Why Building Your Audience is Crucial for Filmmakers
1. Gatekeepers Value Your Online Presence
Evidence shows that having a dedicated audience can significantly boost your chances with industry gatekeepers like agents, film festival programmers, financiers, and talent. Elliot Grove, the founder of Raindance Film Festival, highlights that social media presence plays a role in festival programming decisions. Filmmakers with established audiences are more attractive to festivals since their followers are likely to attend screenings. This principle extends to other industry stakeholders, making a strong online following a valuable asset.
2. Mobilize Your Audience for Success
One of the greatest advantages of building an online presence is maintaining a direct line of communication with your audience. It's not about the number of followers but attracting the right people who genuinely appreciate your work and will support your career over the long haul. Your core fans will back your crowdfunding campaigns, spread the word about new releases, and buy your films. These dedicated followers are your most significant asset, providing both financial and motivational support.
3. Boost Your Viral Potential
The internet is a powerful tool for filmmakers. David F. Sandberg, director of SHAZAM!, gained Hollywood's attention when his low-budget short film went viral on YouTube. While such success is rare, having an existing audience increases your chances of creating viral content. By regularly sharing engaging content—whether it's behind-the-scenes footage, updates on your writing process, or short films—you can build an audience and enhance your chances of viral success. An engaged audience can amplify your reach, attracting more attention and opportunities.
How to Build Your Audience
1. Don’t Rely Solely on Social Media
While social media is excellent for attracting new followers, it shouldn't be the primary home for your audience. Instead, create an email list to maintain direct communication. Use social media to drive followers to your email list, ensuring you're not dependent on any platform's algorithm. An email list offers better engagement and conversion rates, making it a more reliable tool for promoting your work.
2. Use Social Media Strategically
Approach social media with the goal of growing your email list. Avoid using it as a personal outlet and focus on providing valuable content that attracts high-quality followers. Test different strategies to see what works best for your audience, consistently delivering relevant and engaging content. This approach will widen your social media reach and grow your email list over time.
3. Choose Your Platforms Wisely
Start by focusing on one platform that aligns with your content style and skills, whether it’s Instagram, Twitter, a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel. Each platform has millions of potential fans, so it's not necessary to be everywhere at once. Build one platform thoroughly before expanding to others. Consistency and persistence are key to building a sustainable audience.
Start now, and gradually grow your audience to bring your projects to life and achieve a sustainable filmmaking career.
By Sal Framondi,
CEO/Founder, OPPRIME.tv
Producer, Black Filmmakers Matter
Black Filmmakers Matter celebrates the diverse voices and narratives of black filmmakers, offering a dynamic hub where every story finds its voice. Partnering with OPPRIME.tv, a leading video-on-demand platform, we empower independent filmmakers to reach a global audience. Our collaboration prioritizes film promotion and exposure, fostering impactful social and cultural discourse. Join us as we honor the creativity and resilience of filmmakers, navigating distribution challenges to achieve success.
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Visit our filmmaker resource page: www.opprimetv.co