How to Plan a Trailer

Planning a Trailer

• Trailers use Long shots at the start to establish character and setting.
• Fades to black that suggest shifts in time.
• Transitions/cuts with by booming SFX build tension.
• Transition screens place significant text on screen, images and shots before/after should echo the text.
• Short shots and quick cuts of some of the most exciting moments from the film, the ‘events’ that lead to resolution but not necessarily in chronological order.
• Resolution should be left out, viewers left guessing.
• Music should build to a crescendo.
• Sudden moments of quiet and silence will have impact on mood and pace.
• The voiceover and text on screen will most likely feature the film’s USP, its unique selling point.
• The USP is anything that would make people want to see your film over any other films currently released. This could be at the beginning or end of your trailer.

          Award screens may be put before the trailer or after the title.