I know what you're thinking – Why is this filmmaking, modern moviemaking advocate of internet VOD distribution talking to you about how to design a DVD cover?
Because…
Regardless of distribution technology, your audience still values the visual representation of your movie as a tangible product. And in ways akin to marketing an eBook via Amazon Kindle, you still need a killer design to represent your movie.
To help explain this further, I reached out to my buddy Ian Hannin. If the name sounds familiar, it means you probably read popular comic books. Over the past decade, Ian is responsible for coloring some of the most popular comic books in existence for Marvel Comics and DC Comics.
But in addition to Ian Hannin's comic book coloring experience, he also designs movie marketing materials, such as movie posters, virtual covers, DVD covers and the actual artwork that goes on a DVD disc to make it look pro.
Jason Brubaker
How important is having good movie art for filmmakers?
Ian Hannin
People judge a book by the cover. Same with DVD or virtual DVD. You need to have high end, awesome illustration.
Jason Brubaker
What components of movie marketing art are most important?
Ian Hannin
Make sure the design complements the subject matter and tone of the movie. A lot of filmmakers fail to think about their target audience when designing movie marketing collateral.
Jason Brubaker
What's the biggest mistake filmmakers make in their design?
Ian Hannin
The craftsmanship of the DVD cover often leaves a lot to be desired. In the popular marketplaces, such as Amazon and iTunes, your movie will be competing for virtual shelf space with expensive studio titles. Your job is to create high resolution, easy to read and enticing movie marketing materials… Does the movie artwork draw you in and make you want to see the movie?
Jason Brubaker
A lot of filmmakers try to do this themselves. What is your advice there?
Ian Hannin
If you have someone in your team good at graphic art, awesome. Just make sure your art complements the movie and helps you attract your target audience. But if you don't have a good guy on your team, you can always email me. Maybe I know someone.
Jason Brubaker
You mean like you?
Ian Hannin
Maybe. HaHa!
Jason Brubaker
How can filmmakers hire you?
Ian Hannin
Go to www.IanHannin.com and contact me through the contact page.
Jason Brubaker
How much do you charge?
Ian Hannin
Depends on the package. Just email me at www.IanHannin.com. Let me know what you're looking for.
Jason Brubaker
Thanks for stopping by Filmmaking Stuff!
Ian Hannin
Thanks. Happy to help filmmakers in need of art!
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Next time you need to make your filmmaking stuff look awesome, reach out to Ian Hannin and see if he can help you. Oh, also, in full disclosure, I am friends with Ian. He will probably buy me a burrito for any business I throw his way.
Happy Filmmaking!
