Distributors reject films in 90 seconds. If the trailer you receive leads with plot instead of market proof, you’ve already wasted your time. Teams traditionally use social media, websites, and email campaigns to engage audiences and position projects. Press kits (EPKs), consumer trailers, and key art offer compelling snapshots of a film’s public persona.
But pitching to industry insiders requires a different tool: the B2B (Business-to-Business) Trailer. Unlike consumer trailers, B2B trailers are strategic sales instruments demonstrating market potential and artistic credibility upfront. They spotlight production value, recognizable talent, and commercial hooks—enabling buyers to instantly assess fit, value, and risk.
Think of the B2B trailer as the cinematic EPK: high-impact, deal-driving details that prove your film’s sellability where it matters most.
Purpose & Audience
B2B trailers target distributors, investors, festival programmers, and sales agents—not consumers. They must prove commercial viability and artistic vision simultaneously, showcasing production value, talent, and marketability in one efficient package.
Key Selling Points
- Cast/talent: Recognizable names simplify sales conversations
- Genre clarity: Buyers need instant categorization
- Production quality: Cinematography and sound design signal professionalism
- Unique hook: What makes this film sellable?
- Market comparisons: “It’s X meets Y” provides immediate context
Structure Differences from Consumer Trailers
B2B trailers open with credentials—awards, festival selections, talent bios. They emphasize tone and genre over plot twists, include production stats (budget tier, shooting format, notable crew), and end with contact info plus logline rather than release dates.
Technical Specs
- Length: 90 seconds to 2 minutes (buyers are busy)
- Format: 1080p minimum, industry-standard codecs
- Audio: Clean dialogue mix, professional score
- Text overlays: Festival laurels, cast/crew cards
Common Mistakes
Revealing too much plot undermines the mystery buyers need to sell. Ignoring market positioning conflates artistic vision with unmarketability. Poor audio kills credibility instantly. Unclear genre signals confuse positioning.
What You Need from Directors
- Completed film or rough cut access
- Festival/award information (if applicable)
- Cast/crew highlight reel moments
- Target market definition (horror? drama? thriller?)
- Comparable titles for positioning
The next filmmaker in your inbox either proves sellability in 90 seconds—or wastes another slot in your queue. Make sure it’s not yours. MAX-Q handles the technical complexity. Contact me to transform your film into a deal-driving asset.
MAX-Q Studio 