Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) Movie Trailers

The Art Director Trailer (1949)

12 November 1949

A film's art director is in charge of the set, from conception to construction to furnishing. This short film walks the viewer through art directors' responsibilities and the demands on their talents.

Who Killed Vincent Chin? Trailer (1987)

11 March 1987

This film recounts the murder of Vincent Chin, an automotive engineer mistaken as Japanese who was slain by an assembly line worker who blamed him for the competition by the Japanese auto makers that were threatening his job.

The Screen Director Trailer (1951)

12 March 1951

A documentary short film depicting the work of the motion picture director. An anonymous director is shown preparing the various aspects of a film for production, meeting with the writer and producer, approving wardrobe and set design, rehearsing scenes with the actors and camera crew, shooting the scenes, watching dailies, working with the editor and composer, and attending the first preview.

Cavalcade of the Academy Awards Trailer (1940)

31 July 1940

This 1940 presentation features highlights of earlier (1928 onward) Oscar ceremonies including Shirley Temple and Walt Disney, plus acceptance speeches for films released in 1939 with recipients and presenters including Vivien Leigh, Judy Garland, Hattie McDaniel, Fay Bainter, Mickey Rooney, Thomas Mitchell, Sinclair Lewis, and more, with host Bob Hope.

The Costume Designer Trailer (1950)

13 July 1950

This short focuses on the job of the costume designer in the production of motion pictures. The costume designer must design clothing that is correct for the film historically and geographically, and must be appropriate for the mood of the individual scene.

The Screen Writer Trailer (1950)

13 September 1950

This short film focuses on the job of the Hollywood screenwriter.

The Soundman Trailer (1950)

13 January 1950

This short on movie sound men starts with a short history of sound in the movies. We then see how the different jobs in the sound department contribute to the finished film.

A Visual History with Agnès Varda Trailer (2017)

09 November 2017

Agnès Varda shares her career and life story on the eve of receiving her Honorary Oscar in 2017: from her childhood and early influences to her life with Jacques Demy, and of course a lifetime of images, her unique artistic journey as a photographer, filmmaker and visual artist.

The Cinematographer Trailer (1951)

13 January 1951

A behind-the-scenes look at the responsibilities of the cinematographer. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.

Movies Are Adventure Trailer (1948)

08 September 1948

Produced in association with the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences as part of a twelve part series called The Industry Film Project, meant to inform the public about specific facets of production and industry life.

Let's Go to the Movies Trailer (1949)

13 May 1949

What goes in to the phrase, "Let's go to the movies"? An off-screen narrator takes us back to the earliest days of film: clips remind us of early stars and blockbusters.

Screen Actors Trailer (1950)

13 May 1950

This short film takes a look at the off-screen personas of screen actors. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.

This Theatre and You Trailer (1948)

31 December 1948