A trailer is a wheeled vehicle that can’t move on its own and trails behind the vehicle that pulls it. The word is also used to describe the previews that theaters show before a movie, and a video trailer can be used to promote a film, television program, or product. The trailer is an essential tool for the filmmaker and can help the producer market their work to potential audiences. A well-made trailer can generate buzz about a project and lead to financing for the final production.
Whether you’re pitching a feature-length film or a short-form documentary, a great trailer will set the tone for the project. It will hook viewers and entice them to watch the full version. A trailer can help to explain the story of a film, show its most compelling scenes, and create an emotional connection with the audience.
To create a trailer, you’ll need to decide what kind of visuals to use and create an outline for the script. You may also want to include text elements and a soundtrack. If you aren’t a skilled videographer, you can hire a professional editor from Upwork to help you edit your video and make it more engaging.
After you’ve chosen the visuals for your trailer, it’s time to start editing. You can use free or paid video editing software to put your trailer together, but you should always test a variety of software tools to find one that works best for your needs. Some of the best video editors for beginners offer simple, intuitive interfaces, while others are more sophisticated and have advanced features for aficionados.
The first scene of a trailer will often introduce the characters and establish the setting, setting up your story’s world. Then, you’ll want to create tension or conflict by introducing obstacles and a tease of the final resolution. You can do this by establishing the problem or conflict in your movie or documentary and then showing how you plan to resolve it.
The best trailers end with a call to action that encourages viewers to purchase your film, see more of your television series, or sign up for your mailing list. The call to action should be direct and enticing, as long as it doesn’t violate the copyright laws of the country in which your video is being broadcast. In addition, a good call to action is short, so it doesn’t interrupt the flow of the trailer.