Buzz
A movie trailer is a unique form of artistic expression, distinct from the film it promotes. Exceptional trailers offer glimpses of the full movie while maintaining intrigue, building anticipation, and providing audiences with a tantalizing preview of the final product that leaves them yearning for more. Creating the perfect movie trailer is a challenging endeavor, requiring meticulous planning, unwavering dedication, and a distinct set of skills that differ slightly from those needed for making a full-length feature film.
Steps
Structuring a Basic Trailer
Commence with succinct screens showcasing production company details. Recall the last movie trailer you watched—unless it was for a low-budget independent film, it likely began not with footage from the movie itself, but with brief screens displaying the logos of the studio, production company, or distributor involved. While fleeting, these visuals are significant—the individuals behind the film deserve recognition for their investment of time and resources, so it's essential not to overlook them.
- However, you need not necessarily wait for these screens to finish displaying before introducing your audience to the essence of your film. In fact, many trailers utilize these initial moments to play music that sets the trailer's mood (further details below) and/or incorporate audio dialogues from the film.
- It's worth noting that, on rare occasions, the standard logos of the studio or production company are creatively altered to align with the trailer's tone. For instance, the original trailer for Office Space (1999) modifies the iconic 'gold-text-and-spotlights' 20th Century Fox logo by presenting it as if it were printed from an office Xerox machine.
Setting the Tone, Genre, and Protagonist
Introducing the Core Conflict
Hint at the Film's Progression Without Spoiling
Convey the Film's Core Message
Conclude with a Memorable Line or Image
Include Credits and Legal Information at the End
Enhancing Your Trailer's Impact
Opt for High-Quality Equipment
Plan Your Trailer with Storyboarding
Maintain Dynamic Editing or Enlist an Experienced Editor
Select Music and Sounds Aligned with the Trailer's Mood
Consider Incorporating Voiceover or Text Cards
Trim Your Trailer to Approximately Two and a Half Minutes
Expanding Your Horizons
Embrace Creativity and Challenge Conventional Trailer Norms
Engage in the Ongoing Discourse on Trailer-Making
Draw Inspiration from Trailblazing Trailer Creations
Valuable Insights
Useful Reminders
