Trailer music is a part of promotions and is used in the background of film previews. However, the trailer music does not necessarily have to always be from the film’s soundtrack. The entire purpose of any music used in a film is to complement whatever is happening, and trailer music does the same thing. It is meant to complement and enhance the scenes of the trailer and improve the sales messaging that the trailer has.
Trailer music may be of many types but some of the most common types are as follows:
- From popular movies
- Of popular artists and bands
- Classical musical pieces
- Specifically, and specially composed for the trailer or for the film itself
- Library music
The entire point of trailer music is to enhance the clips being used in the trailer. Often, trailer music for children’s movies will be soft and gentle, much like the content of the movie itself. However, for action packed movies, it will be more geared towards rock and loud sounds, etc. and is meant to create an ambiance for the trailer as well as the scenes being shown in it, which is why each song or piece of music being used in the trailer is chosen very carefully.
If you have a trailer for an action movie, use a rock or heavy metal, etc. because it goes with the theme and the content of the trailer. If it is a romantic movie, something that is softer and a lot more pop will be chosen. Horror movies often choose instrumental pieces of music as opposed to songs to add to the ominous themes of the film. Comedy movies often use dance and pop music etc. to add to the entertainment value of the film.
Trailer music is often underrated and overlooked by people because it is far too much in the background for it to be as noticeable as it should be. However, it is incredibly important because the trailer is one of the most important parts of a film's promotion. It is the first thing that people see and has to be perfect in every way. The choice of music is a significant part of this trailer production and must be given due importance.