On Social Media for dummies:
K: Images for your website and social media channels are very important. I started a blog and put pictures up on it but they just weren’t coming out right until I took this online class that taught me how to take better pictures with your iPhone. When you’re out on the field, you definitely need to take pictures so this was really helpful in terms of engaging with fans. There are a lot of videos out there about: -how to use Google + -how to set up your blog -how to increase your social media pages You should be trying to utilize things like FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram. On film screenings and film festivals: K: I applied to a lot of film festivals and it does cost money to apply to these festivals. I went to as many as I could to speak and meet the people. For me, that was just really good marketing for the cause. My favorite festivals are the ones that found me and screened the movie without me applying. As for screenings, it takes a lot of time to go. Sometimes you have to fly there and find somewhere to stay. It takes a lot time to meet the people that will help with your film, your cause and help make the difference, especially if you’re a documentary maker. People that care enough to screen your film, get people together, and even hold a reception after they obviously care about your cause. It’s important to connect with them personally. People still screen the film, which surprises me, because they could just download it or watch the DVD in their living room. If I’m still getting screenings I’m just shocked but it is still important. Every time I go to give a speech and answer questions, people are much more apt to act or buy the movie after wards. Sometimes after they watch the movie, they want their friends and family to watch it as well. Going and attending the screenings and going to the festivals are really important for the marketing. The people that care so much about this cause are the ones willing to hold screenings and ask friends to watch it. You can’t do this yourself, you need people to get others involved and that’s what the screenings do. On advice for aspiring documentary and indie filmmakers: Definitely use Indie go-go or Kickstarter! Like I said before that is the biggest piece of advice I have. Don’t start marketing too soon and definitely try to get a little bit of money out of a lot of people. |
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