What is a film trailer?

What is a Film Trailer?

Every major Hollywood film releases trailers before it's release. This is to generate and increase audience anticipation in order to boost box sales. 

Trailers fall under two classes, theatrical trailers and teaser trailers. Teaser trailers are released prior to the theatrical trailers. They are shorter and often have climaxes that leave the audience wanting more. Theatrical trailers are similar to teaser trailers and have many of the codes and conventions of a teaser trailer, however they are longer and show more of the film's plot. 

The maximum length a trailer can be is 2 minutes and 30 seconds. However, the studio is able to make exceptions once a year.  This is one of the MPAA guidelines. The MPAA, or the Motion Pictures Association of America, is situated  in Washington DC and it represents the 6 largest film studios in Hollywood, whereas the UK has the BBFC.