A trailer is a short film or video clip used to advertise a forthcoming movie. It is often used as a teaser and is intended to intrigue audiences enough to make them want to see the full film when it’s released. Trailers can also be used to promote other types of media, such as television shows, video games, books, and theatrical events or concerts. A trailer is often used as a call to action, encouraging viewers to buy the film, watch an episode of the TV show, visit the website for the book, sign up for the mailing list for the band, or go to the theater for the musical.
Creating a good trailer requires a certain amount of skill and planning. A trailer is essentially a small taste of the entire film, so it’s important to be able to convey all of your key story elements in a few seconds. To help with this, it is often a good idea to create a structure sheet for the trailer that breaks down all of the scenes you need in order to tell your story. This will give you a clear idea of what footage you will need, and can be useful when budgeting your abridged shoot.
Many films will feature a brief introductory scene at the beginning of the trailer that sets the tone for the film. This could be a shot of the main characters, or a scene from the film that is particularly striking. Usually, the trailer will then lead into a voice over that gives an overview of what the film is about.
After the voice over, most trailers will feature a brief list of the cast and crew that appear in the film. This is often the same list that appears on posters and print publicity materials for the film. It is also sometimes the same as the credits that are displayed at the end of the actual movie. The studio production logos are often featured at the beginning of the trailer.
The music used in trailers can really set the mood for the film. If the trailer is promoting a thriller, for example, it is common to use tense, spooky music. If the trailer is promoting a family friendly film, on the other hand, it might be more appropriate to use light and cheerful music.
Whether you are making a big budget feature film or just using the camera that is in your home, there are plenty of editing tools available to help you make a great trailer. There are a wide variety of trailer maker software options, from Apple’s utilitarian iMovie, to professional programs such as Adobe Premiere and Avid Media Composer. The most important thing to remember is that the tools will only get you so far; your creativity and the quality of your footage will be the key ingredients in a successful trailer.