A trailer is a short promo for a film or other media that entices viewers to see the full product. It is typically released early in the film’s marketing campaign to generate buzz and increase ticket sales. Trailers must walk a fine line between providing enough information to generate interest and spoiling key plot points, and filmmakers and marketers strive to create a balance that will maximize the impact of the trailer.
The first step in making a trailer is gathering the right footage. For a movie trailer, this means choosing the most exciting, emotional, and engaging scenes from your film. A good trailer will tell a story that catches the audience’s attention and leaves them wanting more. To do this, you’ll need to choose a main character and idea, set up the conflict or complications, and then build toward the climax.
In addition to the visuals, a trailer also relies on sound effects and music to communicate information about the film. For example, distant sounds of battle can tell audiences that a trailer is for a war film, and ambient futuristic noises can suggest science fiction. Trailers that are well edited will flow together seamlessly and will effectively use sound effects to tell a story.
Once you’ve chosen the footage, you’ll need to start editing your trailer. For a film trailer, you’ll want to keep it short and sweet at around two minutes long. If you need to make it longer, try experimenting with different editing techniques such as bookending and intercutting your trailer.
The final step is adding in the finishing touches. A great trailer will have a title that grabs the viewer’s attention, and you’ll want to add music that matches the tone of your trailer. Once you’re finished, you’ll need to upload your trailer online and distribute it.
While making a trailer can seem like an intimidating task, it is easier than you might think. The most important thing is to understand the genre you’re working in and the conventions that are typical of that genre. Once you have a grasp of these, then you can focus on bringing your own creativity to the project.
The best way to learn about how to make a trailer is to watch as many trailers as you can. Take note of which ones you like and don’t like, and try to understand why you feel that way. The more you watch and study trailers, the better you’ll be able to create your own and make a trailer that will hook audiences and increase your chances of getting your film financed. Good luck!