A trailer is a container on wheels pulled by a powered vehicle for transporting cargo or equipment. It may also refer to a movie trailer, a film preview or a video clip used to promote TV shows, movies, videos games or other media.
A trailer’s primary purpose is to promote a movie, though it is also useful for advertising television shows, video games, books and theatrical events. A trailer is a commercial advertisement that typically runs during prime time television viewing and prior to a movie’s release in theaters or cinemas. It is a form of cinematic marketing that has become a standard practice worldwide.
There is a lot to consider when creating a trailer for a movie. The most important factor is deciding what story or genre you want to highlight in the trailer and then identifying a target audience for the film. Once you have determined the intended audience, it’s time to begin plotting out the film’s key elements. This includes determining what the main characters are all about, what kind of story you will tell and what type of style or tone you will achieve.
Another consideration is deciding what type of music you want to use in the trailer and what type of visuals you will include. It is also important to have a clear understanding of how the trailer will be distributed. For example, if you are releasing the trailer online it will be important to consider how you will get viewers to click on it. This could be through a website link, social media promotion or paid advertisements.
A final consideration is budgeting for production of the trailer. This will vary depending on the length of the trailer and the amount of special effects or production work required. For example, if you are making an action or adventure movie, it is likely that more money will be needed for the production than a comedy or drama.
The best trailers are ones that are authentic and capture the film’s spirit. They also make use of marketing tactics that are proven to be effective. For example, press quotes from well-known journalists or publications are an excellent way to entice potential viewers to check out your trailer. They also help to establish credibility and are a great source of social proof. Beauty mega-brand Glossier, for instance, created an entire trailer for their Lash Slick mascara inspired by their loyal following and five-star reviews.
It’s also worth noting that some trailers contain material that is not present in the film itself. This is common for films that are considered classics, and can make the trailer an especially sought-after item among collectors. For example, in the original trailer for Casablanca, Rick Blaine yells “OK, you asked for it!” before shooting Major Strasser, which is not spoken in the film.