How do you edit a documentary trailer to match the tone and style of the film?

1 Define your goal

Before you start editing, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your trailer. What is the main theme or question of your documentary? Who is your target audience and what do you want them to feel or learn? How do you want to position your film in the market and the genre? Your goal will guide your decisions on what footage, music, voiceover, and text to include or exclude in your trailer.

2 Select your footage

The next step is to choose the best footage that supports your goal and tells your story in a concise and captivating way. You don't have to show everything that happens in your film, but you need to give enough context and information to hook your viewers and make them curious. Look for footage that reveals your characters, conflicts, emotions, locations, and visuals. Avoid spoilers, but also avoid being too vague or confusing. Try to balance between showing and telling, and use different types of shots and angles to create variety and interest.

3 Edit your structure

Once you have your footage, you need to edit it into a coherent and engaging structure. A common structure for a documentary trailer is to start with a hook, a short and intriguing clip that grabs your attention and sets the tone. Then, introduce your main characters and their challenges or goals, and show some of the obstacles or stakes they face. Next, build up the tension and drama, and show some of the twists and turns of your story. Finally, end with a cliffhanger, a question or a statement that leaves your viewers wanting more.

4 Add your sound

Sound is a crucial element of your trailer, as it can enhance or change the mood and meaning of your footage. You can use music, voiceover, sound effects, and dialogue to create a sound design that matches your film's tone and style. Music can set the mood, convey the genre, and create emotion and rhythm. Voiceover can provide narration, context, or commentary. Sound effects can add realism, impact, or contrast. Dialogue can reveal your characters, their personalities, and their conflicts. Be careful not to overload your sound, and make sure it is clear and balanced.

5 Use text and graphics

Text and graphics can also help you communicate your message and create interest in your trailer. You can use text and graphics to show your film's title, tagline, credits, awards, reviews, or call to action. You can also use them to emphasize key words, facts, or quotes from your film. Text and graphics should be legible, relevant, and consistent with your film's tone and style. They should also be used sparingly and strategically, as they can distract or clutter your trailer.

6 Review and refine

The final step is to review and refine your trailer until you are satisfied with the result. Watch your trailer several times, and ask yourself if it meets your goal, if it tells your story clearly and effectively, if it matches your film's tone and style, and if it appeals to your audience. You can also ask for feedback from others, such as your film team, your peers, or your potential viewers. Be open to suggestions, but also trust your instincts and vision. Remember, your trailer is a representation of your film, so make it the best it can be.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?