Characteristics of the Best Movie Trailers
Your documentary is finally complete. You have unique information, an insightful story and authentic content to base all of your claims on. All of the hard work paid off and you created a visual masterpiece. Having a suitable trailer to accompany your film will be the final step of the process.
Great film trailers are characterized by several key features. Knowing how to capture the interest of the audience in just a few seconds will depends on your understanding of these elements.
Set Up the Basic Premise
Good film trailers introduce the story and give the audience a general idea about what the documentary is all about.
The trailer should have logical flow and structure. Start with a brief intro and move on from there. Just like every good story, the trailer should build up until it reaches a peak point. Think about the essence of your film and try to capture that in less than two minutes.
Give a Few Details
Some of the best film trailers give viewers interesting details. Rather than revealing all of the essential information, they hint about the most exciting parts.
Leave something to the imagination. Let the audience wonder. If people have questions after viewing trailers, they will be willing to explore the films, as well. Tickle the curiosity a little bit and let the trailer do its magic.
Music and Effects Matter
If you are serious about your film trailers, you will have to work on professional execution. All elements will play a role, so you should leave nothing to chance. Professionalism is crucial for documentaries since the audience will be turned off by amateur mistakes.
Do you have music accompanying the trailer? Or maybe you rely on sound effects? Whichever possibility you choose, make sure that it sets the tone and creates the atmosphere you were looking for.
Use special effects only if they contribute to the meaningfulness of your trailer. The content should speak for itself. If you have to rely on filters and additional thrills to accomplish your goals, you have probably done a mediocre job in terms of storytelling.
Visual storytelling is a really exciting opportunity. Creating your own film will enable you to explore the depth of a story in a way you would have probably considered impossible in the past. Take some time to design the perfect trailer. It should be personalized, fun, unexpected and beautiful to look at. All of these characteristics will help get the audience excited and eager to learn more.
Black Farmers & Their Land Documentary Trailer from Leonard Smith III on Vimeo.
St. Raymond & St. Leo The Great Parish Celebrating 5 Years Trailer from Leonard Smith III on Vimeo.