A trailer is a container on wheels that is attached to a vehicle for transporting large or heavy objects. It may also be used to carry animals or equipment such as cars and motorcycles. Trailers are commonly associated with film and cinema, but they can also be found for TV shows, video games, concerts, and theatrical events such as plays.
A movie trailer (also known as a teaser or coming attractions video) is an advertisement for a full-length feature film, often created during the production phase of the film. Trailers are used as a marketing tool to promote the film, build excitement for its release, and entice audiences to spend money on tickets. They are usually released during the pre-release phase, before the film is widely available in theaters or on VOD/streaming services.
When making a movie trailer, it is important to consider the film’s genre, characters and plot as well as its tone and setting. The trailer should also be a strong visual representation of the film, and it is important to have high-quality footage for use in the finished product. It is also important to decide whether or not the trailer will include a voiceover and, if so, what type of tone it should be in.
The most effective trailers are those that tell a story without giving away too much of the film’s plot. They typically start with a scene that introduces the main characters and the general premise of the film, then progress to a key event or ‘inciting incident’ – think that moment in Joker where Jack Nicholson throws that chair down the hall, or when J. K. Simmons does the same in Whiplash. Finally, they conclude with the ‘cliffhanger’, which leaves the audience wanting more.
Some movie trailers have been criticised for giving a misleading representation of the film itself. For example, some may highlight a celebrity who only has a small role in the actual film or advertise it as being more action-packed than it actually is. This is usually done to attract a wider audience or simply to appeal to the tastes of a specific demographic group.
While creating a movie trailer, it is important to keep in mind that it is an advertisement and should therefore be appealing to a broad audience. This is why it is important to study the trailers of other movies in the same genre and to ensure that the final product will be as entertaining and engaging as possible.
Once a movie trailer is complete, it must be uploaded to a video hosting website. YouTube is the most popular choice, but Vimeo and other sites are also available. Regardless of which site is chosen, the movie trailer should be edited with precision and should be a powerful advertisement for the upcoming film. Any mistakes, even small ones, will be noticed by picky moviegoers and will be used against the film in the future. This is why it is essential to take your time and edit with great care.