A trailer is a short video clip that shows the action, setting and characters of a film. It is usually displayed before a movie in a theater or cinema. It is also used to promote a movie online and on television.
A successful trailer needs to grab the audience’s attention and make them want to see the full-length version. This can be done through a combination of voice-over, on-screen titles and music. In addition, the visuals of a trailer need to be well matched with the story and tone of the film.
Many movie trailers start with a voice-over line that sets the tone for the film, like “In a world… where nothing is certain.” This is an effective way to introduce the viewer to the story.
The next step is to show off the most memorable scenes from the film, but without spoiling the plot. This can be tricky. Generally it works best to have a combination of visually dazzling scenes and emotionally captivating moments.
It’s also important to establish the characters early on, so that the viewer will be invested in them. For example, a drama might show scenes where the main character struggles with their past or relationships. On the other hand, a comedy may show humorous scenes that highlight the main character’s quirkiness.
Lastly, it is crucial to have some kind of action in the trailer. This can be as simple as a shot of someone running or a car crash. It could also be something more elaborate, such as a shot of people fighting in an abandoned factory.
To create a trailer, it is necessary to have the right equipment and staff. This can be a costly endeavor, especially for live-action pieces. Whether it is a drama or an animated project, there are many moving parts that need to be coordinated.
A trailer can be a great way to get the word out about a film, but it’s important to remember that it will not guarantee success at the box office. Many movies go under because their trailers don’t give a good enough idea of what the film is about. The best way to market a film is to advertise it through traditional channels such as TV and radio ads, as well as by using social media sites like Twitter and Facebook.
Nick Willoughby is the co-creator of the educational programs Filmmaking For Kids and Film Future. He is a filmmaker and writer who is passionate about the power of storytelling and video as a medium for learning. He currently serves as the Head of Production for 7 Stream Media in London, England.
He can be reached at [email protected]. You can find his work on YouTube, Vimeo and 7 Stream Media’s websites. He also hosts the Podcast, “The Filmmaking Forum” on iTunes and Stitcher. He is a contributor to several websites including Filmmaker Magazine, MovieMaker and The Huffington Post. He is also a regular on the BBC’s Radio 4 programme, The Big Questions.