There are a lot of challenges to becoming a successful filmmaker and one of those challenges is getting your film out there to the world at large. The following article provides a 9 step guide on how to promote your video production and how you can leave a lasting impression on your public as a filmmaker:
1. Create A Personal Website
Setting up a personal website gives users a home-hub for your cinematography and for you as a filmmaker. It will allow anyone to get in contact with you when they hear about your work. As well as a website it is worth creating yourself a YouTube/Vimeo Channel and a Social Media account (Facebook/Twitter) so anyone interested in your video productions can find you and get in touch at any time.
2. Send Out Press Releases
Press Releases are essential. Your ‘Press Packs’ need to be sent out to all the film industry players no matter how big or small they might be in the industry. Your Press Release will serve to tell all your industry connections about your video production and get them to take notice of what you do with it.
3. Market Your Trailer
Your film trailer is just like any other major motion-picture trailer and it needs to do exactly what the professionals do. Get it out to as many people in as many ways as possible. Use the Internet to share it on Websites and Social Media sites, email it to all of your contacts whether they’re in the film industry or not. The more viewership you can get your trailer, the better.
4. Get & Distribute Promotional Materials
Promotional Material can be anything from fliers and posters to t-shirts and billboards. Use whatever budget you have after your production to get effective promo material. Try and get hold of art, fashion, graphic design and all round creative students and individuals to brainstorm some unique promotion ideas. The more you can get the name of your video production out there in a memorable way, the bigger chance your film will get remembered.
5. Stage A Publicity Stunt
Just like your promo material a Publicity Stunt can help get your video production to stick in the minds of the general public and film buffs alike. To create a truly memorable Publicity Stunt you’re going to have to do something very innovative. Whether it’s spontaneously acting out a scene from your production in the middle of a busy high street or hiring an extravagant blimp. Making even just the title of your production stand out will help to capture people’s curiosity.
6. Secure Reviews
Probably the most obvious way of getting your film out to the world is to get reviews from credible magazines, newspapers and important individuals. A good review that you can put onto your posters and put into your Press Releases can go a long way to making people keep an eye out for your film.
7. Secure TV & Radio Appearances
Now getting on TV and Radio is no easy feat, but it’s always good to aim for the stars. Appearing on National TV and Radio though may be a little bit out there, but getting onto local TV Channels and Radio Stations is actually quite possible. Always be on the lookout for Local TV/Radio Stations, Student Radio Stations/TV, Pirate Radio/TV and Podcasting Websites. The more appearances you get under your belt the more punch you can give you Press Releases and your video production.
8. Make Your Screening A Big Event
You should try and stir up as much excitement as possible about your video production. Rent out a local hall or venue for a screening. Make it free or a low ticket price event and try to make it as entertaining and enjoyable as possible. Try and be creative with what’s at the event and what people attending it can get out of attending.
9. Go To Film Festivals
Once you’ve achieved all of the above, your video production should be in great stead to apply for a film festival. The only downside is once you’ve done all that hard work, you have to re-do at every single film festival event (and for every film you do). It’s a lot of work getting your video production out there and getting people to watch it, but the rewards of putting all this effort in will be more than worth it.
Summary
There you have it, your 9 step guide to promoting your film. By following these 9 steps you can help to get your film out to the masses and begin to really take on the film industry as a promising filmmaker.
