A trailer is a container on wheels pulled by another vehicle used to transport large or heavy cargo. Trailers vary in size, design and function and serve a variety of industries.
In the decades since film marketing became a huge industry, trailers have become highly polished pieces of advertising able to present even poor movies in an attractive light. The trailer is often the first impression a prospective audience member has of the film and can influence their decision to see it in the theater or at home.
Many of today’s trailers are made at specialized companies, often in Los Angeles or New York City, that specialize in the creation of film trailers. These companies may work from a rough cut of the film or simply dailies, raw footage that has not been edited. Because of this, a trailer may contain shots that are not in the final film or use different takes of a shot than what will be in the movie.
The main goal of a trailer is to create an overview of the film that will generate interest and curiosity. This is usually achieved by including a few key scenes from the film, providing some context for the story and characters. In addition, the trailer usually contains a mix of dramatic and action music that is designed to make the viewer excited about the film.
A trailer may also be used to promote a television show, video game or book. For example, a trailer for a television show might include a short clip from the episode that is being promoted. A book trailer might feature a few pages of text from the book and an image of the author.
Some trailers also feature “special shoot” footage that is created specifically for the purpose of the trailer but does not appear in the film itself. For example, the trailer for the movie Terminator 2: Judgment Day included an elaborate special effects scene of the T-800 terminator being assembled that was not in the film itself. This technique is sometimes used for a specific character, as in the case of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960s horror classic Psycho, where the trailer features a shot of Vera Miles in the shower scream that does not appear in the film when she opens the door to look out.
There are a number of trailers that are specifically used for the transportation of vehicles. Car haulers, which are also known as auto trailers, are essential in the automotive industry and are used by manufacturers, dealers and individual car enthusiasts. These trailers typically last for about 15 to 30 years, varying depending on usage and maintenance.
Another kind of trailer is a livestock or stock trailer, which are used to transport farm animals such as cows, pigs and sheep. These trailers are usually designed for long distance travel and must be towed by a truck. A livestock trailer can be made from steel, aluminum or other materials. An aluminum trailer tends to be the most durable, as it is resistant to corrosion and rust.