A trailer is a vehicle that can be pulled by another vehicle to haul something that is too large or impractical to move on its own, such as a car, boat, or tractor. Trailers can also be used to transport a person or group. Trailers come in a wide range of sizes and types, and can be equipped with brakes, lights, and other safety features. They may be pulled by passenger vehicles or by trucks. Some trailers are built to transport boats, while others are designed to carry people or groups of people.
Trailers are often created at the same time as the film that they are advertising, and are usually edited from dailies or rushes of the movie footage. Many studios have departments or companies that specialize in creating trailers, and they often work with the same editors who edit the films themselves.
The trailer is generally the first time that audiences will see any footage from a film, and it can set the tone for the movie. It is important that the trailer tells the audience what to expect from the film, and it should not give away any surprises. The trailer is also an opportunity for the filmmakers to advertise their film, and they are usually allowed to use any footage that they want from the film in the trailer.
Because of the highly condensed format of the trailer, voice-over narration can help to explain the story and plot. This technique is particularly useful when the film does not have a strong visual style. In addition to introducing the characters and plot, the trailer can also provide information about the film’s production value and quality. Most modern trailers are presented with stereophonic sound, although some are still shown on television with monophonic sound.
Trailers are a significant part of the film marketing process, and they are often marketed to consumers through direct-to-video releases. Increasingly, trailers are also available online through video sharing sites such as YouTube. These online trailers are becoming increasingly popular, and they can be viewed on many different kinds of devices. They can be especially effective when they are paired with viral marketing campaigns, where the viewer can share the trailer with their friends.
While trailers are often used to advertise major movies, they can also be used for smaller films, independent films, and even TV shows. These trailers are often shorter and less expensive than feature film trailers, and they can be distributed directly to viewers.
Despite the limitations of their short running time, trailers can be powerful tools for marketers. They can convey the story of a film in an engaging and attractive way, and they can draw the attention of potential audiences who might not have otherwise noticed a film’s release date. On the other hand, trailers can also be misleading, and they can give audiences a false impression of the film that is being advertised. This may include giving the impression that a celebrity who only has a minor role in the film is one of the main stars, or suggesting that a movie will be more action-packed than it actually is.