A trailer is a vehicle towed by another for transporting goods and materials. Unlike a truck, a trailer lacks an engine and is dependent on the towing vehicle for movement. It can be used for various purposes, including hauling heavy equipment and livestock. There are a wide variety of trailers on the market, each designed with unique features and purposes in mind. When selecting a trailer, buyers should consider several factors, such as load capacity, towing options, and customization potential.
A movie trailer, also known as a theatrical trailer or a coming attraction video, is a short advertisement for a feature film. It is generally shown in theaters and cinemas before the main feature film, allowing audiences to get an idea of what the movie will be like. The trailer often includes a voice-over narration that briefly sets up the plot and provides explanation when necessary. It can also include musical selections from the score of the feature film or other films, and may use soundtrack cliches for comic effect.
Some trailers contain scenes that are not in the final film. This can be done either by accident or on purpose. For example, some classic Hollywood trailers featured dialogue that was not actually spoken in the film (e.g. “OK, you asked for it!” in the trailer for Casablanca). Trailers that include material that is not in the finished film are coveted by collectors, as they provide an unusual glimpse into the history of the art form.
The earliest film trailers were simply printed on the trailing portion of a feature film’s print stock, and were intended to inform audiences of what they could see at a given venue in a week or so. As the popularity of movies grew, more trailers were created. Some of them were even given names, such as The Cimarron Group and MOJO.
Currently, there are dozens of companies that specialize in the creation of film trailers. They may be located in large cities such as Los Angeles and New York, or they may work independently or in collaboration with the film studios. Often, trailers are edited from dailies, which are basically raw footage from the actual filming. These trailers are sometimes criticized for their misleading representations of the film. For example, they might give the impression that a celebrity who has only a small role is one of the film’s principal stars.
Car haulers are a type of trailer that specializes in transporting vehicles, from family cars to classic automobiles. These trailers usually have ramps that allow vehicles to roll onto them and a flat bed that allows for storage. They are often used by automotive dealers, auto manufacturers, and individual car enthusiasts. These trailers typically have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, depending on usage and upkeep. They can weigh between 1,500 lbs and 8,000 lbs, based on the design of the trailer. Some have been designed to be towed by smaller pickup trucks, while others are larger and require larger vehicles for towing.