When you see a movie trailer that captures the full power of a film, you might wonder, “How did they do that?” The answer: a team of unsung heroes who spent months (or even years) finessing every frame into an exciting cinematic appetizer. They are the culinary alchemists of Hollywood, splicing key scenes and dialogue into a cohesive narrative arc and amplifying their impact with an expertly-timed soundtrack and impactful sound design. From a well-placed bass drop to an ominous whisper that prickles the hairs on your neck, these is the magic behind the scenes of some of the most memorable trailers of all time.
The trailer is the most important marketing tool for any movie, but creating a compelling trailer isn’t easy. A good trailer engages audiences as stand-alone tibits of cinematic excitement, and it can also help to raise funds for the movie itself. In addition, a great trailer can create a ruckus online, which can then translate into word-of-mouth buzz, which can lead to more ticket sales and increased interest in the movie.
Originally shown before feature films in theaters, the trailer is an essential part of the movie marketing process. In fact, film trailers are one of the most powerful tools in a filmmaker’s arsenal and have been used to promote everything from blockbusters to indie movies and documentaries.
A movie trailer is a two-minute short that is typically used to market a feature film, but it can also be used for television shows, video games and books. The trailer has become an integral part of the filmmaking process, with the first teaser trailer often appearing several months before a movie’s release to generate buzz and anticipation.
Many filmmakers and editors use a variety of editing software to make their trailers, such as iMovie, Adobe Premiere or Avid Media Composer. However, the core principles of making a good trailer are the same across all these programs. A good editor must understand how to tell a story through the editing, and this is made easier with some fundamental knowledge of how to edit and master film storytelling.
While trailers are not films themselves, they must still follow a similar three-act structure. Act one introduces the premise of the film, while act two builds suspense and drives toward the climax. Act three then concludes with a visual montage, often accompanied by a sweeping piece of signature music. The final shot of the trailer typically reveals the cast run (a list of notable actors and directors) and a studio production logo.
In the past, trailers were a series of clips spliced together, but now they are often more like miniature movie clips that can be edited in an almost-cinematic style. They may also be augmented with a voice-over, or may use music and special effects to set the mood of the film. Different types of trailers are often crafted for specific audiences, with hardcore fans leaning into cryptic symbolism and family-friendly trailers focusing on heartwarming moments. Regardless of their genre, all successful movie trailers must build suspense and generate an emotional response from the audience.