Purpose of a Theatrical Trailer

The meaning of a trailer is usually shown before the actual film start, which shows scenes form the movie to provide its audience an appetite for more.A theatrical trailer is a more detailed trailer than a teaser trailer. The purpose of this is that it provides a more detailed plot about a certain movie. Many modern theatrical trailers tends to give too much away information, which ruins part of the surprise in the movie.

Theatrical trailers (some people calls it 'movie trailers') are used to advertise an upcoming film that will be exhibited in the future cinema. This method is a well revised trailer that tells the audience more about the plot of the film and gives them a date to when the film will be coming out. It shows a series of shot form the film to be able to attract an audience to the film. It usually show scenes that are exciting and funny but doesn't create spoilers. The purpose of a the trailer doesn't have to appear in an order. It is usually achieved in less than 2 minutes and 30 seconds, which is allowed by the MPAA.


Most trailers tell the story of a film in a highly condensed fashion that must have a maximum appeal. Most of the time, the trailers begins with the beginning of the story and drives the story further and end the trailer with a dramatic climax.

Many trailers have voice over narration to support the story of the trailer to be able to provide explanation when necessary. Voice over is a useful tool to enhance the audience's understanding of the plot, which could help the audience in great detail without any spoilers.

Another common technique for trailers is to add music to aid the trailer and make it even more exciting. Music helps set the tone and the mood of the trailer and usually, the music that are used in the trailer are form the film itself to be able to make the audience more interested especially for those music lovers.  Adding music to your trailer consists of a visual montage of powerful and emotional moments of the film.

Since I have more knowledge about theatrical trailers, I will now follow the codes and conventions that are needed to be able to make a successful trailer.