A trailer is a short segment of film footage that serves as an introduction to a feature-length movie. It typically consists of a mix of the film’s most visually stunning and emotionally compelling scenes, often without spoiling any major plot points. The trailer is used as an effective marketing tool by showcasing the film’s main characters, setting, and general premise. The best trailers are able to evoke excitement, tension, and even tears within a few short minutes of footage.
The trailer is also known for highlighting the film’s star-studded cast and teasing the audience with its action-packed, heart-racing, awe-inducing visuals. It’s important to note, however, that a trailer should remain focused on telling a riveting story and shouldn’t be confused with a film review or a synopsis of the movie.
The best trailers are able to captivate audiences in an exhilarating and entertaining two-minute rollercoaster ride of excitement, tragedy, love, loss, calm, and tension. They do this through a well-balanced use of music and visuals, a tight and engaging three-part story structure, and by bookending or intercutting scenes for maximum impact.
Whether it’s an action-packed blockbuster, a haunting thriller, or a hilarious comedy, the best trailers can make audiences feel like they have seen a mini-movie all by themselves. This is thanks to their dazzling, captivating visuals, show-stopping special effects, and heart-racing story, as well as the film’s star-studded and high-profile cast of actors, directors, producers, and writers.
As the digital age has evolved, so has the trailer. It’s now become one of the most powerful, cost-effective and successful tools in a studio’s arsenal. Studios can reach new audiences with YouTube trailers, release red-band trailers that aren’t allowed on television, and even develop extended campaigns of teasers and clip-based promotions that announce a film’s release.
In addition to promoting the film, a trailer is also a chance for filmmakers to showcase their skills and experiment with cutting-edge editing techniques. Using video editing software such as iMovie, Adobe Premiere, and Avid Media Composer, the possibilities are endless for creating a trailer that will sell a movie.
While some trailers have taken criticism for revealing too much of the plot, great trailers manage to balance the need to build character and entice viewers with a satisfying ending that doesn’t reveal the resolution. This has led to the creation of a unique genre of trailers, sometimes called recuts, that focus on specific scenes and characters from the film. Examples include recuts of Jaws, The Exorcist, and Die Hard.