A trailer is a wheeled vehicle that, when hitched to a car or truck, trails behind the vehicle that pulls it. People use trailers to transport property (such as furniture or appliances) and also to carry children on bicycles. Trailers are often towed on highways by semi-trucks and other large trucks. They are also used to haul construction materials and machinery in the transportation industry. A trailer can be mounted on a single axle or on a pair of axles. It may be equipped with living quarters, such as a bathroom and kitchen. A trailer that has been modified for human habitation is considered a recreational vehicle and is subject to additional requirements and restrictions.
A movie trailer is a short film preview that theaters play before the main feature. The trailer gives a glimpse of the storyline and helps to sell tickets. There are dozens of companies that specialize in creating movie trailers. In addition, many directors create their own trailers for their films. Some trailers have been criticized for misleading the audience or for presenting information about the film that is not accurate. For example, a trailer may advertise that a celebrity has a larger role in the film than he or she actually has. Some trailers also include footage that is not in the final film. This can be because the edited film does not exist yet, or because the director and trailer editor want to show different takes of certain scenes.
Many trailers follow a three-act structure similar to a full-length movie. The beginning lays out the premise of the story, while act two drives the action forward until the dramatic climax. The final act is usually a visual montage that reinforces the powerful and emotional moments in the film. The final scene is accompanied by an orchestral piece of music that serves as the movie’s signature theme song.
Some trailers are designed to carry oversized loads. These are called step deck or flatbed trailers. A step deck trailer has a raised front and lower rear sections. It is usually designed to carry oil rig modules, building sections, ship sections and heavy industrial equipment. These are sometimes pulled by ballast tractors. There are also self powered units known as SPMT that are used for oversized loads when they cannot be towed by an ordinary trailer.
Trailers for books are a poor fit, like attending a calculus convention to make jokes in rudimentary Italian about lawn care. Fortunately, the way in which publishers are now making them is improving. In the future, they should be shorter and more focused on driving the viewer to take an action, such as buying the book or signing up for a mailing list. They should also avoid using extended credits or black frames. These are common mistakes that can make a trailer seem unprofessional.