Movie trailers are like a preview for a film that gives audiences an idea of what the movie is about. They can be used for films, video games, TV shows and books.
Film trailer editing is a key skill in crafting a captivating preview that builds suspense while maintaining the narrative flow of the film. This is achieved through a combination of rapid cuts and slow dramatic moments that are set to pulsing music. The iconic film “Alien” is a master class in this technique, as it never fully reveals the xenomorph to audiences, leaving their imaginations to run wild and drive them to theaters in droves.
Genre is another important aspect of a film trailer. This helps studios target the audience that they know will be interested in a particular type of film. For example, fans of fantasy films will likely be more interested in a film about dragons than viewers of the latest romantic comedy. Trailers can often be used to establish genre by highlighting the setting, characters and plot of a film.
A key component of a film trailer is the use of on-screen text and voice-over to explain plot points and character back stories to the audience. This is usually done with the help of professional actors who are able to convey emotion and build suspense through their delivery. It is also common for voice-overs to reference other films in the same genre or with similar themes. This is a great way to establish credibility in the eyes of the viewer and show that a film has something new and unique to offer.
Visual montage is another important technique in trailer creation. The most famous film trailers are able to capture an entire story through a series of images and short dialogue snippets. For example, the classic “The Matrix” trailer used fast-paced edits to create a sense of action and excitement in viewers. This is also a great way to highlight the film’s climax, which can be one of the most powerful parts of any movie.
As the use of technology has increased, so too has the number of ways in which a trailer can be used to promote a film. For example, a short teaser trailer can be released up to five months prior to a film’s release. This is a popular and effective way to generate buzz for a major blockbuster and allows the public to develop an anticipation for its arrival.
The trailer has become an art form in its own right, with companies dedicated to creating them, vast websites maintained to cataloging them and even an annual awards ceremony. Nevertheless, it remains a controversial form of promotion for the film industry. Why? Is it simply because it ‘just works’, or is there more to it than that? In this article, we will examine how trailers are made and why they work.