How to Make a Movie Trailer

Those big-budget movie trailers require an orchestra and hours at an editing bay, but any aspiring filmmaker can make a trailer to their movie, regardless of the amount of cash in their bank account. And if you have good editing software, a creative mind and a great movie to work with, make a movie trailer that'll advertise your film and expose it to a wider audience.

Instructions

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. Look at trailers for comedies like "Borat" or "The Simpsons' Movie" for how to use the best bits from a funny movie without revealing the plot. For dramas or indies, look at the classy and haunting images and music in the trailer for "Requiem for a Dream."

2. Master the use of popular editing software like iMovie or Ulead Video Studio. 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.

3. Sketch a storyboard for your trailer. You can use editing software or do it the old-fashioned way, with pen and paper. If you're clear with your concept at the outset, it'll save you time and frustration at the computer later.

4. Set a budget to make your movie trailer. Decide whether you can use existing footage and music. If you need original music or edited scenes for use in the movie trailer, figure the cost and stick to it.

5. Contact theaters and movie marketing firms. You'll need to place your trailer in appropriate theaters anywhere from a few months to a year before its release. You may also consider including it on DVD releases of similar films.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Learn about the Golden Trailer Awards here.
• Try Ulead Video Studio software.
• Buy Apple iMovie software.
• Read about the Making and Marketing of Movie Trailers here.