Hey filmmakers! Are you ready to take your film to the next level and get it noticed by the press and industry professionals? You’ll to start marketing your indie film! One of the most important tools you’ll need in your arsenal is a killer Filmmaker’s Press Kit. But what exactly should you include in your press kit? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a comprehensive list of the essential elements you’ll need to make your press kit stand out from the crowd.
A film synopsis – This should be a brief, yet informative summary of your film. Think of it as an elevator pitch, but in written form. Make sure to include the most important elements of your story and what makes it unique.
A director’s statement – This is your chance to give some insight into your creative process and the inspiration behind your film. It’s also a great opportunity to showcase your passion and dedication to the project.
Production stills – Visuals are key when it comes to a Filmmaker’s Press Kit. Make sure to include high-quality, visually stunning images from your film. These will give the press and industry professionals a taste of what they can expect from your film.
Headshots of key cast and crew members – This is a great opportunity to introduce the key players involved in your film. Make sure to include headshots of your lead actors and actresses, as well as the director, producer, and any other key crew members.
Biographies of key cast and crew members – Along with the headshots, include a brief bio of each key cast and crew member. This will give the press and industry professionals a sense of their experience and background.
Reviews or quotes from previous films – If you or any of your cast and crew members have worked on previous films, include any reviews or quotes from those films. This will give your press kit credibility and showcase the talent involved in your film.
Technical information about the film – Make sure to include the running time, format, and any other important technical information about your film. This will give the press and industry professionals a sense of the scale and scope of your project.
A press release or news release – This is a great opportunity to formally announce your film and give a brief overview of the story and key players involved.
A list of upcoming screenings or festivals the film will be featured in – Keep the press and industry professionals informed about where and when they can see your film. Make sure to include any upcoming screenings or festivals the film will be featured in.
Contact information for the production company or publicist – Make it easy for the press and industry professionals to get in touch with you or your team. Include contact information for the production company or your publicist.
And there you have it! With these essential elements in your Filmmaker’s Press Kit, you’re well on your way to getting your film noticed by the press and industry professionals. Remember to keep it professional, but also have fun, be creative and let your passion shine through.
What else could you include in your Filmmaker’s Press Kit?
While the elements listed above are considered the essentials for a Filmmaker’s Press Kit, there are a few other items that can help make your press kit stand out even more. Here are a few additional elements you may want to consider including in your press kit:
A trailer or excerpt from the film – Including a trailer or excerpt from your film is a great way to give the press and industry professionals a sneak peek at your film. Make sure to choose a scene that showcases the best of your film, whether that’s the cinematography, acting, or story.
Behind-the-scenes footage or photographs – This can give a great insight into the process of making the film, the team behind it and how the film was shot. It can give a personal touch to the press kit and make it stand out.
Awards or accolades the film or its creators have received – If your film or any of its creators have won awards or received accolades, make sure to include them in your press kit. This will add credibility and showcase the talent involved in your film.
A list of production credits or technical specifications – If you want to go the extra mile, you can include a list of all the people who worked on your film and the technical specifications such as camera, lens, lighting and sound. This will give the press and industry professionals a sense of the scale and scope of your project.
A Q&A with the director or key cast members – Including a Q&A with the director or key cast members is a great way to give the press and industry professionals a sense of the personalities behind your film. It can also be used as a tool to promote the film
Background information on the story or inspiration behind the film – If the story behind your film is particularly interesting or unique, make sure to include some background information in your press kit. This will give the press and industry professionals a sense of the inspiration behind your film and what makes it special.
A list of previous work by the director or key cast and crew members – Including a list of previous work by the director or key cast and crew members will give the press and industry professionals a sense of their experience and background.
Press clippings or articles about the film or its creators – If your film or its creators have been featured in any press or articles, make sure to include them in your press kit. This will add credibility and showcase the interest in your film.
Marketing materials, such as posters or postcards – Including promotional materials like posters or postcards can be a great way to give the press and industry professionals a sense of the visual style of your film.
Merchandise or promotional items related to the film – Including merchandise or promotional items related to the film is a great way to make your press kit stand out. This can also be used as a marketing tool to promote the film.
Tips, Tricks and Additional Elements
By including these additional elements in your Filmmaker’s Press Kit, you can give the press and industry professionals a more complete picture of your film and the team behind it. Remember to always keep it professional and make sure all the information is accurate and up to date.
Creating a comprehensive Filmmaker’s Press Kit is essential for promoting your film and getting it noticed by the press and industry professionals. Not only is it important to have a well-designed and professional-looking press kit, but it’s also essential to include all the necessary information and materials that will give the press and industry professionals a complete picture of your film and the team behind it.
When it comes to creating a press kit, you have the option of choosing between a physical press kit or an electronic press kit (EPK). Physical press kits are great for film festivals and other events where you’ll be handing them out in person. However, EPKs are more convenient and cost-effective to distribute via email or online platforms. Consider what format will work best for your film and audience.
Once you’ve created your press kit, it’s important to make sure it gets into the hands of the people who can help promote your film. This can include mailing it to film festivals, sending it to film reviewers, or providing it at press screenings.
It’s also important to keep your press kit updated as your film progresses and new information becomes available. This can include new cast or crew members, updated production stills, or information on upcoming screenings or festivals.
As you distribute your press kit, it’s essential to handle the follow-up with the press and industry professionals. This can include follow-up emails, phone calls, and even social media outreach. The goal is to ensure that the press and industry professionals have all the information they need to cover your film.
It’s also important to keep in mind that a press kit is just one of the tools you can use to promote your film. A comprehensive marketing and publicity strategy should be in place to ensure that your film gets the attention it deserves.
In summary, creating a comprehensive Filmmaker’s Press Kit is an essential step in promoting your film. By including all the necessary information, materials and making sure it gets in the right hands, you can increase the chances of your film getting noticed and make it stand out.
