A trailer is a short film clip that is used to promote or market a movie, TV show, documentary, or other film project. The goal is to generate excitement and interest in the film, and to encourage viewers to purchase tickets or subscriptions to a streaming service. A well-made trailer can be a great way to gain exposure for your film, and it can also help you raise funds to produce the full film.
A good trailer will use a combination of scenes from the film, as well as additional footage such as location shots, b-roll, and stills. Ideally, the trailer will also include music that is appropriate for the film and creates a mood that will draw viewers in. It is also important to have a clear and compelling message in the trailer, so that it conveys the main plot points of the film.
While a movie trailer is traditionally seen in theaters and cinemas, it can also be viewed on online video platforms such as Vimeo and Facebook. For this reason, it is important to keep the trailer short and engaging so that it will capture viewers’ attention when scrolling through these platforms. A great trailer will also have an end-goal in mind, such as encouraging viewers to buy tickets or sign up for the film’s mailing list.
The best way to make a great trailer is to have an outline of your script before you start shooting. This will help you plan the scenes you need and ensure that you have all the necessary footage to create a cohesive trailer. The outline can also be used as a guide during the editing process. Having a clear plan will help you save time and avoid mistakes when creating your trailer.
Depending on the nature of your film, you may need to shoot a lot of different footage to create your trailer. It is also important to have an idea of the overall look and feel of your film before you begin shooting. A trailer is a great way to test out your film’s style and story, so you can make adjustments before the final production.
When editing your trailer, it’s essential to use creative editing techniques to bring out the film’s most exciting moments. For example, you can try bookending your trailer by highlighting key scenes at the beginning and end of the clip. Alternatively, you can try intercutting your scenes and using transition effects. These methods will add depth to your film and help viewers connect with the characters in your trailer.
When making a trailer for an unscripted film, you’ll need to focus more on interviews and archival footage than on shooting scenes. Interviews are cheap and easy to shoot, and they can be a great source of compelling content for your trailer. When shooting the interviews, remember to capture a variety of angles and visuals for use in the trailer. Visual variation is essential for a compelling trailer, so any shots you can grab for cutaways or modulation will be helpful when editing the trailer.