Trailer Elements

Another consideration in your trailer is what type of elements will you use. A simple book trailer uses photos, music and titles to form a visual slide deck. A narrator could be added for impact.

Animation

Drawn, stop-motion or computer-generated video.

Credits

Some images, music, stock footage and sounds require crediting or attribution. This is done after the directive.

Directive

A directive usually comes at the end of a trailer and has the information on how to purchase the book. Depending on how widely known the book is, it can range from just the title and author to complete details on how to purchase.

Images

Can be stock from a supply house or custom shot.

Music

Music can be custom, meaning created specifically for the work, or purchased from a supply house and referred to as stock.

Praise

Praise, good reviews or awards the author/book received. Awards add credibility.

Series

The book is part of a book series. Example: Harry Potter books. Series books appeal to repeat readers. This is appealing to viewers who invest in learning the characters and world.

Sound Effect

Sound effects added. They can be subtle like the sound of footsteps or a door shutting.

Special Effect

CGI – Computer-generated video effects

Video

Video can be custom, meaning it was custom shot from a live session, or stock, meaning it was purchased from a stock library.

VO – Voice-over

Narration that is not spoken on camera.