Coming from film, I'm always surprised at how little game trailers seem to be considered in advance! Especially when the market is so saturated, an amazing trailer could make a huge difference
The most common story I hear is devs who spend a week on their trailer or maybe even just a day. A day. On their most important marketing asset. At a certain level of experience you're also losing money making it yourself because you're paying pro game developers to be amateur trailer editors O_OThe most common story I hear is devs who spend a week on their trailer or maybe even just a day. A day. On their most important marketing asset. At a certain level of experience you're also losing money making it yourself because you're paying pro game developers to be amateur trailer editors O_O
I usually ask for 4-6 weeks to make a trailer. This is because: I juggle multiple projects, it's good to have time to percolate, it gives devs time to polish up assets, and other creatives need time too! If it's 2 weeks or less I'd consider that a rush job (and will increase my rate accordingly)I usually ask for 4-6 weeks to make a trailer. This is because: I juggle multiple projects, it's good to have time to percolate, it gives devs time to polish up assets, and other creatives need time too! If it's 2 weeks or less I'd consider that a rush job (and will increase my rate accordingly)
In related news, I found out when the next Steam Next Fest is because I got two emails from devs saying they need a trailer in a week so it's ready for Steam Next Fest 🙃 (I'm currently booking months in advance)In related news, I found out when the next Steam Next Fest is because I got two emails from devs saying they need a trailer in a week so it's ready for Steam Next Fest 🙃 (I'm currently booking months in advance)
I had the lovely opportunity to make a trailer for an indie debut for Steam Fest and it was a 2 month long process from initial concept to final product. Definitely recommend to communicate as early as possible!