Stand Out from the Crowd!
You’ve shot your film. The editing is complete. Everything is ready for the next step—getting it out to the audience. But how do you generate excitement for a brand new film no one has ever heard of? How will the screeners, programmers and directors of the festivals remember your film? How will your film stand out from all the rest? How will you sell the tickets to get butts in the seats so you can get a nice reward for all the work you’ve put into your baby?
Be Remembered!
Of course, you have the usual suspects: the One Sheet or poster. A director’s statement for the festival screeners. But those are barely looked at. Do you think they are what people remember?
Be Ready!
Readily consumed. Easily remembered. Forever discussed. Well crafted movie trailers are a great tool to generate anticipation and excitement for your film. They highlight the standout moments, tease the story and characters and make promises of entertainment, all without giving away any spoilers. Both distributors and festivals will want one once your film has been accepted anyway.
What is my process for movie trailer editing?
I’ll break it down for you here.
- Watch the Movie (Like an Audience Member)
- Before any cuts are made, I watch the film start to finish with fresh eyes—just like a first-time viewer. This helps me understand the emotional journey, tone, and story beats that will shape the trailer.
- Watch It Again (And Again)
- Now I start watching with a creative lens—pausing for standout dialogue, emotional moments, and striking visuals. This phase often includes multiple viewings to fully absorb the film’s rhythm and uncover the strongest material for the trailer.
- Define the Marketing Approach
- Working closely with the director and producer, we zero in on the trailer’s target audience and tone. Whether the goal is to intrigue festival programmers, attract distributors, or drive social engagement, we’ll define a clear positioning that guides every creative choice.
- Select Key Dialogue
- From sharp one-liners to poignant moments, I pull only the most essential dialogue to shape the story and emotional arc of the trailer. The goal is clarity, drama, and intrigue—without giving everything away.
- Create a “Paper Cut”
- This is the blueprint of the trailer—laying out key dialogue lines and visual moments in a rough script format. Rearranging story beats on paper lets us refine the flow and messaging before jumping into the edit.
- Choose the Right Music Cue
- Music sets the emotional tone and drives the pacing—it’s arguably the most critical piece of the trailer. Whether it’s one killer track or a dynamic mix of cues, I’ll select music that enhances mood and keeps the viewer fully engaged.
- Add Title & Graphic Cards
- I’ll add the necessary title and credit cards, along with any supporting graphics that help convey the story or tone. These elements are used sparingly to complement the visuals without overwhelming them.
- Build the Audio Bed
- Before visuals are added, I create a layered audio bed using music, dialogue, and foundational sound effects. A strong audio track gives the trailer structure and rhythm—you should be able to hear the trailer before you even see it.
- Add Visuals
- With the audio roadmap in place, I begin selecting stunning, story-rich visuals that tease key moments without spoiling the plot. Every shot is chosen to build curiosity, emotion, and momentum.
- Enhance With Additional Sound Effects
- To give each visual moment more impact, I add sound effects that heighten emotion, emphasize transitions, or sync with on-screen action. These subtle additions make a huge difference in how the trailer feels.
- Final Sound Design & Mix
- I fine-tune all audio elements—balancing music, dialogue, and effects—to ensure a smooth and powerful viewing experience. The sound mix is crafted to support both online and theatrical playback.
- Deliver the Final Trailer
- Once everything is locked, I export the trailer in the exact formats you need—whether for festivals, digital campaigns, press kits, or screenings. You’ll get a professionally polished piece that’s ready to impress.
What is the pricing for movie trailer editing?
We offer different tiers for different needs. Have a small budget? There’s a Micro Budget Cut option just for you. Ready to dive in head first, choose the Studio Feature Cut. Whichever you choose, you’ll be sure that your film will be remembered.
Micro Budget Cut
- Single 30sec-90sec trailer
- Basic edit (to any provided outline)
- Minimal sound design (matching to provided music)
- Basic color correction
- 1-2 rounds of revisions
Starting at $500
Indie Festival Cut
- Single 1 – 2:30 minute trailer
- Advanced editing with pacing and storytelling
- Sound design with SFX, music and custom editing
- Color grading as necessary
- Motion graphics for titles and effects
- 3-4 rounds of revisions
Starting at $1500
Studio Feature Cut
- Multiple versions (Teaser, Full-length, SM cutdowns)
- Advanced storytelling and emotional pacing
- Custom sound design, licensed music
- Custom narration recording
- Color grading as requested
- Motion graphics for titles and effects
- Graphic design for cards as needed
- Up to 6 rounds of revisions
Starting at $3000
Add-on Pricing
| Social Media Cutdowns | $150-$500 per video |
| Custom Music Licensing | $300-$1000+ (depending on track) |
| Vocal Recording/Narration | $300-$1000 |
| Subtitles or Closed Captions | $50-$200 per video |
| Rush Delivery | Add 20%-50% of total cost |
| Extra Rounds of Revision | $100 per round |