A trailer is a non-powered vehicle that attaches to the hitch of another vehicle like a car or truck and is used to haul equipment or cargo. A trailer can be a flat-bed open-air trailer, an enclosed trailer with shelves and doors, or a specialty trailer for equipment like an ATV or snowmobile.
Movie trailers are short promo videos that play before a film to introduce viewers to the plot and characters. The best movie trailers tell an engaging story with only a few shots and make you want to see the full film. The most popular way to create a movie trailer is using the free software program iMovie, but there are also many other programs available, including Adobe Premiere and Avid Media Composer. Whichever editing tool you choose, it’s important to have a clear plan for your trailer before you start working. A simple shot-for-shot storyboard will help you stay on track and ensure that your trailer is effective.
The first step in creating a movie trailer is to determine the basic plot of your film and what type of conflict will be central to it. Then you can choose what scenes from the film will be most effective in your trailer. Ideally, you should avoid giving away the entire plot of your film in the trailer. The best trailers will give you a sense of what the film is about, but leave you wondering how the characters will overcome the conflict.
Once you have a general idea of the plot of your movie, it’s time to write a script. The most important part of your trailer script is the hook, which is a brief synopsis that sums up the plot and tone of your film. It’s also important to include a few key moments from the movie that you want your audience to experience. This will increase the likelihood of your audience booking tickets to see your film.
Many trailers are created with voice-over narration or text cards to add context to the footage on screen. However, these elements can quickly become distracting and feel run-of-the-mill if overused. Depending on the situation, it may be better to let your footage speak for itself.
Choosing the right music for your trailer is important. Music can influence how a viewer perceives your visuals and can add an emotional punch to your trailer. It’s important to find tracks that match the tone of your film, but don’t be afraid to experiment if you feel inspired.
Nearly all movie trailers end with a quick credits page that displays information about the cast, crew, and production company responsible for making the film. Some movie-related guilds and unions have strict rules about how credits are displayed in a trailer, so it’s important to be familiar with these guidelines before you create your own. Generally, only major roles are included on the credit list, like the director, executive producer, and starring actors. However, sometimes trailers will display minor credits as well, such as cameramen and sound mixers.