A trailer is a small, mobile vehicle used to transport goods and cargo. It is usually driven by a tractor or motorized cart and has ramps at the back that allow it to be loaded and unloaded with ease. It may also have a lift for loading or unloading taller loads. There are many different types of trailers, and each one has a specific purpose. Some are designed to transport cars or other vehicles, while others are primarily used for moving furniture or other bulky items. Some trailers are made of steel, while others are made of aluminum or another lightweight material. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to understand how each one works before purchasing one.
There are many things that make a good trailer, but one of the most important is to have a clear focus. Too many modern trailers seem to be all over the place, trying to do too much in too little time. By scattershotly focusing on hyping up the stars, showing lots of cool visuals and explaining the film’s plot in detail, these trailers end up feeling cookie-cutter and boring.
A good trailer should tell a riveting story that gets the audience emotionally invested in the movie’s characters and setting. A great way to accomplish this is by following a three-act structure: the beginning should introduce the main characters and the setting; the middle should heighten conflict; and the end should feature a climax. A good trailer should also be well organized and easy to follow. This can be achieved by using a storyboard to help guide the editing process.
Many trailers have a “cold open” that grabs the audience’s attention with some dramatic, action or comedic scene that requires minimal context to understand. This is followed by a series of shots that give the viewer an idea of what’s to come in the film. It’s important to keep the viewer engaged throughout the trailer, but it is equally important not to give away too much of the plot.
A great trailer should be able to show the viewer who the main characters are and what their motivations are, without revealing too much of the plot. The trailer should also introduce some of the key conflicts and tensions that will be present in the film, and give the viewer an idea of how they will interact. This information should all be presented in an interesting and engaging manner, which is why it’s important to know your audience.
Trailers are often accompanied by a cast run and credit list, which lists the names of all the major actors in the film. This is usually displayed at the top of the trailer and appears on posters and other print publicity materials. Some trailers also include a production logo at the bottom of the screen. This is to encourage viewers to seek out the film when it’s released.