A trailer is a type of vehicle without a motor that is pulled by another to transport goods or cargo. In filmmaking, the term can also refer to a short clip of footage or an entire movie used to promote a forthcoming feature film. Trailers are often used in conjunction with theatrical releases, but can also be shown in television or on the internet.
Trailers typically use a combination of visuals and voiceover to create a sense of tension or excitement about the film to encourage viewers to see it. The trailer is also usually designed to introduce the main characters, give a brief overview of the plot and provide a preview of the movie’s main themes.
Typically, the most effective trailers have music that adds to the overall tone and feel of the film. This can be anything from a suspenseful orchestral score for a thriller to a lighthearted pop song for a romantic comedy. Most of the time, the music in a film trailer will be from production music libraries (music produced specifically for advertising), rather than a composer’s original soundtrack for the movie.
Most trailers start out with a “cold open,” which is some kind of action-packed scene that grabs the audience’s attention. This is a great way to get the audience invested in the story, and it can set a high level of energy for the rest of the trailer.
As the trailer progresses, it will often slow down and build up to a climax. This is a key part of the three act structure and allows the audience to connect with the main characters. This is the point where the trailer should really hook the audience and make them want to see the full-length movie.
The trailer can then wrap up with a cast run, which is a list of the principal actors in the movie, as well as any directors or producers who may have a name that will attract an audience. The cast run is often displayed at the end of a film trailer, as well as on posters and other promotional materials for the film.
While there are many different ways to make a trailer, the best trailers always tell a story and leave the audience wanting more. They also know how to use editing techniques to enhance the overall look and feel of the video. This can include adding special effects to liven up scenes, using quick cuts to show action, and syncing music cues to specific moments in the trailer.
A good trailer will also be aware of the tone of the movie it is promoting, and make sure that the visuals and dialogue are in line with that tone. For example, a serious drama should not end on a fight scene or a girl in a bikini winking. Similarly, action movies should avoid using too much humor or overly dramatic moments, as this can throw off the audience’s expectations and make it less likely that they will be interested in seeing the full film.