How can you make your film's trailer and marketing materials more compelling?

1 Know your audience

Before you start editing your trailer and designing your marketing materials, you need to have a clear idea of who your target audience is and what they want to see. Research the genre, tone, and themes of your film and find out what other similar films have done successfully or unsuccessfully. Identify the main selling points of your film, such as the cast, the plot, the visuals, or the message, and focus on highlighting them in your trailer and marketing materials.

2 Hook them in the first 10 seconds

The average attention span of online viewers is very short, so you need to grab their interest in the first 10 seconds of your trailer. Start with a strong opening scene, a catchy tagline, a surprising twist, or a provocative question that sets up the premise and the conflict of your film. Avoid using generic shots or clichés that don't differentiate your film from others. Make sure your trailer has a clear structure, a rising tension, and a satisfying climax that leaves the viewers wanting more.

3 Use music and sound effects wisely

Music and sound effects can make or break your trailer and marketing materials. They can create the mood, the atmosphere, and the emotion of your film, as well as enhance the impact of your visuals and dialogue. Choose music and sound effects that match the genre, tone, and style of your film, and that complement the pace and rhythm of your editing. Avoid using music and sound effects that are too loud, too distracting, or too overused. Also, make sure you have the rights to use them legally and ethically.

4 Be consistent and coherent

Your trailer and marketing materials should reflect the identity and the quality of your film. They should have a consistent and coherent look, feel, and voice that convey your film's brand and message. Use the same fonts, colors, logos, and images across your trailer and marketing materials, and make sure they are legible, clear, and professional. Avoid using too many different elements or styles that might confuse or alienate your audience. Also, make sure your trailer and marketing materials are accurate and honest, and don't misrepresent or spoil your film.

5 Test and refine

The final step to make your trailer and marketing materials more compelling is to test and refine them. Show them to your friends, family, colleagues, or potential viewers and ask for their feedback. Find out what they liked, disliked, understood, or misunderstood about your trailer and marketing materials. Use their feedback to improve your trailer and marketing materials, and to fix any errors or issues. You can also use online tools or platforms to measure the performance and the engagement of your trailer and marketing materials, and to optimize them for different channels and formats.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?