Independent film marketing strategy

Social media marketing is a very useful tool for introducing your venue to new audiences, or further engaging existing ones. With a film marketing plan you can now market directly to film audiences at the fraction of traditional hollywood marketing budgets. Learn the 5 main steps you can take to plan out your independent films distribution. The intense pressure marketing chiefs are under to perform also contributes to the relentlessly high costs of film releases. An effective marketing video strategy florida independent. Many films, small and large have used this ubiquitous form of technology to form viral campaigns that made their films successful. The fiscal sponsor agrees to provide administrative services and.

Below is a rundown of a recent talk given at idfa by indie film distribution guru and strategist peter broderick, as reported by our staff member, carol ann short. Nov 28, 2017 at last months film independent forum, industry experts offered their insights at the events annual marketing and distribution clinic. Movie marketing strategies for independent filmmakers. Once you have an answer, try to drill down further and be even more specific. Apr 30, 2019 film festivals are a good option when it comes to film marketing if you want to be seen as a serious filmmaker. Step by step walk through the film marketing composition ebook. It doesnt matter how good a film is, if no one hears. Cinema marketing has changed a great deal in recent years, mainly due to the advent of social networking, which has made the current landscape an exciting place. How to promote your independent film 2020 masterclass.

Release date for uk hit film a royal night out set. The objectives of no good deeds marketing plan will be to generate awareness and revenue from our target markets. This plan provides grassroots strategies you can implement over a 12 week period. Panelists caitlin boyle of film sprout, julie whang of tugg, and amanda elder of collective eye films detailed the roles their companies play in the new world of hybrid distribution. Many film festivals are considered film markets, meaning buyers attend with deep pockets and look to purchase films.

Once you enter the presales agreements, there are two ways to go. The trick is to understand these platforms and create a content strategy that fits the audience who use them. Marketing strategy for independent films by louis tanguay may, 20 you have written the script, cast the film, shot the film, edited your film, and put your hardearned money or others trustfullyinvested money into your vision. To begin, the film will be shown at specific film festivals where we will brand no good deed as a hip, independent film in order to generate the initial buzz. Documentary, feature film, environment, eco, green, environmental conservation, save the planet, crowdfunding iii. Big studios often come up with buzzworthy stunts to build interest. Looking at you, avatar 2 and pirates of the caribbean 5. This strategy should be designed as early as possible, increasing funding options.

The plan first markets the film to film festivals, then distributors. We work with lots of independent exhibitors whether cinemas, film societies clubs, film festivals or community venues that. Here are some things to think about when crafting the distribution and marketing plan for your film. Apr 19, 2018 with so many factors to consider and different paths to go down, the new guide to short film exhibition, distribution and marketing from the random acts network is a vital resource.

There have been some fantastically creative film marketing campaigns done using platforms like vine. By working these four strategies into your production andor distribution company, youll put a success structure to work for you and build a real company with value. However, it is perfectly possible to market a film effectively. Or post to your blog and anywhere else you feel it would be a good fit. Next the film will team up with a credible distributor in order to. At last months film independent forum, industry experts offered their insights at the events annual marketing and distribution clinic. Let us help identify them, build a strategy to reach them and implement that strategy with bestinclass marketing and publicity services. Screening your independent film at cinemas is very expensive and seeing as you dont have a distributor you will have to pay for the film rating, trailer and marketing posters yourself. Although we are always talking about film distribution also, marketing is an essential part of this process, the marketing strategy is what will define the movie and people will look for, will want to know more about it and would like to see the film wherever it. There are a few things unique about marketing films and tv shows. As part of a movies marketing strategy, audience research comes into account as producers create promotional materials. Why submit to the wintry economic climate when you can turn the fact that you have no money into an advantage. Eleventh street lot is a boutique marketing and publicity firm servicing independent films at every stage of release. You now hold a card that hollywood doesnt have, your own fanbase.

Try to cast talent that might help turn eyes towards your project. Perhaps you are preparing to make an independent film or. Seems like you already know that social media presents great opportunities when it comes to marketing indie films. This years panelists included submarine entertainment cofounder josh braun, array director of marketing mercedes cooper, film independents own alia quart khan and indie film marketingand. Another way to kickstart your distribution thought process is casting. Audience research is a strong factor in determining the ability of a film to sell in theaters, which is ultimately how films make their money. Film marketing strategy template for independent filmmakers. Marketing strategy for independent films circle marketing. Film marketing strategy template for independent filmmakers and film studios. Please share it in your social networks facebook, twitter, email etc by using social media buttons at the side or bottom of the blog.

Video marketing is the future of content, with 81% of businesses using it as a marketing tool. With over two decades of experience, tracy balsz has the connections, knowhow, and skills to open up new business verticals, establish relationships, and. As the immersive technology becomes more accessible to filmmakers, we will no doubt continue to see more videos like this included in the marketing campaigns for new releases. May 24, 2016 a workshop at the recent oregon doc camp, presented by women in film portland, focused on developing a distribution and marketing strategy for documentaries. While there are no guarantees that your movie will become the next viral, breakout hit, doing something is better than letting your movie collect dust. Entertainment industry marketing articles about independent. It is full of your fellow indie filmmakers and they are. This 12 week movie marketing plan will help you sketch out a way to promote your film. Marketing executives say that secondguessing over a campaign is more. Comedy, comedian, independent, short film, women in film, funny women, woman director jrs word list may include. Atlas distribution company independent film distribution. As an independent filmmaker, if you were lucky enough to garner a distribution deal, odds were good the deal was less than satisfying. How to create a movie marketing plan without going crazy. For marketing childrens movies, the holy grail is getting promotional goodies in mcdonalds happy meals.

How to build your documentarys distribution strategy. Your film will not be seen if it does not leave your hands, so a large part of independent film marketing is to get your film in. As an independent film producer or director, you wont have such resources, but you can still reach a lot of people. Weve worked with hundreds of independent filmmakers around the world to help them craft unique creative distribution strategies, while also. At the same time, cast talent that works well for the project. Film marketing fridays facebook marketing for filmmakers part 1 duration. Mar 08, 2016 the intense pressure marketing chiefs are under to perform also contributes to the relentlessly high costs of film releases. It is also particularly useful for targeting audiences for more niche screenings and events.

Jan 21, 2011 movie marketing strategies for independent filmmakers. Independent filmmakers, the most important rules of marketing are start early. Try this basic marketing strategy for independent film marketing. Film festival strategy guerrilla marketing we will have a volkswagen bus customized and wrapped with the know how artwork by mtvs pimp my ride. Apr 22, 2019 screening your independent film at cinemas is very expensive and seeing as you dont have a distributor you will have to pay for the film rating, trailer and marketing posters yourself. Todays marketing campaigns do a lot more than make a simple movie trailer. A workshop at the recent oregon doc camp, presented by women in film portland, focused on developing a distribution and marketing strategy for documentaries. Whats the best marketing strategy when promoting a low. Independent film marketing festivals, markets, self. May 28, 2014 marketing might sound like a necessary evil now, but once you complete your film you will be so grateful to have a full marketing toolbox at your fingertips to help get your film out into the world. Successful movie marketing strategies and why they worked. One thing i have learned through producing independent films with raw talent is that throwing money at problems doesnt necessarily make problems go away, and often the job is done with half the energy and passion need for success.

Writerdirector kim garland shares her process for short film marketing after testdriving and refining her methods on two shorts of her own. Start the awareness by creating a press release to all film media publication editors and bloggers. Just being able to say that your film is an official selection at a festival can cause you to be taken more seriously and, if you win any awards, then. Jan 24, 2019 this 12 week movie marketing plan will help you sketch out a way to promote your film. Distribution strategies for a changing world the current state of independent film distribution is complex and evershifting. Indiemarketing provides strategic businesstobusiness marketing and business development, connecting all facets of entertainment themed entertainment, filmtv, entertainment technology. Not to mention, its the most amazing moment when you finally get to hang up a poster from your own movie on your office wall. In those nhfx days, marketing collateral included a logo, a poster, ads, and passes. Social media marketing for cinemas independent cinema office.

With so many factors to consider and different paths to go down, the new guide to short film exhibition, distribution and marketing from the random acts network is a vital resource. Think of it as a springboard into your greater strategy. In this article, youll get a twelveweek movie marketing plan so you can. Many strategy steps will stem from these two items. Apr 09, 2018 as an independent filmmaker, if you were lucky enough to garner a distribution deal, odds were good the deal was less than satisfying. Just being able to say that your film is an official selection at a festival can cause you to be taken more seriously and, if you win any awards, then that can open up a variety of doors for you.

Every film needs a customized distribution strategy. Instagram should be in your plan for digital marketing as a filmmaker. Although we are always talking about film distribution also, marketing is an essential part of this process, the marketing strategy is what will define the movie and people will look for, will want to know more about it and would like to see the film wherever it is present. Your film will not be seen if it does not leave your hands, so a large part of independent film marketing is to get your film in as many hands as possible. After receiving phone calls from wouldbe distributors full of empty promises, i started to dislike the predatory nature of traditional film distribution.

Marketing might sound like a necessary evil now, but once you complete your film you will be so grateful to have a full marketing toolbox at your fingertips to help get your film out into the world. The budget available to an independent filmmaker is often quite small and their marketing strategy will reflect this limitation. One of the most important things you can do, from day 1, is plan the marketing for your film. Fiscal sponsorship is an arrangement between an existing 501c3 nonprofit organization and an individual or entity lacking the legal status needed to receive grants from foundations, individual donors and government agencies. Buy film marketing strategy template for independent filmmakers and film studios by ebook online at lulu. In 2009, our marketing todos included a website, public relations, large banners, national advertising, email marketing, a 68page program, tshirts, a printed and online schedule, tote bags, and social media marketing. Film festivals are a good option when it comes to film marketing if you want to be seen as a serious filmmaker. Todays marketing campaigns do a lot more than make a. Obviously most independent film exhibitors do not have a huge marketing budget. This months independent film marketing tool is one of the most creative and fun. Movie marketing, advertising shackled by rising costs variety. Marketing can play a big role in whether or not a film gets the green light. To make your film stand from the crowd, you need a savvy marketing strategy. This strategy should be designed based on your goals, your films content, its core audiences, and the opportunities in key avenues of distribution from theatrical and.