A trailer is a container on wheels that is pulled by a vehicle. It is used to transport freight. Trailers can be of different types and sizes, but are generally large enough to carry a vehicle or a bulky object. Trailers are commonly used to transport vehicles, but can also be used to transport boats and other cargo. They are used in the construction industry, shipping and the military. The term trailer is often used to refer to the trailer of a film, but it can be applied to any type of moving container.
Movie trailers are short commercial advertisements for films that are to be released in a theater or cinema. These are usually shown before the main feature film at a movie theater or cinema, but they can also be broadcast on TV or online. The trailer is the first contact that a potential audience member has with a film, and it is important that the filmmakers create a powerful and memorable impression in the brief time available.
There are many companies that specialize in the creation of movie trailers. They may be created by an agency (such as The Cimarron Group, MOJO, The Ant Farm, Ben Cain, Aspect Ratio, Flyer Entertainment or Buddha Jones), or they may be produced in-house at a film studio. In the latter case, the trailer editor may work from rushes or dailies that have been edited together to form the final trailer, or they may edit a new version of a scene or shot from the actual film for use in the trailer.
Film trailers are typically structured with a three-act structure similar to that of the film they are promoting. They start with a cold open that introduces the premise of the story, followed by an action-packed middle and a dramatic climax. The trailer is then wrapped up with a visual montage of key moments from the film, a cast run and often a recognizable piece of music or “signature” song.
Creating a strong trailer is a complex task, and a number of factors must be taken into consideration to make it successful. One of the most important is to not give away too much of the plot. This can detract from the overall viewing experience and make people not want to go out and see the full film when it is released.
Another key factor is to include plenty of high energy shots. This is particularly important if the film is a drama, as this will help to grab the audience’s attention and keep them interested throughout the trailer. A good way to achieve this is to include action-packed scenes or key moments from the character’s lives.
If the film is about Henry VIII, for example, you could include scenes where he interacts with his wives and court members, or even the Pope! Finally, it is a good idea to add end cards to the trailer that list the film crew credits. This will help to ensure that the trailer is given proper credit for all the hard work it has involved in the creation process.