How To Promote Your Film In Pandemic Times

The pandemic has affected all industries, but some suffered more than others. Travel and hospitality took a massive blow due to restrictions on movement and a general fear of the virus. Sports and entertainment also came to a halt, as venues closed and the audience stayed home. Moviemakers are also among the worst hit segments. Films are no longer showing the way they did. After the initial closure of theaters, foot traffic remains limited even in the new normal. Even the most avid movie buffs prefer to stay out of the cinemas to prevent exposure to the virus. As a film producer, it is natural to feel stressed about the future of the industry.



While the situation appears daunting right now, hope shines bright for the industry. Movies are still being made despite the challenges. Moreover, they are getting viewership, although with a different approach. Digital streaming is the lifeline for makers and viewers. The industry, like all others, has found ways to survive and thrive in the new normal. Indie filmmakers, in particular, are emerging strongly as they make movies on low-budgets and within minimal timespans, both relevant in current times. But if you are one, you will have a fair share of challenges to deal with. Promotions are the most challenging part as budgets are tight and traditional routes do not work amid the pandemic. Here are some ideas you can implement to promote your film in the new normal.

Create a gripping trailer
Trailers are integral to your film marketing strategies, whether you plan a theatrical release or want to run on a streaming platform. You cannot miss out on them because these clips generate audience interest. A gripping trailer goes a long way in getting the crowds churning for your movie. Make sure you have everything that can hold attention and generate curiosity for your film. Masterful storytelling is the key to picking the best content for your trailer. Besides having an excellent trailer, showcase it on the right platform. Everything boils down to knowing your audience so that you can create the apt content and present it on the relevant platform.

Roll out your campaign on social media
Besides marketing your film through trailers, you must roll out a campaign on social media. The audiences spend more time on social media platforms due to limited outings and work-from-home norms. You have to make sure they can see your offering on these platforms. However, you cannot run a campaign randomly as it may only waste effort and money. Consider the audience you want to reach, citing traits such as gender, age, income, and interests. Ensure your ad appears for the specific types of moviegoers you plan to target. The more personalized you get, the better are the chances of reaching the right kind of viewers and churning out bigger revenues.

Host a virtual event
Think beyond trailers and advertisements, and consider hosting an event to connect with the audience. Virtual and hybrid festivals are the new normal of movie promotions, so make sure you leverage the idea. Fortunately, you can host one on streaming platforms like highway movie without investing a lot. It also lets you organize live screenings on a budget. So you have a perfect way to maximize your reach without burdening your finances. Moreover, you need not worry about limited foot traffic at your events and screenings due to the fear of the virus.

Create a simple movie website
A simple movie website is another affordable way to market your upcoming film without spending a massive amount. Having a website makes sense after you create a great trailer and personalized marketing campaign. Viewers will want to know more about the movie, and the best way to offer information is by making them land on your website. You need not have a fancy one for an advertising purpose. Consider developing something basic on your own rather than hiring a professional to do it. You can even get a good start with a great-looking landing page with the trailer and streaming links. The traffic that lands will definitely want to explore more.

Tap your existing fan base
Unless you are an absolute newbie in the industry, you will probably have a fan base. Leveraging them to promote your film is a great idea as they can empower your campaign with a word-of-mouth strategy. Appeal to your fan base to like and share your content to extend outreach on social platforms. Even better, ask them for reviews and testimonials you can promote on your website and social media. Viewer reviews can go a long way in extending your outreach and pulling the crowds to your movie. People will definitely want to watch ones having positive word-of-mouth reviews from real viewers. Make sure you do not miss out on this tactic. You may even entice fans to post reviews with deals and offers.

Talk to other filmmakers
Besides trying these promotional tactics, you can get more ideas by talking to other filmmakers. Picking their brains can get you helpful insights about what worked for them in the current situation. It can give you fresh ideas you may use straightaway or tweak according to your needs and budget. Asking other makers to see your movie and provide feedback before theatrical and streaming releases is a good idea.

You can even use their inputs to improve your movie before going live. Pandemic or no pandemic, you will always need a robust promotion plan to get attention for your film. Releasing a movie without one is like walking in the dark, a risk no filmmaker should take.

While the new normal is about money constraints, there are ways to implement campaigns that do not burn a hole in the wallet. Thankfully, digital media serves a host of opportunities to reach audiences and make an impact. These simple ideas can cover you on both fronts, so make sure you follow them for your next release in pandemic times. You will definitely have better chances of making it a hit!


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