Deborah Gilels's Lounge Discussions

HI Ashley good question - I would say a great poster and director or producer statement, succinct bios and synopsis. Limited resources should be spent in the bigger markets like LA and NY, and towards getting the best audience for your film. If you are playing a festival in a smaller city, let the festival generate any publicity - you should focus on LA, NY, Atlanta, etc. enhancing the most marketable aspect of your film.

Delrey, I would research the Korean production companies that make the series on Netflix or Apple and approach them. well written letter can go a long way.

Hi Amy, I would start by entering screenplay competitions and film festivals, that's a way to start out getting noticed - if there's any established writer you admire, reach out to them for advice, etc. They might be helpful in your networking.

A friend in the Writer's Room has her first short film accepted into its first film festival - YAY! We talked about what to have with her, and I thought I'd write the suggestion here, and then open it up to the rest in the thread - what promo materials would you recommend bringing to a film festival?

My Suggestion:

- Use a digital "business card" for your personal contact info

- Have a Postcard with your Poster design printed

- On the back, you can print a QR code or other "evergreen" info BUT keep enough space on the back for a label/sticker

- print labels with the specific DATE / TIME / BLOCK of your screening (so you can save the postcards for different festivals and only print new labels)

- Make sure you attend other peoples' screenings so you have an easier time of talking to them b/c you'll chat them up about what you saw

- Also, make sure you know what "NEXT" is for you - do you want people to follow you? Get coffee with you? Give you a job? Book your service? Help finance the long-form of your short?

- And before you go, make sure you make the "funnel" clear - if there are too many clicks, you may lose them before you can stick the landing

Congratulations to your friend on her first short film getting accepted into its first film festival, Karen "Kay" Ross! Fantastic suggestions! What about custom merchandise that promotes the film? Like a watch bracelet that the protagonist uses in the film, labeled with the movie's logo (www.4allpromos.com/category/watches?customer). Nothing too expensive though.

Hire someone who can help you - to get your novels reviewed and promote - to expand the outreach of your podcast - you don't have to hire a full on PR person, you can utilize an assistant or intern to do this outreach.

Hi Deborah Gilels , nice meeting you and sharing your expertise in this AMA. Have you worked with composers and their need for marketing ? If you're over 6o, is it better to outsource for an Agent ? ha ha. - not really laughing. I'm in the Music world performing and writing mode most of my days, though have been doing short samples here and there. Some success with making perc. with an engineer to HBO show and a lady wanting to use one of my perc. samples in her movie short. New guy looking for Marketing help and anything else you may know this side of the creative world. Thanks again for your willingness to share this week's AMA.

K. Kennard

A few years ago I hooked someone up with a friend who is a music supervisor and he game the advice to go after the job that you want - if there's an agent sending out your work, I would welcome it- you should also announce when your work is presented on any media - and use to help market yourself.

Don't really worry about your age - I know its hard in this business - but your work is what is really important.

Thank you Deborah Gilels . Appreciate the advice ! KK

Deborah Gilels I was late to the table, but I thank you so much for sharing your insight. PR and marketing is so important for content, especially when there are so many options. A what not to do list, like David Letterman's top 10 lists in a book form or blog is something that way too many could use. :)