When I started out as a filmmaker, I quickly realized that I would need to develop ancillary skills, so I formed my media company iTiger Media and started contracting myself out. Soon I was building websites and marketing films for major studios. I learned a lot about what it takes to get your film out there and I want to share some techniques that will help you.
Nothing is worse than bringing your film to life only to see it go nowhere as no one sees it. Not only should your film garner thousands of views, but it should be the springboard that launches your filmmaking career. Because filmmaking is expensive and time consuming, it’s important to get it right! Your goal should be to find an audience while attracting the attention of major Hollywood players! These are some of the powerful techniques I have developed to get your film seen! For more techniques subscribe to my YouTube Channel www.ronkarmstrong.com.
- Before writing your script, consider the subjects currently trending on social media. Utilizing trending topics—which have a built-in audience—can attact lots of views. Again, take your queue from these topics only if they make sense in the context of your story. Don’t choose trending topics just to get views; use themes that resonate with you and help to fuel your artistic vision.
- Create a killer website. Your film website should align with the themes of your film and engage your audience. For example, for my short film “War is a Bitch,” we created a war game to attract views and keep people engaged. Don’t rely on a basic website composed of just a video player.
- Create memes with the film website URL superimposed on them. Interesting film stills turned into viral memes could gain you a large following.
- Splinter your artwork. Once you’ve created a movie poster for your film, splinter it by creating individual posters for each main character. Additionally, add intriguing captions to give viewers more insight into the characters and their backstories, which will create more interest in the film.
- Utilize social media. Create pages on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and invite influential figures people to like and follow the film. Be sure to include a link back to your website for additional information on your film.
- Become a member of several relevant Facebook groups and periodically send your poster, artwork and trailer out to those groups. Schedule your social media posts strategically so you don’t become annoying and lose viewers. Being a regular contributor to these groups will help you remain credible while generating publicity.
- Purchase Facebook ads to promote your film. These ads are inexpensive and can be targeted to specific individuals and demographic groups, bringing enormous attention to your film.
- Create a press release at each production milestone and distribute it to news outlets. Many major media outlets will not run your press releases, but the key is to keep releasing them. It’s also important to tell the story of the film’s origins and its significance to your life. Everyone loves inspirational stories and movie audiences are no exception.