streaming. TV spots are shorter versions of the full-length trailer and are typically 30-60 seconds. They may contain a different cast rundown and a more limited selection of clips from the movie.
Many trailers are crafted by teams of professionals, such as ad agencies and production companies. The process of assembling a trailer is rigorous and involves countless reviews, edits and revisions. Whether it’s by picky sponsors or ravenous franchise fans, every frame is scrutinized for mistakes.
A great trailer is a fine balance between showing off the top talent and telling a story that will entice audiences to see it. It’s a complex task, but with a little effort, it’s possible to create a trailer that captures the essence of your film and entices viewers to see it for themselves. It’s worth studying the great movie trailers to get a feel for how to achieve this.