A trailer is a short clip of footage used to promote and advertise a film. The trailer is often the first contact a viewer has with the film and can be used to sell it to viewers, so it’s important that the trailer tells a compelling story, is well-edited, and has good audio. In addition to showing key scenes from the film, trailers may also include a cast rundown and production credits. The trailer is a vital tool in the marketing of movies and can even be used to garner funding for a film project.
Movie trailers are highly polished pieces of cinematic advertising, able to present even poor films in a positive light. They follow a basic three-act structure similar to the structure of feature films and usually end with a dramatic climax. A montage of powerful and emotional moments typically follows the climax and can be accompanied by a piece of iconic music.
Trailers can be created for any type of film, television show, or online content. They are a great way to market new projects and entice audiences to watch the full film, buy the video game or book, subscribe to the channel or subscription service, or donate to the project. They are a quick and effective way to build buzz for a film, TV show, or online video and can be used to generate funding for the film or show.
Creating a high-quality trailer requires the same skills and techniques as creating a film or television show. It’s important to keep the audience engaged by answering their questions and setting up a cliffhanger at the end of the trailer to encourage them to hit the play button. Using a call to action that is honest and genuine is also essential to gaining subscribers.
A trailer should be a mixture of original footage and stock footage. While it’s tempting to throw every available shot into your trailer, it’s better to select the best clips and leave less-good footage on the cutting room floor. A good trailer tells a visual story and ideally uses clips that advance the plot and have some kind of comedic value. If possible, try to include a few interview testimonials from customers or other content creators to add social proof and credibility to your trailer.
The casting rundown is a list of star actors that appear in the film along with any prominent directors, producers, or writers whose names might draw in an audience. A cast rundown is usually included near the end of a trailer as it approaches its climax. The trailer’s credits then appear and often include a production logo for the studio producing the film. This is to give the impression that a reputable company produced and distributed the film. The climax of the trailer can also include a stylized version of the film’s poster art. This style is generally consistent with the tone and mood of the rest of the trailer.