Film Marketing Made Simple

Film Marketing Made Simple 

As an independent filmmaker, it’s challenging to wear the creative and marketing hats at the same time. But if you develop a good marketing plan early on, it will make your job a lot easier. You won’t have to think about it. You can follow the steps in the plan while you focus on creating the film.

If you want to make sure your film gets the attention it deserves, you need to start thinking about marketing as soon as you commit to the story or concept. You want to work backwards. Come up with clear goals for the film – who will see it and the revenue you’d like to generate – and develop your plan from there.

Branding and marketing consultant Kathy Bayer will present basic building blocks for creating your own marketing plan. Special guest, Producer Jane Applegate, will give an overview of ideas for creative financing and business planning.

Topics will include:

– What makes your film unique?
– Who is your audience?
– Who is releasing the film?
– What is your brand?
– Business goals?
– Marketing platforms – How will you reach your audience?

Kathy Bayer is a branding and marketing consultant for small businesses. She specializes in the arts and nonprofits. Bayer’s producing credits include the documentary Why Women Need to Climb Mountains and the short film Dodo Titi. Dodo Titi has been featured at seven film festivals in the US, winning awards for best actor and best director. In addition, Bayer was also Marketing Director for the release of health documentary The Disease They Call Fat (2015). Her multifaceted background spans from book editor at Doubleday to Marketing Director for an educational nonprofit to her own concert production company, 4D Music. Bayer currently consults with filmmakers, artists, media companies, and nonprofits to help them create brands and marketing plans to attract their ideal audience. Kathy Bayer Branding

Jane Applegate is a producer with an extensive background in television, feature film, documentary, and corporate video production. Applegate focuses on producing features and TV shows written and directed by women. She is currently producing Left Bank Bookseller, a historical drama written by NYWIFT member Lisa Resnik. She is also producing Caribbean Girl NYC, a TV pilot written and to be directed by Mariette Monpierre, for FLOW, a Caribbean cable network. Prior to launching her film career, Applegate was a syndicated small business columnist for the Los Angeles Times. She also served as a marketing strategist for big and small companies. She’s authored four books on marketing and management, including 201 Great Ideas for Your Small Business. The Applegate Group