Social Media Tips for Filmmakers (1)

Films are about bringing people together and sharing ideas. We watch trailers, connect with our social circles, and then share the cinematic experience. Word of mouth used to be the only true method of accomplishing this, aided in part by previews and ads in newspapers. Television and the internet then expanded that reach to homes across the globe. The most recent permutation can be found in modern social media.
Think about it… Social media was what made it possible for the Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer to garner over 1 million views in only 23 minutes of its announcement! Movie makers everywhere should be using social media to market their films if they aren’t already. 74% of people in the 18–65+ age group are on social media including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat.

Social Media is lucrative for movie marketers for the same reasons it appeals to many: the ability to measure and interact with your audience on a two-way street of communication, and the lucrative allure of going viral. If you can convince fans and moviegoers to talk about your movie on social media, your audience expands.
Case Study: The Hunger Games
Shortly after The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1 was released, a dance remix of the already popular song, “The Hanging Tree,” featured in the movie hit the airwaves. The original acoustic version had already debuted at number 12 on the Billboard charts. Movie execs clearly wanted to capitalize on this success. Both versions of the song have gotten over 20 million views on Vevo’s Youtube page and they were both played on radio stations across the United States.

Why was this a smart move by Lionsgate? Because the songs are catchy and people who have no concept of what The Hunger Games is about might be interested in learning more about the movie and books. Or, at the very least, share the song with their friends.
Social Media Tips for Filmmakers
Let People Inside Your Film
You can give fans a peek behind the curtain with photos or video clips, show them the movie set, the editing room, the festival premiere- they will feel invested and be more apt to help in any way they can.
Be Patient and Take Your Time
Everything you do on social can be seen, shared and, eventually, judged; this all reflects back on you and your film. Take time with your text (avoid typos), and make sure your key art and shared photos are professional, hi-res, and snazzy.
Engage and Interact with Fans
You’re trying to build a community, and there’s a reason “community” and “communicate” share the same root. So if someone replies to a post, sends a private message, or tags your film page in their own post or tweet, answer them back! Be nice to them!
Create Content Worth Sharing
Take the time to learn Photoshop basics. Once you’ve got mad skills, create a series of images with words superimposed; these “memes” can be the best kind of shareable content. Choose stills from your film and superimpose quotes from your characters on them.
Be Creative
You’re a filmmaker! You have ideas! Let them flow! Try new things (a behind-the-scenes video blog? a pop quiz about your film? a confessional about your filmmaking fears?), and don’t be afraid to experiment. Social media is fleeting, so no matter how perfect it is, your tweet will probably be forgotten tomorrow, so if you screw up, try, try again.
Social media is a vital part of engaging filmgoing audiences. The business has always been about who you know and who you can reach, and social media expands your capability to build connections. Engaging your fans directly can build excitement and trust in your projects by making them feel like they are part of the process. With a smart strategy and an open mind, social media can catapult your project into the spotlight. How are you currently using social media to reach the masses? Let me know in the comments below!
Source:
http://www.indiewire.com/2014/06/10-social-media-dos-and-donts-for-filmmakers-24862/
