A trailer is the Voyager spacecraft of a film, sending out the film’s message of art into the abyss of consumer culture. It has the power to promote, glorify, sell, ruin, spoil, or misrepresent a movie, so it’s important that each and every one be carefully crafted.

The art of trailers has evolved over the years, aided by technological innovations and shifting audience attitudes. Trailers are now used to promote films in a wide variety of media and formats, from mobile streaming apps to virtual reality. The trailer has also become an essential marketing tool for filmmakers, who use it to generate buzz and excitement for their films before they’re even released in theaters.

One of the most significant developments in trailers is their increased focus on story. Early trailers often divulged minimal plot details, relying on posed questions to pique the viewer’s curiosity. Modern trailers, on the other hand, typically provide a more in-depth glimpse of the film’s narrative, unveiling up to two-thirds of the plot arc. This approach is designed to foster empathy between viewers and the film’s characters, allowing audiences to see the world from the perspective of the characters themselves.

Ultimately, a trailer’s goal is to convey an emotional experience that will inspire the viewer to see the film in its entirety. In order to achieve this, it should introduce the key central characters and allow viewers to get a feel for their personalities and motivations. It should also set the scene by providing a sense of time and place, enabling the audience to understand the environment in which the story takes place. Finally, it should reveal the core conflict or tension of the film, thereby generating an anticipation that will lead to the viewer seeking out further information about its plot.

In addition to story, many modern trailers use visuals and music to promote a film’s cinematic qualities. This can be done through a series of still images, action-packed sequences, or a montage of powerful moments from the film. A cast run, which consists of a list of the principal actors in the film, is usually included at the end of a trailer, as well as a studio production logo.

In addition to promoting a film’s story and character, a successful trailer will also highlight what makes the film stand out from its competition. This could be a unique premise, memorable characters, catchy dialogue, cool set pieces or scenes, an infectious laugh, catchphrases, or beautiful visuals. Whatever it is that distinguishes your film, make sure to feature it in your trailer to attract and retain listeners.