Movie trailers are short film advertisements of new movies that are not yet in theatres. They are previews of the film that give hints of its story line and introduce the actors and the scenery.

Trailers are so named because in the early years of cinema, the advertisements for one film were shown after another film. Trailers are now shown at the beginning of movies so that people do not miss them.

Trailers are often the best shots selected from the most funny or exciting moments of the movie. Some trailers carry special footage-scenes shot only for advertisement and left out of the movie. For example, in a trailer for the classic Casablanca, the character Rick Blaine says, “ OK, you asked for it!” Before he shoots Major Strasser, a scene not present in the final film.

Trailers are highly condensed and polished advertisements. Some common elements of all trailers include a green or red band graphic at the beginning of the trailer to indicate its certification by Motion picture Association Of America. Next come logos of the studio, production and distribution companies. The music maybe specially composed or it may consist of already popular themes. A cast run is also shown to publicize the stars of the movie along with the director. An attractive voice-over may explain about the plot.

Trailers maybe made in the studio itself or maybe contracted to outside advertising agencies called as Trailer Houses. Trailers are made with great care after doing market research and consultation with studio bosses and revisions galore before the final product is released in the market.

Free trailers are available at most Internet entertainment sites. Some movie trailer sites include The Internet Movie Database, Singingfish, Alta Vista-video search, Net broadcaster.com, Hollywood.com, and Apple Movie Trailers.

Trailers are sometimes criticized for using clichéd statements like-“In a world where…” Some free trailers contain scenes that are not present in the movie. Some directors are of the view that a trailer must summarize the whole movie but others believe that they must only arouse some interest in the viewer.

With the free trailer revolution on the Internet, movie studios are doing brisk business in ticket sales. Attractive trailers entice people young and old to come in droves to the theatres.