A trailer is the short film that precedes a feature movie. It is a chance for filmmakers to show off the cast and crew, introduce the plotline, tease the conclusion and generate excitement for the film. This type of movie marketing is extremely important, but it’s also one of the hardest things to get right. A trailer can be as much of a work of art as the feature itself and requires the same level of craft and storytelling to engage audiences.
There are many things that can make or break a trailer, but some of the most common mistakes that are made are failing to set up the premise and pacing, using too much exposition, misusing voice-over, not utilizing music well, or falling into clichés. By avoiding these common traps, filmmakers can create a trailer that is sure to capture the audience’s attention.
Setting up the premise is the first thing that needs to happen in any trailer. Often this is done by establishing characters, providing a conflict or dilemma and then teasing the resolution. This three act structure, albeit abridged for a trailer, has worked as a movie storytelling model for thousands of years.
Another key aspect of a good trailer is ensuring that there is enough visual content to engage the viewer. This can be accomplished by employing multiple camera angles, cutting between different scenes and incorporating special effects. It is also important to keep the pace of the trailer moving by using pithy dialogue that conveys a wealth of information in just a few words.
While this trailer doesn’t have a lot of shots to showcase, it does a solid job of telling the story through the music and montage editing. The use of a dramatic orchestral piece helps to build the tension while evoking emotion. The contrasting tempo of the music helps to accentuate the tension of each scene while also building anticipation for the climax.
Often, film trailers will rely on the power of the cast to sell the movie to the audience. This is particularly true of big budget action movies and blockbusters, but it can be a mistake to rely on this solely for the success of any movie. The box office failure of Mortal Engines is an example of this. While Peter Jackson’s name may draw people in, the script and acting in this case are not strong enough to carry the film.
Many trailers will include a cast run, which is a list of the main actors togel featured in the film. This is usually followed by a logo run, which is a list of the production company and studio production logos. Finally, most trailers will include a credit roll, which is a running list of the technical crew that helped to produce the film.
While there are some things that all trailers must have to be effective, it is equally important for each individual trailer to focus on what makes the film unique and compelling. This can be done through a memorable premise, cool set pieces and scenes, catchy music, great dialogue or stunning visuals. Too many trailers today forget this and try to throw any and everything against the wall hoping that something sticks. Trying to appeal to every possible audience will only result in a messy and uneventful trailer.