How to Market Your Film(And Actually Get People to Care) |
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Why Film Marketing Has Changed
Marketing a film is no longer just about trailers, posters, and press. The most effective campaigns today behave more like extensions of the film itself. They build curiosity, create participation, and give audiences something to talk about before they even buy a ticket.
Industry analysis shows that the strongest campaigns in recent years succeed because they create “moments” that audiences want to share, rather than simply pushing information outward. This shift reflects a broader change in media consumption, where discovery is driven by social sharing rather than traditional advertising channels.
So let’s explore how you can do just that: |
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| BUT FIRST, a little spotlight on our HND in Business for the Creative Industries, which is the perfect step for those wanting to start a career in film producing.
Applications for May now open! |
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Okay, Let’s Get Back Into It: |
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What Actually Makes People Share FilmsInsights from Jonah Berger, author of Contagious: Why Things Catch On, are especially relevant here. His research shows that people share content for specific psychological reasons, not randomly. |
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He identifies key drivers such as social currency, emotion, and storytelling. In simple terms, people share things that make them look interesting, help them connect with others, or trigger a strong reaction. Research also shows that around 92 percent of people trust recommendations from others more than branded messaging, which reinforces how critical word of mouth is in film marketing.
For filmmakers, this means your campaign should not just inform people that your film exists. It should give them a reason to talk about it. |
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A New Indie Film with a Great Marketing Strategy |
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Two Sleepy People (2025)
The film was created by a collective of internet creators and filmmakers at Camp Studios. They used a creator‑driven marketing strategy. The filmmakers leveraged their existing social media audiences to build early buzz, turned screenings into community events where fans could vote on cities, and partnered with Kickstarter to expand reach. The approach treated viewers as participants, not just consumers, making the campaign highly engaging and replicable for other indie films. |
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How you can do this: If you or your collaborators have followings on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram, start posting about your project early. Build interest by sharing behind‑the‑scenes, character intros, or short story snippets long before release. |
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A quick intermission to tell you about our other 2 new courses starting in May! |
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These 2 NEW marketing courses give you the tools to not just make great work, but actually get it seen, build an audience, and turn your creative ideas into something that sells. |
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Actionable Strategies You Can Use: |
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1. Build something people want to share. Rather than press releases, create things audiences feel compelled to show — whether that’s a funny promo pitch, an interactive event, or a cultural moment. 2. Amplify existing communities with creative experiences. Group screenings, themed gatherings, or small local events build a sense of ownership that goes beyond passive viewing. 3. Use voice and personality, not just posters. Let the tone of your film carry into the marketing — that’s why unscripted, candid, and playful content often performs better. 4. Partner with aligned creators. If someone’s audience cares about your film’s perspective, they can be a multiplier for interest without paid ads. |
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| We are incredibly proud of our MA Filmmaking alumni, Jason Branaghan, who has been nominated for AUDIENCE CHOICE 2026 - RTS REPUBLIC OF IRELAND!
If you’re feeling kind today, let’s help support his efforts by voting for him and let’s help him win! Follow the link below: |
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A full list of short film funds | HERE |
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Disclaimers : Please be mindful that these opportunities are not affiliated with us and we are not responsible for opportunities outside our own organisation. |
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