A trailer is a container on wheels designed to be pulled by an automobile, truck, or tractor (sense 2) and used to carry cargo, people, or equipment. It may also be equipped as a living quarters.
The film trailer is an integral part of a movie marketing campaign. It is a short promotional film that is usually shown before the feature, and it often features clips from the film along with music and voiceovers. Filmmakers have long embraced the trailer to generate interest in their movies, and in recent years it has become an art form in its own right.
Trailers are usually created well in advance of the release date of the film, and they are often cut by different editors than the editor who has worked on the actual film. This allows for a greater creative freedom in trailers, and it is not uncommon for a trailer to contain shots that are not in the movie itself, or to use music that will not appear on the film’s soundtrack.
As the industry has exploded, trailers have become highly polished and able to present even poorly made films in an attractive light. As a result, many companies have emerged to specialize in the creation of film trailers, and there are now hundreds of them operating worldwide.
Some of the largest trailer houses are based in Los Angeles and New York City, while others operate across the country. These companies typically employ a number of editors, each working on the trailers for the studios they represent. The company will typically send the edited trailer to the film’s distributor, who will then use it to promote the movie.
Because the trailer is typically created from dailies and rushes, it may contain footage that will not be seen in the final film. It is also not unusual for the trailer editor to work with a composer who will not be hired for the score of the movie, and as a result the trailer may include songs that do not appear on the film’s soundtrack.
Whether the trailer is created by a large, multi-national corporation or by a small, independent production house, it must be able to convey the main themes and characters of the movie while maintaining its own distinct style. This is particularly important in international markets where the language and culture of the audience may be unfamiliar with the movie’s subject matter.
A successful trailer can draw audiences into a film that they might otherwise not see, and it can help create a cult following for a movie. As the industry continues to evolve, it is likely that the trailer will continue to be an essential tool for film marketers. Using MediaSilo for your post-production workflows ensures easy management of your project files, seamless collaboration for critical feedback, and out-of-the-box synchronization with your timeline for efficient changes. Get started today with a free trial.