A trailer is a piece of film or video that is used to advertise and promote a larger work such as a feature film. The trailer is typically played at movie theaters before the featured film, and is also sometimes used to promote a TV show or other form of video. Filmmakers often use a trailer to give potential audiences an idea of the storyline and to make them want to see the finished product. The most successful trailers leave the audience wanting more, creating empathy with the main character and a desire to know what happens next. This is often achieved by ending the trailer on a major cliffhanger or leaving the audience wondering about an unresolved conflict. It is also important to avoid giving away too much of the plot, as this will make audiences less likely to be interested in seeing the full film.
A good trailer should contain a hook that captures the audience’s attention, as well as a strong visual aesthetic and a clear narrative. The hook may be an interesting setting, a charismatic character or a unique premise. Using a narrator or voice-over can add intrigue and help keep the audience engaged. The trailer should also include a call to action, such as encouraging people to purchase tickets or sign up for the film’s mailing list.
Using a professional editing suite, such as iMovie or Adobe Premiere, can help create a polished and engaging trailer. However, it is important to remember that tools are only a part of the process; it is the creativity of the filmmaker and the footage available that will make or break the final product.
For example, a documentary about a murder trial might have to censor its use of shots of blood and violence in order to get a theatrical release. Similarly, a horror movie trailer might need to avoid showing weapons being pointed directly at the camera. It is often easier to avoid this kind of issue by shooting a trailer in countries where the laws are more lax, and then adding music and effects in post production.
If the trailer is intended to promote a film, it is important to have a clear and concise plot summary written up beforehand. This should be included in the trailer, along with the names of all of the principal cast members and a description of the film’s genre. The trailer should also usually end with a “cast run” or list of the key players, which is similar to the credits that appear at the end of the film.
A book trailer is a form of video advertisement that helps to promote and sell a fictional work such as a novel or nonfiction book. The book trailer can be narrated by the author, or it may use audio clips from the book or excerpts from reviews of the work. In the case of a documentary, the trailer can be narrated by someone who has expertise in the subject matter.