A trailer is a short film clip or video that a film director or studio puts together to promote a movie. They are generally shown prior to the feature film and often have music and action scenes from the movie. Trailers can also be made up of new footage, and some even contain deleted scenes from the movie. The art of the trailer has become a highly specialized and important part of movie marketing, and some of the best ones are able to present even poor movies in a attractive light.
Trailers usually include a cast run, which is a list of the main actors that appear in the movie. Some also include the names of the directors and producers, especially if they are well known or have made other popular films. A production logo is also typically featured at the beginning (or end) of a trailer.
Most modern trailers are presented in stereophonic sound. This is in contrast to the majority of older trailers, which were usually presented in monophonic sound. Stereophonic sound is used to enhance the experience of watching a trailer, and it can make the audio more engaging and realistic.
The trailer is an essential marketing tool for the feature film, and many studios produce several versions of the same trailer to distribute through different channels. These can be television, online, or theatrical releases, and each version will be edited and modified to appeal to a specific audience or demographic.
A popular technique is to use voice-over narration in the trailer to set up the storyline or explain certain aspects of the film. This is particularly effective in the case of an action movie, where the visuals might be difficult to comprehend. Some trailers have used voice-over cliches to humorous effect, such as by using the word “Colossal!” or “Stupendous!”
Unlike film sequences, trailers are usually shot in one take, and the editing process is done in post-production. This can be a time-consuming and expensive process, but it allows for a great deal of flexibility to meet the needs of the target audience. A trailer editor is typically in charge of this task, and he or she may work with the film director to decide on the appropriate tone for the trailer.
In the past, it was common for trailers to include scenes that were not included in the final film. This was done to increase viewer anticipation and draw people in, but this practice has become less common as more attention is paid to the production of high-quality trailers. Occasionally, however, trailers will spoil the plot of a film by revealing information about key events that occur later in the final movie.
YouTube has become a new sandbox for editors to play with trailers, and there are many examples of fascinating recuts and “spoilers” that can be found on the website. Despite this, trailers are still a vital aspect of movie marketing and are heavily regulated by the Motion Picture Association of America.