The Art of Trailer Editing is an in-depth Film Editing Pro course dedicated to the craft of editing trailers, teasers, and promos, drawing on the experience of professional Hollywood editors. Rather than focusing on one specific editing application, the course explores storytelling, structure, pacing, music, and sound design – the core elements behind professional trailer editing.

Students follow the process from research and footage organization through storytelling, music selection, montage construction, major trailer moments, and final delivery. Dedicated lessons also explore editing approaches for drama, comedy, action, suspense, and horror.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Understand how trailer editing differs from traditional film editing
• Condense complex stories into clear and engaging trailers
• Build effective trailer structures and pacing
• Choose and edit music for maximum impact
• Layer sound design to create rhythm, emphasis, and intensity
• Cut professional montages and major trailer moments
• Integrate graphics, voice-over, and dialogue
• Develop character and emotion within a short runtime
• Apply genre-specific techniques for drama, comedy, action, suspense, and horror
• Build and finish a trailer from preparation through final mix

COURSE CONTENT

• Trailer editing fundamentals and challenges
• Research, organization, and positioning
• Storytelling and trailer structure
• Music Editing & Sound Design
• Montages, graphics, voice-over, and major moments
• Drama & Comedy trailer techniques
• Action, Suspense & Horror techniques
• Complete hands-on trailer editing workflow
• Professional trailer deconstructions
• Behind-the-scenes editor interviews

PRACTICE MATERIALS

• Downloadable HD practice footage
• Full audio splits for hands-on editing
• Professional graphics and scripts
• 950+ pieces of trailer music and sound effects

COURSE DETAILS

• Training Provider: Film Editing Pro
• Lead Trainer: Chris MacDonald
• 40+ 1080p HD video tutorials
• Training Duration: 5+ hours
• Format: Self-paced
• Level: Intermediate
• Software: Works with virtually any editing software

WHO IT'S FOR

• Editors interested in trailers, teasers, and promos
• Filmmakers looking to strengthen short-form storytelling
• Editors developing advanced music and sound design skills
• Editors creating commercials, branded content, YouTube, and social media promos
• Editors with foundational skills who want to develop a professional trailer-editing workflow

LEAD TRAINER

Chris MacDonald is Film Editing Pro's Lead Trainer with more than 15 years of editing experience. His career includes working as a staff editor at Universal Studios and trailer editing for studios including Sony, Disney, and Paramount.