A trailer is a short film that is used to promote a movie. It is usually a two-minute clip that is shown before a feature film in a cinema. The film is a combination of visuals and sound effects that capture the storyline of the movie. It also contains clips from the actual film. Despite their short length, trailers are still a complex piece of work that requires many different skills to create. The trailer is designed to catch the attention of the audience and make them eager to watch the full movie. It is therefore important that the trailer is effective in its storytelling and contains the right tone and mood.
A good trailer will introduce viewers to the main characters, set up the central conflict, and build up to a climax that leaves audiences wanting more. It is also important to create a sense of mystery and leave some questions unanswered. This will make the film more intriguing and unpredictable for viewers.
To do this, filmmakers should look at other trailers in their genre and understand what conventions to follow. This will help them decide how much to reveal about their own project. A good trailer will also be emotionally engaging and visually stunning. It should evoke a reaction from the viewer, such as sadness, fear, or anger. The trailer should also have a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Whether they are advertising a feature film or a documentary, trailers need to convey the story in an entertaining and intriguing way. To do this, trailers must be effective in their use of character, tone, setting, and genre. Creating a successful trailer is a challenging task, but it is possible with the right planning and execution.
One of the biggest mistakes a trailer can make is giving away too much about the film. It is important to keep the trailer as a teaser and not give away too much about the plot. This will create empathy for the main characters and increase the desire to see the full movie. A good trailer will also be able to effectively zig where the film zags, making it difficult for the audience to predict the plot twists and turns.
Another important aspect of a trailer is using music to add emotion and create a mood. The best trailers will have a music track that is appropriate for the tone of the film and that fits in with the action. For example, a dramatic trailer would benefit from an orchestral track, while a comedy trailer might be better served by a folk duo.
The first trailer was created in 1912 by Broadway producer Nils Granlund. He came up with the idea to create a short film to advertise his upcoming play The Pleasure Seekers in between screening rotations at theaters. He used rehearsal footage of the play to create the first trailer, which he then showed before the featured film in movie theaters.