A trailer is a short clip of footage that is used to promote a film, television show or game. It is typically used to catch the audience’s attention and draw them into the full experience. Creating a trailer is no easy feat, as it must be able to convey the essence of the movie or show in a very small amount of time and capture the audience’s imagination. While there are many tools available to help filmmakers create their trailer, the fundamental principles remain the same.
Movie trailers are effectively miniature movies in their own right. They must provide a basic plot line, establish the characters and their motivations, and entice audiences to see the film. This is not an easy task, but well-executed trailers can be incredibly effective at generating buzz for films that may not have the same budget as blockbusters.
Inception is a film that is often used as an example of how to effectively use the movie trailer as a tool for promotion. The original trailer for the film is widely considered to be one of the best examples of this, as it uses a number of key elements that are now commonplace in film trailers. These include a strong cast run and the use of signature music to accentuate the action on screen. The use of a dramatic orchestral piece for the trailer was particularly effective, as it elevated each shot and added dramatic weight to the images being shown.
The cast run is a common element of movie trailers, and it usually includes a list of the main characters and their names. This is especially important if there are any well-known stars that will help the film generate buzz. It is also common to include a studio production logo at the beginning of the trailer, as this will often appear on posters and in print advertisements for the film.
When it comes to the story itself, most trailers follow a basic three act structure. They begin with a summing up of the premise and characters, then introduce conflict or complications to drive the story forward, and finally tease the ending. This is a tried-and-true formula that has worked for thousands of years and still does today.
A good trailer will leave the audience clamoring for more. This can be achieved in a variety of ways, including building tension with cliffhangers or by providing a surprising twist. It is also important to note that this doesn’t just apply to movies – trailers for television shows and games can be just as effective in building curiosity and interest.
For example, if you’re producing a documentary trailer about a real-life event that has occurred, get your subject to do a walkthrough of the actual location at which it happened. This will not only give the audience a glimpse of what to expect, but it will also help you pick up some excellent establishing and cutaway shots for your trailer.