A trailer (also known as a preview or coming attraction video) is a short promotional film that entices an audience to buy tickets and go see the film it promotes. It can be a complex and difficult task to create a great trailer, but with some knowledge and understanding of how to market talent, use sound effects, choose music, and edit with skill, it is possible to make a movie trailer that will leave audiences wanting more.
A good trailer will often include a cast rundown, which is a list of the main actors and actresses that appear in the film, as well as any directors or producers that have a large name recognition. This is usually the same list that appears on posters and print publicity materials. The trailer will also usually include the studio production logos that are featured in the film.
Many trailers also contain footage that is not actually in the film itself, which may be due to the fact that the edited film does not exist at this point, and the trailer editors are working with rushes or dailies instead of a finished cut. Alternatively, it could be that some shots were not available for the trailer, or that the editor used different takes of a particular shot for the trailer and the final film.
Another common trick in making a good trailer is to use iconic music from famous films that has already been released. This is done to add some instant appeal and familiarity to the film, as it gives audiences something that they can instantly connect with and associate the film with. For example, if a film is scored by someone who has created epic soundtracks in the past, such as Hans Zimmer, then it is not uncommon to hear one of his most popular songs in the trailer.
For action films, it is important to show off some of the most impressive set pieces and special effects in the trailer. This will help entice an audience and convince them that they will be in for a visual treat when they visit the cinema to watch the full film. However, there is a fine line between showing too much and leaving the audience wanting more. Some trailers have been accused of using this technique in a misleading manner, by giving the impression that a celebrity who has only a small role in the film is a major star of the piece, or by advertising the film as being more action-packed than it actually is.
A good trailer will also have some form of catchphrase or tagline at the end that sums up the film. It is this last part of the trailer that will be the most memorable to an audience, so a lot of thought and effort goes into writing these words. Using a catchphrase that is relevant to the film’s genre, and which will resonate with a wide audience, is key for creating a successful trailer. For example, a comedy film will want to focus on the jokes, whereas a horror film might be more interested in setting up tension and scares.