The trailer is one of the most important parts of a film project. It has the power to promote, glorify, sell, ruin, spoil or misrepresent a movie, so it should be treated with care and attention. A great trailer can be a powerful tool in getting people to see your film, but a bad trailer will only give them the impression that you have nothing worthwhile to offer.
Trailers are like miniature movies that introduce the world of your movie and tell its basic story in a short amount of time. They should be able to hold your audience’s interest and leave them wanting more. They need to introduce the characters, setting and plot of your movie while also revealing some of its key moments. This can be a daunting task, and is best done through the use of visual variation and effective dialogue.
It’s often best to choose a scene from the first act of your movie for your trailer’s initial shot. This is often referred to as the “inciting incident.” It’s important that this scene be compelling and help create the emotional hook that will draw viewers in.
Once you’ve chosen the initial shot for your trailer, it’s time to start shooting. The pacing of the trailer is very important, and a good way to set it up is by using wide shots to establish your scenes and location, then zooming in for close-ups of key actors. This creates a nice contrast and keeps the pace of the trailer moving without feeling too rushed or drawn out.
Another key aspect of trailer making is establishing your movie’s tone and genre. If your trailer seems too lighthearted or if it’s too serious, you may find that audiences will have difficulty connecting with the film. A good way to achieve this is through the use of music. A strong soundtrack can provide a sense of atmosphere and even set the tone for the action on screen. It’s best to use a music track that is appropriate to the type of movie you’re selling.
The final step in creating a successful trailer is to make sure that it’s unique and memorable. Whether this is through the use of a cool sound effect or an interesting edit, it’s important that your trailer stand out from the crowd. This will ensure that your audience remembers it and is more likely to come back for your film when it comes out.
In summary, a trailer is the Voyager spacecraft for your movie. It’s the first thing that a viewer will see, and it has the power to make or break your film. So take your time when making a trailer, and make it the kind of film that you would want to see. After all, if you wouldn’t go to see it, why should anyone else?