A trailer is an introductory piece of video that gives viewers a taste of the project, film, or show they’re going to watch. They can be used for a wide range of purposes, from advertising a movie to crowdfunding a film project. It’s a key element in promoting your content and securing your audience’s attention, and it can help you stand out from the crowd.
A good trailer is designed to tell your film’s story without giving away too much of the plot. The best trailers introduce you to the main characters, set up their central conflict, and then leave the viewer wanting more. They use effective editing techniques to zig where the film zags, and create empathy with the characters so that the audience is dying to see how they get through their conflict.
The first thing to consider when creating a trailer is the genre. If you’re promoting an action film, for example, you might want to include some footage of your main character performing daring stunts. Similarly, if you’re promoting a documentary about the environment, you might include some clips of the natural world. This shows the audience that your film will have a unique voice and style, and helps to draw in potential viewers.
Another important aspect to consider is your cast run. This is a list of all the actors and directors who appear in the film, along with any big-name producers or writers who are attached to the production. A cast run is a great way to highlight the star power of your film, and encourage people to come and see it when it hits theaters.
You can also use your trailer to showcase your film’s locations and settings. This can be particularly important if your film is based in a specific location or region, and it can also add a sense of scale to the piece. Finally, trailers often feature a shot of the film’s soundtrack, which is often used as a teaser for the full movie.
Trailers can be made with a variety of software, from the basic and utilitarian iMovie to more advanced video editing programs like Adobe Premiere or Apple Final Cut Pro. Regardless of the software you use, the principles of trailer making are still the same. The tools are just the means, and the real art of creating a compelling trailer lies in the storytelling and marketing.
When preparing to shoot your own trailer, make sure that you have the proper equipment and the resources to handle any challenges that may arise on set. For example, if your trailer is featuring a large rig or other oversized load, you’ll need a trailer that can handle the weight. You’ll also need to carefully break down your script so that you know exactly what footage is needed, and can accurately budget your abridged shoot.