A trailer is a container on wheels pulled by a vehicle used to transport large or heavy cargo. These trailers are available in a variety of sizes and capacities, so businesses can find the right one for their needs. Trailers can also be fitted with electrical components for convenience and safety.
A good trailer can convey the premise of a film, introduce its characters and provide viewers with an idea of what to expect when they go to see it in the cinema. However, like any other piece of advertising it is subject to some creative license. The use of sound effects in particular can be very effective in evoking the tone and feel of a film. For example, the original trailer for Alien (1979) uses no dialogue and relies on terrifying sound effects to evoke a sense of dread in the viewer. Similarly, the teaser for Godzilla (2014) relies on ominous risers and thunderous music to get audiences excited about its monster-infested world.
There are many different techniques used to build tension in a trailer, and one of the most important is establishing character relationships. This can be achieved through well-written dialogue and enticing visuals. In addition, the trailer can often rely on strong performances from its cast to draw audiences in and create an emotional connection with its content.
One of the most common pitfalls of trailers is giving a misleading impression of the film itself. This can be done by implying that a celebrity who has only a small part in the movie is one of its main stars, or by claiming that the film is more action-packed than it actually is. It is important for the studios behind a film to be realistic in its marketing and not to oversell the product in order to ensure that it will turn a profit at the box office.
It is also common for trailers to include footage from the film itself that is not featured in its final cut. This could be a result of an artistic choice or simply because the edited film does not yet exist at this stage, and trailer editors are working with rushes or dailies instead. One of the most famous examples is Alfred Hitchcock’s trailer for Psycho, which features him walking viewers through the notorious shower scene in the Bates Motel before revealing Vera Miles’ blood-curdling scream.
Lastly, trailers can also feature a cast run, which is a list of the key members who appear in the movie. This can be especially effective if there are notable actors or directors who might help sell the film.
Trailers have always been an essential tool in the marketing of a film, and they remain a popular way for audiences to find out what’s coming up at their local cinema. With so much competition for audiences’ attention, the trailer is an invaluable piece of film marketing, and it is crucial to understand how to make it work for you.