Why Knowing Your Film’s Audience Is Super Important
I’ve been chatting with, getting coached by, and/or working side by side with a few people this year in preparation for the opportunity that will inevitably come my way. Most were guests I brought in to chat with you on various pitching topics on The Pitch 101 Community Facebook page. Yesterday, I spoke to and chatted with Jesus Sifuentes (Check out his Facebook Page) for what felt like 1/2 of the day. We’ve had amazing meetings/calls before, and yesterday didn’t disappoint, as we shared more valuable information with one another. You see, I’m a master pitcher and storyteller and he’s a strong line producer and sees the grand picture from the business side. I study television a lot and he is a study of film.
(Check out our Facebook Live – How to Finance Your Film)
We not only gave tips to one another but we shared our confidential pitching materials (pitch bibles, look books, sizzle reels, executive summaries) that others pay big bucks to learn how to do! Among the materials, I shared a recent look book I created for a film I’m looking to begin pitching investors for. He sang my praises calling my work “superb”. I left feeling more confident in what I bring to the table as a development consultant and as a pitch master. Looking at the pitch from his business perspective was both valuable and insightful and deepened my knowledge about the business of pitching. I also walked away with a better way to highlight important information in my materials.
His most valuable tip strengthened what I’ve been learning lately regarding pitching indie films (I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on film development, business, and pitching this year). I asked him, “How can I strengthen my look book?” Which brings me to my tip.
#PITCHINGTIP
As an indie filmmaker it’s not only about selling your story, and the talent attached to your project. You have to know your audience demographics WELL.
Who would watch your film (men, women, ages, ethnicity), Where do they live, Why would they relate to your film? What other films do they watch and which ones are like yours? What have those films grossed in the box office? Consider creating an avatar(s) for your audience. And use what you know about your audience in your pitch/proposal. The more you know about your audience the stronger your pitch/sell becomes.
Here is another article that was shared with me from an invite-only Facebook group that I’m in. It was an interesting read: What Types of Low-Budget Films Make the Most Money?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
(The Pitching to Win 6-Part Audio Series Program is on SALE NOW! LEARN MORE )
P.S.:
Did you know that a film I wrote, directed, produced, and acted in this year is blazing the film festival circuit? Yep, What If, Then What? it is an official selection in several film festivals including New York International Shorts Festival, Strong Chance Film Festival, Newark International Film Festival, and Ocktober Film Festival! It’s even nominated in four categories as BEST Film, BEST Screenplay, BEST Director, and I’m nominated as BEST Actress! Seriously it was the BEST news ever since I’ve been on this film journey! It feels good to know my creativity is valued among peers. I’m certain I couldn’t have pulled it off without the cast and crew though. The kid actors are crazy dope and I learned so much from the crew. It was also super awesome to work with an amazing crew consisting of mostly female!
You can view the film trailer HERE.
And feel free to join us at one of the premieres. The next is August 10th at 6 PM, at the Strong Chance Film Festival!
P.S.S:
I would seriously love having your support as a semi-finalist, so come support.