How Much of a Movie Do Trailers Give Away and Why?

Movie trailers have long been a topic of debate among filmmakers and audiences alike. Many viewers find that trailers reveal much of a film's content, leaving them disappointed or frustrated. This raises the question: Why do movie trailers give away so much of the plot and script?

Studios and Trailer Editing Companies

Studios often rely on specialized editing companies to create trailers. These companies produce numerous versions of the trailer, each designed to appeal to different target audiences. The trailers are then shown to test audiences to determine what elements are most engaging. This process ensures that the final trailer captures the most appealing aspects of the film, ultimately aiming to boost ticket sales.

Why Do Trailers Reveal So Much?

Trailers are created with the intention of attracting potential viewers and convincing them to watch the full film. Consequently, filmmakers and producers typically choose the most enticing and marketable scenes to feature in the trailer. These scenes often include the strongest and most memorable elements of the movie, which are believed to be most effective in selling the film.

For instance, trailers tend to prioritize the most dramatic, action-packed, or emotional scenes. These scenes are designed to generate excitement and capture the essence of the film, making potential viewers curious to see more. In some cases, this approach may reveal a significant portion of the plot. In fact, the amount of plot revealed in a trailer can vary greatly depending on the specific film and its marketing strategy.

Common Myths and Realities

Some viewers believe that a significant portion of a film's best content is already revealed in the trailer. However, this is not always the case. The idea of 85% of a film's good parts being in the trailer is often an exaggeration. For most films, the trailer represents a condensed version of the best moments, rather than an exhaustive preview of the entire movie.

For example, if a trailer is only two minutes long and includes 85% of the good parts, that leaves a substantial portion of the film unrepresented. In a two-hour movie, the remaining 15% of good parts would be spread throughout the film, offering surprise and enjoyment for the viewer. However, not all films follow this pattern. Some movies have moments of brilliance that are not showcased in the trailer, much like how certain films such as 'Raid' manage to exceed expectations, even when the trailer doesn't fully capture the essence of the film.

Is it a Trap?

Many argue that watching a trailer is like being lured into an hour of filler content. However, this perspective is overly pessimistic. While it is true that some trailers do reveal a significant portion of the plot, they often also provide a sense of anticipation for the full experience. The trailer serves as a teaser, whetting the viewer's appetite for the actual film.

Moreover, the marketing strategies behind trailers can vary. Some producers and filmmakers deliberately withhold certain elements from the trailer to maintain a sense of mystery and intrigue. These hidden gems are designed to be revealed gradually, adding to the overall viewing experience. Thus, the trailer is a tool for generating interest, and the full film offers a richer, more nuanced experience.

Conclusion

While movie trailers do reveal a significant portion of the plot, they serve a specific purpose: to engage and attract potential viewers. The extent to which a trailer gives away the film's content depends on the marketing strategy and the specific film in question. Viewers should approach trailers with a balance of curiosity and caution. They can use trailers as a starting point to gauge interest and decide whether to watch the full film. Ultimately, the movie experience is enhanced by the mystery and discovery that comes with the full film, making the trailer a valuable but not exhaustive preview.