Among all the things floating around in my head, cutting a trailer is at the top of the list. I've been experimenting with a shorter timeline recently to get used to it. (Don't judge me for using iMovie, mk?)
Everything I've researched and studied leads me to believe that a 30, 60, or 90 second trailer for the film will be ideal. I don't think we need to have much more than that online.
So, then, the question remains: how do you sell a 60-minute documentary in 90 seconds or less?
Friday, March 23, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
What Now?
We've entered the next phase of the project: marketing and distributing Abandoned Allies. I find myself in uncharted territory once again; It's exciting. A lot of people are asking me, "What now?"
Here's what we're doing.
DVD Duplication
We're putting a few copies of the film on DVD. These initial copies will be used for film festival submissions. Each festival requires about two to three copies on DVD.
We'll also send a few copies to people featured in the film, so they can see the finished product.A few more copies will go to key people who have helped make the film, so they can be sure all is in order before we have a public screening. More copies will go to another group of people: those willing to help us find distribution.
The next step is figuring out how to put the film on DVD so the general public can buy it. A friend has told me about using Amazon, so they do the processing and fulfillment of orders. That sounds ideal, as it would keep me focused on the bigger picture and not running to the post office to put DVDs in the mail.
There are other steps to this process, though. I am still learning, which makes it tough to explain. When I have it figured out, I will do my best to share it with you here.
Film Festival Submissions
As I mentioned, we'll submit the film to several festivals. Fees mount up quickly, though. Submission fees range from $20 to nearly $100 so we will have to be fairly picky about where we send the film. This process will happen all year long, as I research which festivals will be most fitting for Abandoned Allies.
Local Screening Events
Screening Abandones Allies at local theaters is also at the top of our list. A few locations that I love: IMAX theater in Raleigh, Carolina Theater in Durham, Galaxy Cinema in Cary, and a few other locations in the Triangle. Planning these events takes resources: time, energy, and money. We are pretty short on those things, so I'm grateful to have help. EJ and I are working on a few things already.
Marketing / Branding
There's much work to be done here but I've recently updated the Facebook and Twitter (@AbandonedAllies) avatars so they match the graphics in the film (which were designed by Patrick Jones). I still need to update the website. I have big dreams about what we can do, but more resources are needed to make that a reality so we're doing the best we can with what we have available.
Additional Support Needed
Support in several areas would be helpful: researching film festivals, logistics with local screening events, social media engagement, etc. If you (or someone you know) is willing to volunteer please tell me.
More to Come
We're hustling. There's a lot happening. Thanks for your support, patience, and encouragement.
Here's what we're doing.
DVD Duplication
We're putting a few copies of the film on DVD. These initial copies will be used for film festival submissions. Each festival requires about two to three copies on DVD.
We'll also send a few copies to people featured in the film, so they can see the finished product.A few more copies will go to key people who have helped make the film, so they can be sure all is in order before we have a public screening. More copies will go to another group of people: those willing to help us find distribution.
The next step is figuring out how to put the film on DVD so the general public can buy it. A friend has told me about using Amazon, so they do the processing and fulfillment of orders. That sounds ideal, as it would keep me focused on the bigger picture and not running to the post office to put DVDs in the mail.
There are other steps to this process, though. I am still learning, which makes it tough to explain. When I have it figured out, I will do my best to share it with you here.
Film Festival Submissions
As I mentioned, we'll submit the film to several festivals. Fees mount up quickly, though. Submission fees range from $20 to nearly $100 so we will have to be fairly picky about where we send the film. This process will happen all year long, as I research which festivals will be most fitting for Abandoned Allies.
Local Screening Events
Screening Abandones Allies at local theaters is also at the top of our list. A few locations that I love: IMAX theater in Raleigh, Carolina Theater in Durham, Galaxy Cinema in Cary, and a few other locations in the Triangle. Planning these events takes resources: time, energy, and money. We are pretty short on those things, so I'm grateful to have help. EJ and I are working on a few things already.
Marketing / Branding
There's much work to be done here but I've recently updated the Facebook and Twitter (@AbandonedAllies) avatars so they match the graphics in the film (which were designed by Patrick Jones). I still need to update the website. I have big dreams about what we can do, but more resources are needed to make that a reality so we're doing the best we can with what we have available.
Additional Support Needed
Support in several areas would be helpful: researching film festivals, logistics with local screening events, social media engagement, etc. If you (or someone you know) is willing to volunteer please tell me.
More to Come
We're hustling. There's a lot happening. Thanks for your support, patience, and encouragement.
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