Practical Tips for Distributing Your Film

As any actor living in Hollywood can tell you, it’s one of the most competitive places and industries in the world. Getting noticed here takes some outside the box thinking, and good attention-grabbing work. As you begin to consider distribution for a film you’ve made, you’ll want a strategy that gives you maximum exposure for the smallest amount of money. Here are some thoughts on how to do that.

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Film Festivals

Film festivals are a great place to meet people who are influential in the industry. You’re likely to find critics and executives all networking and coming together for great movies. The unfortunate part is the cost, but it may be wise to factor it into your marketing budget. A festival release provides important feedback and credibility to a film.

Applying for Awards

Bigger awards require you to be considered, but there are several smaller and reputable awards that take applications from anyone who meets the requirements. If your film wins any awards, use it as part of your selling tactic. Build the idea that your film has some interest behind it.

YouTube

YouTube and its ilk can be your best friend. It’s surprisingly simple to upload trailers and videos to YouTube. Theaters charge money for this privilege, which still has value, but YouTube makes it easy to connect with users via social media. That improves your chances of your trailer turning into a viral hit.

You might consider distributing your film further, to communities that might be interested in it. Reddit is a great example. You can host an “IAMA” or just post your trailer in an appropriate subreddit.

 

Bio: The Matthau Company is owned and managed by Charlie Matthau, a director and producer based in Los Angeles. The Charlie Matthau Company is best known for “The Grass Harp,” but Charlie Matthau also directed “Her Minor Thing” and the recent Elmore Leonard adaptation “Freaky Deaky.”