If you are a filmmaker in 2016, you are more privileged then you realize.

Visual FX, Sound FX and Editing Software is available to you at an affordable price.

With an internet connection, you can connect to an entire network of fellow filmmakers, producers, actors, etc.

You don’t even need a theater for people to watch your film. YOU CAN PUT IT ON THE INTERNET!!!

We truly live in the age of the independent filmmaker.

Yet, while we have the ability to do more then we could ever do before as filmmakers, is it still appropriate to wear all the hats? Should we be the director, the producer, the editor, the writer, and the lead actor? If you are still early in the filmmaking game you may not have any other choice but to wear every hat. Eventually, you will have to take some of those hats off and give them to other people so you can focus on the ultimate vision of your film.

If there is one area where it is essential for the filmmaker to give up control to someone else, it is post-production and marketing. The filmmaker still needs to take the lead in the process, but he (or she) has to start learning how to delegate instead of taking on the entire project themselves.

An often overlooked part of this process is the creation of a promo or movie trailer.

Here are 3 reasons why the filmmaker should delegate this important responsibility to someone else.

1. Films Tell, Trailers Sell

When creating a film, the filmmaker is telling a story. When creating a trailer, the filmmaker not only has to tell the story… they have to sell the story. This process requires a very different approach in editing and setup. It is a combination of music video and advertisement; an emotional appeal that must move the hearts of the target audience.

The trailer has to capture the feel of the film; giving a synopsis rather then telling the whole story. The trailer must be true to the heart of the film and rather then try to market the film as something that it’s not.

2. Fresh Eyes

As a filmmaker, you know the story so well that you may forget that the audience doesn’t. Often a filmmaker editing his/her own trailer will either put in too much information or not enough.

Giving this responsibility to another skilled editor, particularly one who isn’t immediately involved with the production of the film before post-production, will bring an unbiased synopsis to the target audience in a manner that is both moving yet truthful to the quality of the final product.

3. Less Stress

Even at the beginning stages of filmmaking, trying to wear every hat will inevitably produce burn out and possibly risk lowering the quality of the film. If you are wanting to reach a broader audience then just your friends and family, delegating the creation of a promo to a fellow editor will save you stress in the long run.

Ultimately, should filmmakers make their own trailers?

If they believe they have the time, the patience and the ability to switch editing styles, then they should go for it…

However, you, the filmmaker, have a better chance for a higher quality film and trailer if you delegate it to an unbiased editor who knows the art of trailer editing.

Why don’t you start with us at Fuzzy Elevator Trailer House? We are low cost, low hassle and we believe in promoting the soul of the film through the trailer. If you are in need of a film trailer editor, don’t hesitate to contact us HERE!

What are your thoughts on the difference between editing a trailer and editing a film? Leave us a comment below and let us know your thoughts. We would love to hear them.