A trailer is a wheeled vehicle used to haul equipment or people behind a truck, car or other larger vehicle. The term also refers to a video clip that introduces and previews a movie or series and is shown in theaters before the feature film. Creating trailers for your digital content can help you grow your audience and attract new viewers to your channel, product, or subscription service.
The best movie trailers hook audiences on the characters, story, and setting by enticing them to see the full movie. But creating a trailer that effectively explains your project and engages viewers takes the same skill and techniques as a full-length film or TV show. In fact, a well-executed trailer can even lead to successful funding and distribution for your project!
When you’re making a trailer for your unscripted documentary or reality project, the format might seem different than scripted films. You’ll need to interview subjects and shoot archival footage for your trailer, but the principles of storytelling still apply. Using a 3-act structure, teasers, and establishing shots will all contribute to an engaging trailer.
Choosing the right music is another key component to creating a compelling trailer. A suspenseful orchestral piece can elevate a montage of dramatic scenes and set the tone for your film. While you may be tempted to use a song that matches the mood of the scene, you’ll want to consider whether the song will fit your overall story or confuse audiences with mismatched visuals.
It’s important to have a clear idea of what your trailer is about before you begin shooting. Write a list of the key points you want to convey in the trailer and brainstorm what visuals will support those points. This will help you stay focused when shooting and ensure you have enough content to create a captivating trailer that entices viewers to see your full-length film or content.
The best trailers don’t give away everything in the film. A good trailer will introduce the main character and set up the central conflict, leaving the audience wondering how the film will unfold. This can be accomplished by using effective pacing and cutting to keep the viewer engaged. Also, by using rhetorical questions and abstract imagery that evokes a feeling rather than showing a specific image.
Lastly, it’s important to have a strong call to action (CTA) at the end of your trailer. Whether that’s to visit your website or subscribe to your channel, it’s important that the CTA is genuine and doesn’t feel like a sales pitch. This will help your trailer stand out among the many others in your genre that have the same call to action.