A trailer is an edited clip from a film or television show that promotes the release of the full-length production. The process of making a trailer can be difficult as it involves creating an exciting story that must be condensed into just a few minutes. It is also important to keep in mind that the same storytelling elements that engage audiences in films and TV shows must be used to create a successful trailer.
In the world of trailers, there are many different styles to choose from. Some are short and fast-paced while others are longer and more dramatic. Whatever style is chosen, it is important to remember that the purpose of a trailer is to generate interest in the film and sell tickets. This can be done by establishing characters, setting up the central conflict of the film and ending on a cliffhanger that makes viewers want to see the final product.
The best way to start a trailer is with a strong, high-energy scene that grabs the audience’s attention. This often happens after the title and logos have been shown, and it is typically accompanied by a piece of production music that gives off a serious vibe. This type of music is usually easy to match with the visuals and dialogue, and it can help to build suspense for the upcoming scenes in the trailer.
During the editing process, it is important to pay close attention to the sound effects and music. This is because the layered combination of these sounds can really make or break a trailer. For example, if there is a lot of percussion in the background music, then it is important to have a few quiet moments where the music and sounds fade out to give the viewer time to think.
The title and tagline of a trailer are also very important. A well-written, catchy tagline can set the tone for a whole trailer and make it more memorable. This is why it is so important to spend a long time working on the tagline of a trailer before the rest of the footage is shot.
It is also important to avoid giving away too much information in a trailer. This is because it can ruin the surprise of the film when the audience goes to see it. The best way to avoid this is by putting a lot of emphasis on the character’s relationships and using hints about what may happen in the movie instead of telling the entire plot upfront.
Another important aspect of trailer editing is having a variety of shots that can be used to create a dynamic trailer. For example, if you are making a documentary about a real-life event, then it is important to get subjects who will be willing to go on location and shoot some action shots as well as some more relaxed and conversational footage.
Also, it is important to be aware of the fact that a trailer will always be seen in conjunction with other trailers for the same film. Therefore, it is important to avoid using stock footage in a trailer because this can cause the viewer to lose interest.