- Joined
- Jan 18, 2026
- Messages
- 29
Can a Great Trailer Sell an Average Film?
Over the years, I've seen buyers request screeners because of a trailer.
I've also seen buyers lose interest within minutes after watching the actual film.
That makes me wonder whether a trailer's job is really to sell a film, or simply to sell the next step.
In many cases, the trailer doesn't need to close the deal. It only needs to create enough interest for someone to watch the screener, schedule a meeting, or continue the conversation.
The challenge, of course, is that a great trailer can sometimes promise more than the film is able to deliver.
From a sales perspective, what do you think matters more: getting buyers interested in the first place, or making sure the trailer accurately reflects the film they're about to watch?
Over the years, I've seen buyers request screeners because of a trailer.
I've also seen buyers lose interest within minutes after watching the actual film.
That makes me wonder whether a trailer's job is really to sell a film, or simply to sell the next step.
In many cases, the trailer doesn't need to close the deal. It only needs to create enough interest for someone to watch the screener, schedule a meeting, or continue the conversation.
The challenge, of course, is that a great trailer can sometimes promise more than the film is able to deliver.
From a sales perspective, what do you think matters more: getting buyers interested in the first place, or making sure the trailer accurately reflects the film they're about to watch?
