A trailer (also known as a movie preview, coming attraction or attraction video) is an excerpt from a feature film used to advertise and promote it. It has also been used for television shows, video games, books, theatrical events and concerts. Many of these trailers are considered works of art in their own right, and the best are able to capture the essence of a film in only a few minutes. Some of them have even become cultural touchstones, transcending their promotional purpose to gain a following as independent films in their own right.
A good trailer must be able to create the right atmosphere, convey the story and make viewers excited about the film without spoiling it. The key is to use the best scenes from the film and edit them in a way that creates the most impact. The music and the visual effects are also very important. A good trailer will always be visually interesting and enticing to the audience.
DS: Typically you’ll be given free rein for the first version of a trailer, but once it’s shown to the client, that’s when notes start rolling in and you have to figure out how to incorporate them into the trailer while still maintaining the integrity of the film. It can mean changing the music, reworking an entire section or trying something completely different. It’s a bit of a puzzle and it takes a lot of trial and error to figure out how to piece the trailer together.
The best trailers tell a complete story in miniature and are often a masterclass in building suspense. Ridley Scott’s “Alien” trailer is a perfect example of this; by never fully revealing the xenomorph, it allows audiences’ imaginations to run wild and generates unbridled anticipation. This approach can work particularly well for horror and thriller movies.
Some of the most memorable film trailers use a narrator to build tension and excitement throughout the trailer. This is a great way to get the audience interested in the film and is especially useful when there are many action-packed scenes. If you choose to use a narrator, make sure they are a professional and have experience working on similar projects to yours.
It’s also important to keep in mind that more and more people are viewing trailers on mobile devices. Make sure that your trailer is optimized for mobile viewing so that it doesn’t lose any of its impact.
A pedigree card is a great way to show the names of the cast and crew members involved in making your movie. You can also use it to highlight the name of your director. It is important to include a pedigree card at the end of your trailer. It’s a great way to show that you are proud of your hard work and encourage the viewer to see the full film. This can help you generate more hype for your film and increase ticket sales.