Do you remember movie trailers from the early days of Nollywood?
This is what comes to mind;
A guttural voice blares from the Television, pulling you to a halt.
The announcer hollers, demanding absolute attention, lest you miss the second coming.
You glare, breathless as images race across the screen.
Tumbling in and out in a relentless race against time.
Sound effects roar above background music. Nestled on a tide of images and graphics.
Sweeping and whooshing in the air, a cacophony of sounds.
The announcer yells, spewing sales hyperbole like a stream.
Finally the hook sinks. Then he howls his call to action:
Grab your copy now!
And so we hurry to buy, watch or hustle free viewing.
All because the trailer led us down the rabbit hole”.
Perhaps you have a different recollection of Nollywood trailers in those days. It is all good.
But no one can deny their role in shipping Nollywood films from the marketplace to living rooms across the country. In this article, we are diving into the world of movie trailers—a critical aspect of film marketing.
Film trailers (aka promos) are the appetizers that get us salivating for a ‘delicious’ movie fresh out of the oven.
Just how valuable are movie trailers? Can they affect the box office performance or cinema run of your film in today’s film industry?
Let us explore the subject.
What Are Movie Trailers?
A movie trailer is a short promotional video designed to give audiences a glimpse of an upcoming film. It is a carefully edited sequence of clips, lasting anywhere from 30 seconds to 3 minutes.
A good trailer teases essential elements of the movie. These include the plot, characters, and overall essence of a film.
The goal is to spark interest and entice viewers to watch the film once it is released.
Just like movies themselves, trailers can vary based on genre and purpose. Here are a few types:
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Categories or Genres of Movie Trailers
Teaser Trailers: Short and often cryptic, teaser trailers are released early in a marketing campaign to build anticipation. They usually give just a taste of what is to come.
Official Trailers: This trailer provides a more comprehensive look at the film, including key plot points and characters.
It offers a clearer sense of the storyline, key scenes, and characters. They are typically released closer to the release date.
Red Band Trailers: The trailer is unrestricted and may contain mature content, such as explicit language or graphic scenes. It targets adult audiences.
Green Band Trailer: A toned-down version of a red band trailer, suitable for a wider audience.
Why Are Movie Trailers Vital in Film Marketing
Trailers are an essential marketing tool because they are the first point of contact between the movie and its potential audience.
A good trailer can generate buzz, create anticipation, and even become viral online, significantly boosting visibility.
They also play a crucial role in setting expectations—giving audiences a taste of the tone, style, and content.
Examples of Impactful Movie Trailers
Here are a few examples of trailers that made waves:
“Inception” (2010): Known for its intriguing visuals and haunting soundtrack, this trailer created immense anticipation for the film. Watch here.
“Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015): This trailer was praised for its intense action sequences and striking visuals. Watch here.
“Get Out” (2017): This trailer effectively showcases the unsettling atmosphere and social commentary. Watch here.
Funmmilayo Ransome-Kuti is a biopic that has received rave reviews from the public.
Tips for Creating Impactful Movie Trailers
There is no universal rulebook for a trailer. Every producer or director understands their story and what they hope to share. However, a close look at many successful trailers offers a few pointers.
Hook Them Early: Start with a good, attention-grabbing moment. The first few seconds are crucial in keeping viewers engaged.
Keep It Short and Sweet: Aim to intrigue, not overwhelm. Leave audiences wanting more.
Highlight Key Moments: Show the most exciting, funny, or dramatic scenes—but avoid giving away major plot points.
Use Music Effectively: A well-chosen soundtrack can enhance the emotional impact and help set the tone.
End with a Call to Action: Encourage viewers to learn more, watch the movie, or share the trailer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, movie trailers are an indispensable part of film marketing, offering a snapshot of what is to come and helping to build excitement among audiences.
As you continue your journey in filmmaking, never underestimate the power of a well-made trailer in driving success.
Thank you for taking the time to read this edition of the Wakacast Newsletter.
We hope you found it insightful! Please share it with your friends and colleagues, and let us know what you think about the importance of movie trailers in the comments below. Thanks for reading.
PS
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