A trailer is a small vehicle, often used to carry equipment. It may be pulled by a truck or other larger vehicles, and may be equipped with a ramp to allow the loading of cargo such as cars or furniture. A trailer can also be used to move boats or caravans. It is not to be confused with a lorry, which has a much wider load carrying capacity and is typically used to transport large goods, such as machines or vehicles.
Movie trailers have become one of the most influential parts of film marketing and have come to be considered a creative form of storytelling in their own right. They are highly condensed versions of a feature film and must convey the story, key characters, setting and theme in a few short minutes.
In addition, the trailer needs to grab attention and make viewers want to see the full film. This is done by establishing genre, often using visuals to set a tone and through the use of voiceover or text to promote the film and draw audiences in. A trailer can also be a useful tool to explore fiction genres and narrative structure and by utilising the techniques of editing to excite, entertain and tease an audience.
Typically, the story of a film is told through a three act plot structure. Act 1 is usually character driven and sets a tone through the introduction of main characters. Act 2 introduces conflict in the plot and creates a sense of uncertainty, while Act 3 provides the audience with the film’s most dramatic scenes.
Because trailers are so short, it is important to utilise the tools of storytelling effectively to hook an audience and keep them interested. Whether it is through the use of narration, dialogue, music or sound effects, the audience must be constantly engaged and able to connect with the plot and characters.
The use of nonconsecutive footage is a common editing technique in trailers and helps to build tension and suspense. It is important that the editing doesn’t confuse the viewer with too many different elements and this can be achieved by following a storyboard or similar planning method.
With the advent of YouTube, trailers have become even more crucial to studios’ marketing strategies and have created a new sandbox for editors to play in. This is evident in the number of recut trailers that have been uploaded to the site, including hilarious spoofs and interesting reimaginings of famous movies such as Mary Poppins, The Shining and Jaws.
As a class watch a variety of age appropriate trailers and discuss how the characters, settings and plots are established. Using the film trailers as examples, compare and contrast the effectiveness of editing techniques in creating tension, excitement and comedy in films of all genres. Focus on the use of camera angles, sound, music and light to highlight and entice an audience to watch the full film.