Trailer Music
Music composed specifically for use in film and game promotional trailers.
Definition
Trailer music is music composed specifically for use in promotional trailers for films, games, and other entertainment. This genre features dramatic builds, epic orchestral arrangements, and specific structural patterns designed to accompany rapid-fire trailer editing.
The trailer music industry operates somewhat separately from mainstream music, with specialized composers, publishers, and libraries. Successful trailer placements can be highly lucrative and provide significant exposure.
Why It Matters
Trailer music is a specialized sync opportunity with distinct creative and business characteristics. Understanding this niche opens opportunities for composers and publishers with appropriate content.
For sync professionals, trailer music represents a specific market requiring targeted catalog development.
Examples in Practice
A composer focuses exclusively on trailer music, building a catalog specifically designed for action movie campaigns.
A trailer music library licenses thousands of tracks annually for film and game promotions worldwide.
Analysis of successful trailer placements reveals the structural patterns and instrumentation preferences that supervisors seek.