Brand Deals, Product Placement & Marketing Your Indie Film
Making the movie is only half the battle.
Once your film is finished, you still have to figure out how to get people to actually see it. And if you're still trying to finance your movie, there may be another source of money most indie filmmakers completely overlook: brands.
In this episode of Off The Lot, we look at indie film marketing from both ends of the process.
Ken is finishing Remnant and now facing the next challenge: building enough awareness to actually get audiences into theatres. Anthony is developing Quiet Canadians and exploring how brand partnerships, sponsorships, product integration and social content can help finance a movie before production even begins.
We break down:
• Why indie filmmakers need dozens of pieces of marketing content — not one trailer
• Why audiences may need multiple touchpoints before your movie even registers
• How brands can contribute cash, wardrobe, props, vehicles, locations and production resources
• Why product placement is only one small part of a brand partnership
• How behind-the-scenes content can become valuable advertising for sponsors
• How to identify brands that already want access to your film’s audience
• Why smaller and emerging brands may be better partners than major corporations
• How sponsorship revenue can help de-risk your movie for investors
• Why filmmakers should start thinking about marketing before they ever start shooting
The bigger lesson: don't approach a brand asking them to help you make your movie.
Figure out what audience they're trying to reach — and show them how your movie can help them reach it.
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