After speaking at several filmmaking events, a lot of filmmakers are asking how to grow your audience. At the same time, I realize most filmmakers would rather make films and not fool around with marketing.
“I'm a filmmaker. I just want to make a film. I hate social media and I am wondering how to grow your audience.”
How To Grow Your Audience
Here are three audience engagement tips for filmmakers who hate social media:
Tip 1 – Know Your Audience
This may seem obvious, but before you make your film, you need to have some idea what type of movie you're going to make.
Is there already an audience who likes that sort of stuff?
In other words, are there any print publications out there that still cater to your niche subject matter? One example of this is Horror movies. (They still have Fangoria…)
Tip 2 – Leverage Your Cast and Crew
If you don't have a great Twitter following, Facebook following or a mailing list – then you need to cast people who do.
I'll repeat again… Cast popular YouTube and social media stars to act in your movie. And if you can't reach them, at least hire actors who are active in social media. (When I was at Chill, we did this with a movie called Camp Takota. The results were amazing!)
Partner with people (bloggers, et al) who have built a mailing list in your desired niche market.
Ttip 3 – Produce Consistent Content
If you're still making shorts, make sure you set up a YouTube channel. Then challenge yourself to make at least one 2 minute short every week for a year. (Seriously.)
Over time if you are CONSISTENT, your odds of growing an audience is far greater than those filmmakers who don't take YouTube seriously.
While I'm on the subject here is another thought for growing your audience… As a filmmaker, you probably think you're in the business of making movies.
But this is not true. Advances in production technology means that everybody is making movies. The market is saturated. And the traditional distributor can no longer afford to help you source an audience.
Getting your film in front of the audience is largely up to YOU. You will have to figure out how to grow your audience. This means that – YOU – are actually no longer in the independent filmmaking business.
In fact, you are now in the business of growing an audience. In other words, repeat after me:
“My audience is my business. Without an audience, I have no business.”
The best part? You can grow an audience TODAY.
If you are serious about your filmmaking career, you need to figure out how to grow your audience. And you need to start building your audience right now, like today!
Having an audience will help you with crowdfunding (so you can raise money), test your movie concept and most importantly, having an audience allows you to sell your movie when you finish it.
Take a quick moment to check out the Indie producer's guide to digital distribution. I put the system together myself. If you follow the steps, you will have some great tactics for growing your audience.
