A trailer is a short film clip that gives audiences a glimpse of the movie they’re watching, usually to generate excitement and interest in the feature. It also helps sell tickets, creates buzz, and is a key marketing tool for filmmakers. Creating a great trailer takes the same creative and technical work that goes into making a good film. Whether it’s for an independent feature, television show, or documentary, a well-crafted trailer is essential.
A great trailer shows off a film’s main characters, sets, and themes, while showcasing the most dramatic and memorable scenes in the movie. It also provides basic information about the film, such as the director and cinematographer. The most effective trailers follow a three-act structure. The first act lays out the premise of the story; the middle heightens conflict; and the third act reaches a climax. The final scene is often set to a dramatic piece of “signature music” and may include a cast run.
The trailer has become an integral part of the filmmaking process, with companies dedicated to producing and editing them, vast websites maintained for cataloging them, and an award ceremony held for them. It’s an important way to promote a film and drive ticket sales, as it’s often the first thing viewers see when they visit a theater or go online to purchase tickets.
To make a great trailer, start with the script and identify the most important lines that will grab attention. You can then use your shooting schedule to plan out what footage you’ll need for each shot. For example, if you have a “wild line” in the script that doesn’t fit into any planned scene, consider recording an audio-only version of it to be used in the trailer. This will give you more flexibility in the edit and allow you to match the audio with the right visuals later on.
Once you have all of your shots, start assembling the trailer’s structure and editing techniques. The best trailers tell a riveting, engaging story that gets the audience excited about the film. For this reason, it’s a good idea to organize your trailer with a storyboard. This will help you keep the pace of your edit and ensure that you don’t go overboard with a certain element.
Post-production elements like voice-over and on-screen graphics can also help elevate a trailer. These tools are especially helpful when there isn’t a lot of footage to choose from. They can make a clip feel more rounded and finished, and they’re also useful for adding texture and tone to a trailer.
A trailer can be a powerful promotional tool for any type of project, including a film, television show, or documentary. It can help you sell tickets, create a buzz, and gain funding, so it’s well worth the time and effort to craft a well-made one. If you’re planning to use a trailer to fund your next project, be sure to check out our free TV Writing & Development Master Class, where we walk you through the entire process.