Strategic Social Media for Indie Films

Sep 21, 2024

Building an Audience for Your Indie Film on Social Media

Introduction

  • Presenter: Alexi from Exile Entertainment
  • Topic: Building an audience for indie films on social media is a mistake.
  • Producing Accelerator Program: Offers guidance on financing, producing, distributing, and marketing films.

Key Arguments Against Early Social Media Engagement

  • Timing Issue: Focusing on social media too early in film production (development, financing, or production) is premature.

    • Social media is not needed at these stages.
    • Not connected to developing, financing, or producing.

  • Misallocation of Resources: Early social media efforts may divert crucial resources from critical activities like:

    • Writing a world-class screenplay.
    • Securing and closing deals with investors.

  • Pitfalls of Early Social Media:

    • Can become a comfortable distraction.
    • Doesn’t add value to high-quality film production.
    • Takes years to build an audience organically.
    • Paid traffic is unjustifiable if no product is being sold.

When to Build an Audience

  • Post-Production Stage: Recommended stage to start promoting your film.
    • Availability of marketing assets like stills, BTS footage, teasers, and trailers.
    • Allows for regular, consistent content and faster audience growth.

Long-Term Social Media Strategy

  • Build Personal Brand/Production Company:
    • Accounts for individual or company have more longevity and value.
    • Allows for continuous engagement and benefit from compounded audience growth.

Role of Distributors

  • Importance of High-Quality Distributors:
    • Aim to attach a top distributor like A24 or Neon.
    • Major distributors manage marketing, have large built-in audiences, and capital for paid promotions.

Exceptions

  • Built-in Audience:
    • If you have a pre-existing audience (personal or production company), early social media efforts for a specific film may be justified.

Conclusion

  • Engaging in social media can be beneficial but should be strategically timed and focused.
  • Consider long-term strategies like building personal or company brand.
  • Evaluate whether building a film-specific audience aligns with current resources and goals.

Additional Resources

  • Producing Accelerator Program: Learn more about financing, producing, distributing, and marketing films.
  • Further Learning: Check links for more videos on enhancing filmmaking skills.

Remember, focus on making the best film possible first and allocate time and resources to activities that directly contribute to your film's production and success.