A trailer is a type of prefabricated home that can be towed to a new destination or used as temporary housing. It can also refer to a short segment of film at the end of a reel, designed for convenient insertion into a projector.
A movie trailer is a short promotional film that showcases key moments from a feature film. A trailer is usually presented prior to a full-length movie showing in theaters and is the most effective means of generating interest in a new release.
The first movie trailers were actually not films, but rather theatrical previews. Created by Broadway producer Nils Granlund in 1913, these short films were shown between screening rotations of feature films in theaters.
Today, a movie trailer is a combination of live action and animated sequences that are designed to entice audiences to see the full-length film when it opens. It is typically around a minute long and is edited to a synchronized soundtrack with music and minimal patches of dialogue.
The best trailers make the audience eager to experience the story and characters in a full-length cinematic presentation. To do so, they must elicit emotion by tapping into the viewer’s sense of anticipation, fear, or love, depending on the genre. The most effective trailers are a balance of action-packed scenes with emotional and dramatic moments.
Optimal trailer length falls in the range of two to 2.5 minutes. The use of editing techniques is crucial to the success of a trailer. The right pace and rhythm will keep the audience engaged throughout the trailer and leave them wanting to see the complete movie. A great trailer is like a dance that requires the correct pace and rhythm to be successful. The right music and sound design can make or break a trailer.
An effective trailer will also utilize a variety of visual elements, including special effects and editing techniques, to highlight the main themes of the film. It will also contain a cast run, which is a list of the primary actors that appear in the film. It will typically include their names and a brief bio about them. A studio production logo is also included near the beginning or end of a trailer.
When a trailer is screened for a test audience, the feedback will be used to tweak and improve the trailer. This process is a necessary part of the post-production process and ensures that the final product will reach its intended target audience.
A trailer is also a device for transporting equipment, livestock, supplies and machinery. There are many different types of trailers available, including dump trailers, pintle hook trailers and equipment trailers. Each trailer is designed to meet a specific need and is equipped with the appropriate features and functions for that purpose.
A trailer can also refer to a short blank segment of film at the end of a roll, designed for convenient inserting into a projector. It can also be used to describe a mobile or portable home that can be towed to secluded sites for camping, fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities.