Written and Directed by Justin Snyder
A blog.

Pitching and Marketing in Independent Film

The following are notes from two panels I attended at SXSW: Financing in a Troubled Economy, and Finding an Audience for your Film.

What is your unique perspective and why does it work?
What is the story outside the story?
What’s the idea?
What are you selling?  What does the poster look like?
Who are you trying to reach?
What will the website look like?  Promo, network, etc…
You’re not just making a movie, but planning a campaign…

1. it’s a business plan — executives are looking for a comprehensive plan
2. be rigorous and critical – how much? how long will it take?
3. how will you get the product to market?
4. treat exhibitions like a client
5. one option is to hire a publicist and pay for screenings (coupled with social media this could work)

Get ASSETS – during the shoot, get unit photography.  Get a wealth of footage for promotional purposes (most common mistake with indies is lack of pre-production planning)
Website, logline, trailer, stills… you gotta think of everything
What executives are looking for (TOP ADVICE)

1. what is the event?  what’s the incentive?  what will people get from it?
2. get an attorney!!!
3. It’s ART and COMMERCE
4. anticipate how the film will get to the market place
5. feed the crew!!!
6. be teachable

KNOW YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH!