10 Tips for Independent Filmmakers to Master Rollout Of Their Films
Understand Your Audience
Before diving into marketing efforts for your film, thoroughly understand your target audience before and after production. Preferably figure this out during your pitch! Analyze demographics, movie comps, preferences, and viewing habits to tailor your marketing strategies around what YOUR audience wants and what platforms they are using to view your film. When creating a persona, we are looking to answer a few questions about an audience who has not yet learned about or seen the movie. With this in mind, you should ask yourself the following questions :
Who is your audience? What are their age, race, and hobbies?
When and where are they watching? Are they streaming or going into a movie theater?
Where did they learn about your movie?
What do they identify with within your story? Who do they identify with?
What other projects are like your film?
Create Compelling Trailers and Spots
Craft captivating trailers and teasers that highlight the unique aspects of your film that will draw people in. These snippets should pique the audience's interest and compel them to watch the full feature, follow the Instagram page, and hopefully share more info about your movie.
Breadcrumb the Inciting Incident
Showcase your Characters
Highlight Nameworthy Talent
Establish Locations
Keep it Short !!! (No more than 3 Minutes)
Leverage Social Media Platforms
Utilize social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to promote your film. Engage with your audience, share behind-the-scenes content, and run targeted ads to reach potential viewers, fellow filmmakers in your area, and potential actors. Use all platforms that allow you to not only capture content but also share content with new audiences and users. If you are on a streaming service, try to engage with other shows on the network!
Build an Online Presence
Establish a strong online presence by creating a dedicated website or landing page and Instagram page for your film. My recommendation is Beacons.ai, a site that will cover everything from email lists to trailers. Include information about the cast, crew, storyline, and release date to generate buzz and excitement even before you start shooting. This is also a great place to sell tickets and engage with sponsors!
Collaborate with Influencers and Content Creators
Partner with local influencers and content creators in your niche to expand your reach and attract a broader audience. Collaborations can involve sponsored content, podcasts, reviews, or guest appearances on their platforms and sometimes they will be willing to barter with you. Keep in mind that many influencers may be open to being in your film and agree to market the film on other platforms once the film comes out. No platform is too small!
Participate in Film Festivals and Events
Submit your film to relevant film festivals and industry events to gain exposure and recognition from new buyers and executives. Winning awards or receiving positive feedback can significantly boost your film's credibility and attract the attention of SVOD and AVOD channels that may want to license or syndicate your film.
Optimize for SEO
Implement search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to improve the discoverability of your film online. Use relevant keywords, meta tags, and descriptions to ensure that your content ranks higher in search engine results. Think about the eye-catching words and phrases that are not only timely and relevant, but engage an audience that uses those phrases to relate to one another.
Offer Exclusive Content and Special Features
Entice new viewers to subscribe or purchase your film by offering exclusive content, bonus features, or limited-time promotions whether in person or through digital products. This adds value to your offering and encourages audience engagement and with good engagement, you build a strong reputation and relationship with your fans.
Engage with Your Audience
Foster a sense of community by actively engaging with your audience through comments, IG Live, audience polls, and Q&A sessions. Respond to feedback, address concerns with story, and character arcs, and show appreciation for their support to build loyalty and trust with your fans as a filmmaker. Have your actors, big and small, participate in social media activities that will help market and promote the film.
Monitor Performance and Iterate
Continuously monitor the performance of your marketing efforts using analytics tools like Hootsuite and Facebook Analytics. Track metrics such as views, engagement, and conversions to identify what strategies are working and where adjustments are needed to keep building. Iterate on your marketing plan accordingly to optimize results over time until you reach a final place in your streaming or theatrical window.
Acquisition - New Engagement
Retention - Keeping Pre-Existing Engagement
Migration - Moving Fans from One Property or Platform to Another
By following these tips and implementing a well-rounded marketing strategy, indie producers can effectively promote and roll out their films on SVOD and AVOD channels, maximizing visibility and audience reach.