How to make video trailers for films as well as events

If the lights in the theater start to fade, you know... it's time for the trailers.

What is a film trailer? The trailer is a crucial part of marketing your video. It's your first impression, an introduction, not only to the specific topic the trailer will be focusing on, but also to the makers or filmmakers. Yes, it's an advertisement and all, there's an art of making a video which is often overlooked.

However, there are typical trailer mistakes you need to be sure to avoid, and some best techniques -- or the main components of a great film trailer, if you're planning to that will allow you to connect your film's trailer in confidence.

Seven timeless most effective ways to design a trailer that captivates audiences without giving away too many details.

 Learn from the experts

Although you may be flying on your own in the making of your film it's not all you're doing. You're surrounded by the knowledge and knowledge of fellow directors, filmmakers, writers and other creators who've gone through the same process before.

Take a look at our conversation with creatives and filmmakers as they trace their own experiences in short films to their success today in the world of television. Learn about the perspectives of professionals like:

• Aisha Harris Host/Reporter NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour
• John Wilson, Filmmaker, How do I get in touch with John Wilson (HBO)
• Julia Pott, Animator and Show Creator, Summer Camp Island (HBO Max)
• Morgan Cooper, Writer/Director, Bel-Air (Peacock)

 Leave audiences hanging

The trailers we've seen pretty much give away the whole movie.

(Pro tip? Do not do this.)

The best trailers introduce viewers to the characters in the film, set up the central story's conflict and conclude with an important cliffhanger that leaves the story not resolved. If you do this successfully then you'll build the feeling of empathy and your viewers will long to see how they get through this conflict.

In addition, certain trailers actually go where the film zags in a way that makes the real story of the film even more obscure.

In the case of documentaries, the process is similar, but it is possible to focus on a specific topic, instead of a central character. If you're marketing an educational video, your trailer might look a bit different; moreover, your cliffhanger could be a bit more straightforward, letting viewers know what to be expecting if they decide to watch the rest of your video.

Most importantly, a viewer needs to be impressed by the ending of the trailer and consider, "Whoa. I need to see that."

 Remove the logos and credit

We're all about giving credit where credit is due, it's best to leave that credit for the end -- or when the film is finished. The name of the distributor or the production company does not have to appear in the trailer, in fact, it should not be the first item on screen. Trailers on the internet should be fast swift, concise, and conclude with a snarl to keep the viewers interested.

If someone is looking through a feed on Facebook or Twitter, it is important to engage the viewer within a couple minutes. Make your video short by cutting out all unnecessary details.

 Give the viewer the option of taking an action

It is important to use your trailer to convince viewers to take action, e.g., buy your film, sign-up for your mailing list, and so on. In other words, creating a video is a big mistake.

If you haven't yet made your video available for purchase Try using this area to encourage mailing list sign-ups instead.

Rather than give viewers an opportunity to abandon before the buttons appear, go straight away from the ending to create your call-to-action. Do not use long credits or black frames whenever possible.

Trailer-making pro tip:

Don't place an image on your screen simultaneously with you are listening to someone else speak. You need the quote to stand out as it is very difficult to read and listen simultaneously. It is very difficult to subtitle both talking and in-screen text at the exact same time.

 You shouldn't include the URL of your trailer

It may appear to be something that is simple, but it makes a big distinction. The end of the card which says: "go to http://website.com to watch the film" will result in less people seeing your project. The goal is to get people clicking a button to buy or see your film and not be thinking "oh, I need to type this URL."

The goal is to get rid of all obstacles so it's one easy action required by the audience.

 Keep in mind that all press is good

The power of word-of-mouth can be very effective. When someone raves about a movie, it definitely will make you want to see it. When certain movies are picked up by festivals and start to sweep awards shows, their star power rockets up.

There's no doubt that reviews can make you buy something. Indeed, 93% of consumers read online reviews prior to purchasing an item, and you can bet they're reading reviews about movies and other media.

Though recommendations from family and people you know are ideal, a good review from a reputable publication can convince prospective viewers. There's a good reason why Hollywood puts press quotes on their trailers as well as posters. It boosts the social proof of your project, showing that not only does your product or idea exist, but also that somebody also is paying attention to you as well.

Each time you receive an update on a review or a positive comment, change your trailer so that it has the most current quotes you can get. If your film doesn't have any press reviews, you can make use of fans' reviews instead.

Take, for example beauty giant Glossier has created an entire film trailer to promote their new Lash Slick mascara that was inspired (and fuelled) by their loyal fan base and five-star reviews.

 Utilize teasers and trailers

Find a creative way to describe your plan, whether that's a short GIF you share on your Instagram feed daily, as you count down until the trailer will be released or promoting sponsored advertisements on social media.

What is the best way to make the perfect trailer?

Tell a story with a beginning, middle, and finally a conclusion -- which is different from the ending. Do not reveal the plot! Add audio and music that are essential to a compelling trailer.

If you keep these suggestions in mind, making a buzzy trailer is easier than ever. Remember -- when your trailer is performing it's job properly, both your purchase and watch rates are sure to rise. Another sign you might have success on your hand? Saves and social shares.

The most important thing to you is that you can create a trailer that resonates and resonates with the audience you are targeting.

Morgan Cooper, writer and director of Peacock's Bel-Airsaid, "At the end of the day, all viewers are looking at is what's in the frame. It doesn't matter if you went to Film school, or didn't. If you are able to give viewers this magical feeling, you must be telling stories."