ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXHow do you write a script for a feature trailer?
10 years, 4 months ago - Michael Chandler
Hi all
One of my feature scripts is about to be turned into a short trailer for the film, with the aim to gain funding and interest to produce the full feature.
I've been asked to write the trailer - taking into consideration cost and time capacity - so it can't be loads of locations or loads of actors.
Obviously, as I wrote it, I have a dream idea of what the trailer would look like, but on a budget, multiple locations won't be possible. So, how do you pick the key scenes that will 'sell' the film? I'm thinking scenes that drive the story forward, highlight key plot points but don't give it all away??
Any advice appreciated- and I'll keep you all posted about how it goes!
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10 years, 4 months ago - Paul Drew
I agree with Paddy there. Sounds like what you want is more of a teaser than a trailer - not meaning to pedantic :) The reason I say this is because you can treat it like a separate short film the gives the mood and feel of what you're going for, which will give investors/producers an idea of what you can do and what the script will feel like.
We did similar when running a kickstarter (you can see it here. Don't worry the KS is closed I'm not asking for backers :) https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1876628946/noir-a-new-independant-tech-noir-tv-pilot/description).
That was a teaser using lower end equipment and just giving similar roughish look and feel with an idea as to plot. You could make a longer one, maybe write up a short dialogue for the main character(s) that will demonstrate how they act too?
Response from 10 years, 4 months ago - Paul Drew SHOW
10 years, 4 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
I think you're working backwards, a trailer is (beware, sweeping generalisations ahead!) the best bits nailed together, those best bits are the money shots, so you will be hard pressed.
That said, you can do a teaser/taster like this http://youtu.be/N_7LXxO46Rg one by writer/director Jeff Notton. It has some effects shots, some narration, sets out the plot, and works to introduce the project. It wasn't cut from the feature footage but was custom-shot. Maybe something like that would be workable?
Response from 10 years, 4 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW