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Trailer (movie) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
1963 Cleopatra trailer screenshot (40)
Trailer to Cleopatra, a 1963 movie by Joseph L. Mankiewicz.

A movie trailer is a short video that shows exciting parts of a movie that hasn't been released yet. Think of it as a sneak peek! These short videos are also called "previews" or "coming attractions." You usually see them in a movie theater before the main movie starts. They are also used to advertise movies on television or for DVD and streaming releases. Trailers are made to get people excited and make them want to watch the full movie.

What is a Movie Trailer?

A movie trailer is like a mini-story that gives you a taste of a film. It's carefully put together to show the best scenes. This helps you understand what the movie is about. Trailers are a big part of how movies are advertised. They are designed to grab your attention.

Why Do We Have Trailers?

The main reason for trailers is to get people interested in a new movie. They want to make you feel excited. Trailers show off the movie's genre, like if it's an action film, a comedy, or a scary movie. They also introduce the main characters and hint at the plot. This helps you decide if you want to see the movie.

How Long Are Trailers?

Most movie trailers are quite short. They usually last between one and a half to two and a half minutes. This is enough time to show key moments without giving away too much. Sometimes, there are even shorter "teaser" trailers. These might be only 30 seconds to a minute long. Teasers are often released very early. They just announce that a movie is coming soon.

Where Can You Watch Trailers?

You can find movie trailers in many places today.

In Movie Theaters

The most traditional place to see a trailer is at the movie theater. Before your movie begins, you'll often see several trailers for upcoming films. This is a great way for studios to reach people who already love movies.

Online and TV

With the internet, trailers are everywhere! You can watch them on YouTube, movie studio websites, and social media. They are also shown during TV commercials. This makes it easy for anyone to see a trailer anytime, anywhere. Many people watch trailers on their phones or computers.

The History of Movie Trailers

Movie trailers have been around for a long long time. They started over 100 years ago!

Early Beginnings

The very first movie trailer was shown in 1913. It was for a play called "The Pleasure Seekers." A man named Nils Granlund created it. He worked for a theater and wanted to promote the upcoming play. He put together short clips of the actors rehearsing. People loved it! Soon, movie studios realized this was a great idea for films too.

Trailers in the Golden Age

By the 1930s and 1940s, trailers became very popular. They were often narrated by a booming voice. This voice would tell you how amazing the movie was going to be. Studios would show off their biggest stars and most exciting scenes. This era helped shape what trailers are like today.

How Are Trailers Made?

Making a trailer is a special skill. It's not just cutting random scenes together.

The Editing Process

Trailer editors are like storytellers. They pick the most exciting, funny, or dramatic clips from the movie. They arrange these clips in a way that builds excitement. They also add music and sound effects. The music often starts slow and builds up. This makes you feel more and more excited.

Choosing the Right Scenes

Editors have to be careful not to give away too much of the plot. They want to show just enough to make you curious. They often focus on the main conflict or a big action sequence. Sometimes, they even create special scenes just for the trailer. These scenes might not even be in the final movie!

Types of Movie Trailers

There are a few different kinds of trailers.

Teaser Trailers

Teasers are very short and mysterious. They are usually released many months before the movie. Their job is to simply announce the movie's existence. They might show a quick shot or a famous line. They don't reveal much about the story.

Full Trailers

These are the most common type. They are longer than teasers. Full trailers give you a better idea of the movie's plot, characters, and overall feel. They show more action and dialogue. These are usually released closer to the movie's release date.

Final Trailers

Sometimes, a "final trailer" is released just a few weeks before the movie. This trailer might show a bit more. It's meant to give one last push to get people to buy tickets.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Avance (publicidad) para niños

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