A trailer is a piece of equipment that allows people to transport large objects, such as cars, boats, or even houses. A trailer usually consists of a flat bed with a pair of axles and is attached to the vehicle it is pulling. It may also have a cab, lighting, and other features that make it easier to use. In addition to allowing people to move larger items, a trailer can also be used for advertising purposes.
Trailers are a highly effective way to promote movies. When made well, they can draw audiences into theaters and create a shared excitement for the movie ahead of its release. In the age of social media and instant gratification, trailers are increasingly important tools in the marketing of movies. A good trailer can capture the essence of a film in a short amount of time, making it easy for people to share on their social media pages and help build anticipation for the film.
To create a trailer, you’ll need a video editing program and footage from the film that you want to highlight. It’s often best to start with a script to guide you through the editing process, but it is possible to create a trailer without one. In that case, you’ll need to carefully select the most interesting clips from the movie. It’s a good idea to keep in mind the tone and feel of the story as you’re selecting clips and creating your script.
The trailer is usually accompanied by music, which helps to set the mood and convey information about the movie. The music should reflect the genre of the movie; for example, a trailer for a thriller might feature suspenseful music while a romantic comedy might have a light pop song. Many trailers also include sound effects, which can add another level of storytelling by telling the audience what to expect from the movie. For instance, distant sounds of battle can suggest a war movie while ambient futuristic noises can indicate science fiction.
A trailer is typically a few minutes long. It may be shorter if it’s intended for online promotion, or longer if it’s part of the premiere during a movie’s theatrical run. In addition to a script and selected clip footage, trailers often contain other elements such as a cast run, which is a list of the principal actors in the movie. This list is usually arranged in alphabetical order and is typically included in the credits at the end of the trailer. It is often included on posters and other promotional materials as well.
When making a trailer, it’s helpful to use a storyboard to establish the narrative arc and ensure that the clips are edited together in an effective manner. It’s also a good idea to use a video editor that supports multiple file formats and offers advanced editing tools. In some cases, it may be beneficial to hire a professional video editor to create and edit the trailer for you.