A trailer is a short video clip that gives audiences a taste of a film or TV show. It is used to promote and sell movie tickets or subscriptions to video on demand services. The film industry has embraced trailers as a powerful marketing tool for years, and they are a key element of the overall cinematic experience.
The best trailers are not only visually compelling, but they also tell a riveting story that grabs audiences. They should use a three-act structure, with an introduction of characters and setting, a heightening of conflict, and a climax. Trailers can also use music to set the tone, using dramatic orchestral pieces for thrillers and lighter pop songs for romantic comedies. The trailer may also feature sound effects to liven up scene transitions, and editing techniques such as quick cuts to show action or fading in and out of scenes.
Trailers are often categorized by genre, such as comedy, romance, drama, horror, or action. For example, an action film trailer will feature a lot of explosions and high energy scenes. A suspenseful or thriller-style movie trailer might feature shots of people looking lost or running away from something.
Many trailers also rely on the power of celebrity or star attraction to pique audience interest. Some use this technique by focusing on the cast of the movie, while others highlight the director, producer, or writers involved with the project. This kind of promotion is particularly effective if the actors or directors are well-known and have made other popular movies.
Other techniques that movie trailers use to sell their films include a clear plot setup, character introductions, and the use of a teaser or stinger at the end. Movie trailers that end with a resolution, cliffhanger, or stinger are meant to leave the viewer wanting more. They will be more likely to buy a ticket or subscribe to a service once they know what is coming next.
One final consideration when creating a movie trailer is that the scenes and actions must be believable for viewers to connect with them. If a trailer pushes the limits of credibility, it will quickly lose audience attention and cause them to doubt the authenticity of the full-length film.
A trailer can also serve as a call to action, prompting viewers to click the “like,” “share,” or “subscribe” buttons on social media platforms or video on demand services. This can be especially useful for online content creators, who can add screenshots of positive comments or interview testimonials to their trailers to boost their audience’s trust in their brand. In addition, including a strong call to action can help make a trailer stand out in search engines.