What makes a movie trailer Great?

The question was asked first on LinkedIn where other answers can be found. My answer was:

“From a screenwriter's point of view, to determine what makes a movie trailer great, at least the following elements would be taken into consideration:

A. The trailer is an invitation to the audience to go on an adventure out of the ordinary world. Thus the trailer must be inviting, not just a shortened version of the movie itself, and suggestive of the adventure's tone to come.

B. The trailer is an introduction to the central issue the hero (male or female) faces. Thus the trailer must succinctly indicate the issue in a way that draws the audience in, without fully revealing the context within which the issue is presented and resolved. The audience wants to be surprised.

C. The trailer is an opportunity to overcome the audiences' reluctance to pay attention. Thus the trailer must be edited in a manner that compels the attention of the audience with visuals, dialogue and music.

D. The trailer is a preview of the roles of the main characters and the stars who play them. Thus the trailer must include significant visuals of the key characters to show the audience some of the dimensions of the characters their stars will play.

E. The trailer is a foretaste of the drama being played out in the story. Thus the trailer must suggest the plot, but in disorganized clues. The audience wants to think they can figure out the mystery of the story in advance. So not all of the key clues should be included. No spoiled twists for example.

F. The trailer is a full-dress rehearsal demonstrating the power of the film. Thus the trailer must select powerful scenes to pique the audience's interest in the power that is displayed in the movie.

G. The trailer is a peek at the inner struggle the main characters face. Thus the trailer must include some dialogue that reveals the main characters in a "what's in it for me" moment or two.

H. The trailer is an advance notice of the facts and reasons the hero is contending with. Thus the trailer must point out the gist of the struggle.

I. The trailer is a reduced sequence of the timing presented in the story. Thus the trailer must suggest proportionately the pace of the movie itself.

J. The trailer is an opportunity to foretell some of the significant and memorable lines of dialogue. Thus the trailer must present some sound bites of the dialogue that are standalone attractive.

K. The trailer is a notification of the hope the story will portray. Thus the trailer must indicate risk, but more importantly what is hoped for as well.

L. The trailer is the beginning of a new experience for the audience. Thus the trailer must show the new look and feel of either the movie's poetic take on life, its love of life, its healing response to life, or its vision of life, one, more, or all. This will permit the trailer to let the audience know in advance that the outcome of the movie will be effective in resolving insights and oversights in the context of the storyline.”

What do you think?

Please include your comment here or contact me to discuss.

Thanks.

John Darrouzet