A trailer is a short film that gives audiences an idea of what a film is about and what to expect. It often includes a scene or series of scenes that show different aspects of the film and can be a useful tool for film makers on any budget level to create. The best trailers will make viewers want to see the full movie, whether that is because of the story or because of how it has been presented in the trailer.
The length of a trailer can vary from 20 to 30 seconds for television trailers to two and a half minutes or more for theatrical trailers shown before a feature film is screened. The trailer may be a single shot with a simple title or a series of shots from the film interlinked by a voice over or music. The trailer is usually edited from the finished film and may contain footage that was not in the final edit of the movie or alternative takes for some key scenes.
A great trailer will set the scene for the film – the plot, characters, conflict and resolutions. It will also introduce any underlying themes the film might have. The most important thing to remember when creating a trailer is that it will be the first introduction the audience will have to your film so it needs to make a good impression.
Using high energy shots at the beginning of your trailer will help to grab audiences attention and get them hooked. The middle of the trailer should build up to a cliffhanger to keep the audience interested and wanting to see more. If your film has a big cast of known actors then consider using them in the trailer – this will give a greater sense of scale and importance to the film.
The end of the trailer should leave a lasting impact on the viewer – this is where they will make up their minds about whether to go and see the film or not. You could use a dramatic or exciting shot or a scene from the film that has a strong emotional impact on the viewer to create this impact. The trailer doesn’t have to be as linear as the film – in fact it can be better if it isn’t and this allows the film maker more freedom with their shots. A famous example of this was Alfred Hitchcock’s shower scene in Psycho – the trailer was filmed before the final film and so Hitchcock was able to include the scene where Vera Miles screams in the shower. This created a huge impact on the audience and made the trailer stand out from other films. This type of shot is now a staple of many modern film trailers.