A trailer is a short film used to promote a movie and entice audiences to buy tickets or subscriptions to a streaming service. It usually includes a synopsis of the film, music and basic plot setup. It may also include character or setting details. It can be made in a variety of formats, including computer-generated effects and archival footage.
A great trailer tells a riveting story that gets viewers emotionally invested in the project. Ideally, this story is told in three acts: The beginning sets up the characters and setting; the middle heightens the conflict; and the end delivers a climax. Getting to know your audience is critical, especially when crafting a trailer. Knowing who will watch your film is essential to choosing what kind of tone and visuals are appropriate for the trailer.
This is why it’s so important to have a strong story and script before shooting your trailer. It will help you determine what kind of visuals and music to use, and it will make the editing process a lot easier and faster. It will also make it much easier to create a compelling trailer that meets theater regulations.
While a good trailer is designed to hook viewers on the story, it’s important not to give away too much. The first few minutes of a trailer should introduce the main characters and set up the central conflict, but leave some mystery. Some trailers even effectively zig where the film zags, so that the viewer is left wondering how the film will resolve the conflict.
Ultimately, the best way to make a trailer is with professional editing software like Adobe Premiere or Apple’s iMovie. But no matter what tools you use, the key is the creativity that goes into crafting a great trailer.
Another tip for making a trailer is to watch other movie trailers. Whether it’s for a documentary or a Hollywood blockbuster, study how the trailer makers use dialogue and visuals to create suspense and entice the audience. In particular, look for scenes that are shot in locations that can be used for establishing shots or as backdrops for key action scenes. Visual variation is very important in a trailer, so try to get some different shots for your trailer whenever possible.