Alternative Independent Film Publicity Tips
Niche Media Outlets for Filmmakers
Media attention is not always easy to obtain when promoting independent films. Filmmakers must consider alternative methods of publicity to find an audience. There are plenty of marketing opportunities still available to filmmakers who cannot attract national publicity at once. The task of gaining independent film publicity can bring positive results when working with alternative media outlets.
Target College Magazines and Newspapers for Quick Publicity
Many universities and community colleges publish their own newspapers, offering a chance for filmmakers to get local publicity. These types of alternative media outlets can help to get more exposure for independent films. Print publications in the college market are more likely to respond if there is an upcoming local event such as a party or movie screening.
Filmmakers can attract the interest of specific college newspapers by hosting events attended by students in their schools. Film festivals are great ways to convince a college newspaper journalist or movie critic to write one story about independent films. Newspapers published by noteworthy college or universities give filmmakers an extra boost when it comes to attracting attention in other states.
Seek Film Publicity Opportunities at Music Magazine Publications
Musicians on a movie soundtrack bring publicity opportunities that do not stop when a film is completed. Filmmakers who have worked with independent bands or artists can gain film publicity using the music angle. Promote the soundtrack by creating a music video or behind-the-scenes documentary featuring these bands. This will benefit filmmakers and musicians who worked on the film. There are hundreds of mainstream and small print publications that cater specifically to the music industry. Many publications focus solely on independent bands and musicians that are not signed to a major music label.
Focus on the people who provided content for the movie soundtrack when approaching music outlets. By promoting musicians and bands who are on the soundtrack, this helps to passively gain publicity for an independent film. The press attention given by music media outlets may also help to garner interest in the actual soundtrack. This brings in additional revenue that can be shared with the musicians or used to promote an independent film.
GLBT Magazines offer Unique Film Publicity Opportunities
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender market is very supportive when it comes to films that they can relate to. Filmmakers do not need all of these elements in their film to gain attention among the GLBT market. Targeting a specific audience based on their interests works better when promoting a film in this market. Promoting Lesbian films to transgender audiences may be meaningless in attracting publicity.
Getting press attention in the GLBT market will require filmmakers to carefully examine their film and figure out what it has to offer the audience. If characters in a film do not have any relation to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender market, find out if any of the locations, actors or vendors can relate. There may be a way to spin this so that certain independent films are relevant to the GLBT crowd.
Use Blogs as an Online Film Publicity Tool
Filmmakers should consider all casting opportunities that the internet offers when it comes to media outlets. Blogs may not be as popular as televised news programs or The New York Times daily paper. Blogs still offer great opportunities independent film publicity. This will require doing some research and finding blogs that are related to the subject of a film. Filmmakers can then contact the authors of these blogs and ask for an interview or write-up on their films. It does not take long to send bloggers a press release and other marketing materials to build buzz for an independent film online.
Examine all Possible Angles that can help to Gain Film Publicity
It may be difficult for filmmakers to get press attention from mainstream media outlets. There is no reason to give up because there are opportunities at hundreds of print, radio and online media outlets that cater to niche audiences. When it comes to marketing, a filmmaker’s job is to figure out all possible angles that can get his or her project featured in one of these media outlets.
Publications on extreme weight loss, hairstyles on home decorating can be used when marketing a film. If special costumes were made for the film, they can be featured in fashion magazines. Special effects or props can be covered in hobby magazines like dancing, cars and hunting and other categories among print media outlets.
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