A trailer is a short film that previews the plot, characters and setting of a feature film. Typically, it also contains music and sound effects that help set the tone for the movie. It is an effective way to grab viewer attention and encourage them to see the film. Creating a good trailer is an art form that can be difficult, but there are several tricks and tips that can help.
Begin by watching trailers of other movies and taking notes on which ones you like best. It’s important to study how they are put together and what makes them so compelling. This can be helpful when you’re making your own trailer because you may notice that certain clips don’t play well together or have the wrong feel.
If you can’t afford to hire a composer to score your trailer, consider using free online resources that will give you a range of sounds to choose from and then layer them into the soundtrack. This can create a more complete, immersive experience for the viewer and really help them feel in sync with the action. The use of music is particularly important because it tells the audience how they should feel, and can be used to increase suspense or emotion in particular scenes.
Depending on the genre of the movie, there are usually specific elements that should be included in the trailer. For example, if you’re making a sci-fi film, it is likely that you will want to include shots of spaceships and other futuristic technology. In addition, it’s important to include a climax and resolution in the trailer that leaves viewers wanting more.
Another key component of a trailer is the inclusion of character dialogue. It’s an efficient way to establish the main characters and their relationships while adding a sense of realism and depth to the film. It’s also an excellent way to build empathy with the audience and make them curious about how the main conflict will be resolved.
The use of a voice-over is also helpful to add a level of narration that can help explain the film’s main themes and ideas without giving away any spoilers. It can be particularly effective when paired with a dramatic or evocative musical score.
At the end of the trailer, it is also a good idea to include credits and legal information. These typically include the studio, production company, director, starring actors, and any other major contributors to the film.
Lastly, almost all movie trailers end with a brief credit page that provides viewers with contact information for more information about the film. This is important because the Writer’s Guild of America has a strict system in place for assigning credits and people who played a major role in a film must be listed in order to receive royalties from the film’s sales. Including this information at the end of the trailer ensures that the film will be properly credited and promoted.