The word trailer implies that they are seen before the movie, but the truth is they actually come after. Originally the movie trailer was seen at the end of the film, but when people started leaving after the film, the trailer was moved to before the feature.
The main purpose of the trailer is to generate interest in the movie and build an audience. In order to do this the trailer needs to show enough of the film that viewers are enticed to see it, but not so much that they are spoilered or misled about the movie.
To do this the trailer uses a number of tactics. It usually starts with a “cast run” (a list of the main actors) and then introduces some sort of action or other event that is occurring in the movie. This event then leads into the story – this is where the movie trailer’s true power lies.
A good trailer will also use voice over, if not text, to describe the basic plot of the movie. The voice over will often compare the new movie to other movies that have already been released in the same genre. This is a classic tactic as it plays to the audience’s familiarity with previous films in the same genre.
After the exposition is complete the trailer will start to ramp up, building tension until reaching its climax. The pace at which this occurs depends on the tone of the movie. For example, a horror movie will ramp up slowly, while a Michael Bay film will ramp up much faster, filling the screen with chaotic action.
Once the climax is reached, the trailer will then begin to wind down, preparing the viewer for the ending of the movie. Often this is done with slow music, and the sound effects are designed to give off a feeling of suspense. The movie is then usually capped off with the film’s logo and the final title screens.
One of the most difficult things about making a movie trailer is keeping it short while still covering all of the necessary information. Movie trailers are, in effect, miniature movies in their own right – they need to introduce the setting and characters, set up the basic plot line, and then give a taste of the key dramatic moment that will occur in the movie.
To do all of this in a minute or less can be incredibly difficult and requires a lot of skill and forethought. The best way to learn about trailers is to watch as many of them as you can, and then take notes. Look for scenes that tell the story well, and listen to the dialogue – how do they convey the movie’s plot without giving too much away? Also pay attention to the use of ethos, pathos and logos in each trailer. This is how you can learn to make your own movie trailers that will stand out from the rest.