Movie Trailers

1.      Watch lots of movie trailers and take notes. The best trailers pull the viewer into the movie's plot and characters without giving away too much.

2.      Decide what the plot of your movie is and build your trailer storyboard based on that.

3.      Sketch a storyboard and T-Script for your trailer. If you're clear with your concept at the outset, it'll save you time and frustration at the computer later.

4.      Master the use of popular editing software like Sony Vegas or Avid Media Composer. These software packages contain storyboard, trimming and title functions, and provide access to quick and easy frame transitions. They'll provide most of the visual and audio functions an independent filmmaker needs. 

5.      Decide what footage you want to use.  Only the best scenes should be used to combine a two minute trailer.

6.      Decide what music you want to use. This does not have to be music from the video but should pertain to the feel and style of the movie. You may want to consider the music that was used in a movie similar to yours.

7.      Be sure to tell when the movie comes out and show what it is about.

Tips:

• The initial sound of the trailer should tell the audience what type of movie it is. 

   For example: 

Drum hit = bring your friends

Bell/light hit = bring your date

Crescendo/rising hit = bring your pillow

• No sound; Nothing; Mute. The effect, oddly enough, is that it gives the impression of     loudness and therefore by removing the sound altogether the impact is greater.

• Motion graphics are good but remember that most people want to be a told a story so if it is lengthy, use voice-overs

• Quick cuts…..http://youtu.be/vDp-08uNH0Y

• Using epileptic cuts (to black) with sounds effects or sporadic moments can have a dramatic effect.