What is a movie trailer? Record your ideas in an audio clip, in writing, or using a digital app.

Why do you think movie trailers are called trailers? If possible, share your guess with a partner.

At first, trailers were shown after the film ended. They trailed behind the film and were thus called trailers. Audiences would stop the films as soon as the film ended. That meant the advertisements were not effective. So, trailers were moved to the beginning, before the start of the film.

Consider the following questions:

• What is the purpose of a movie trailer?
• What is a trailer designed for?
• How would you rename “movie trailers” so that the name better describes when the trailer happens?

If possible, share them with a partner.

After exploring the video, try to brainstorm as many features as you can of movie trailers. Think of what you noticed in the Rideau Canal trailer. Then, investigate movie trailers that were created in the past for your favourite movies. Did any of the movie trailers make you want to experience that movie?

You can record your thoughts by completing the Features of Movie Trailers Chart in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. You can also use a method of your choice. Consider the following conventions and techniques used to create movie trailers:

• text and words
• music and sounds
• images and video

Complete Features of Movie Trailers Chart in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document.

Consider developing a movie trailer for a new film. For example, it could be an action adventure about robots or a documentary about giraffes. What kind of words would you choose to use in the trailer? Would you choose any images or music to include as well? If possible, share your thoughts with a partner.

Plan

It's time to design your own trailer! Use what you have learned about the features of a movie trailer. First, choose a movie (or a book if you prefer). Consider what information you want to share with the audience. Decide what information would reveal too much if it appeared in the trailer.

You must use at least three conventions and techniques. Which conventions and techniques will you use in your trailer? Will you use music, sound effects, or images? Will the trailer have narration? What will the narrator say?

You may use the following checklist to help guide your design:

• My trailer has some interesting information, but does not reveal too much about the movie.
• I have used at least three conventions and techniques.
• The music, sound effects, imagery, or words I chose fit the mood and genre of the movie.

Create

After planning your movie trailer, it’s time to create! You can use any software you wish to create the movie trailer. It can be a video, an audio recording, a story board, a comic strip, or you can use another digital app. You can also create a detailed written or audio description about how you would design your trailer. Be sure to include all the criteria from your checklist above.

What is the purpose of a movie trailer? How did your understanding deepen as you designed or described your own movie trailer? If possible, discuss these questions with a partner.