6 Tips to a GREAT PRESS KIT for an Independent Film:
If you're marketing an independent film, you must have a PRESS KIT. Why? When accepted into a film festival or a distributor comes calling, they will want one. We just completed the Press Kit for THREE OF A KIND.
If you want the download link for the THREE OF A KIND Press Kit CLICK HERE.
In the meantime, here are FIVE TIPS for a terrific Press Kit:
TIP 1: All the materials you create must look and feel high quality and be well written.
You don't get a second chance at a first impression. It's like dressing well for a job interview. Your presentation folder (with pockets) should be glossy, 200 lb stock and have your key art printed on it. Here's an example of a folder that can be ordered from VistaPrint...just upload your finished art using their supplied template. That's what we did. The picture above shows what our folder looks like.
Writing must be clear and concise, but entertaining. While writing, imagine someone from the media reading your words. It helps.
TIP 2: Include only pertinent materials in your Press Kit - no more, no less. Suggested inclusions are:
Press release
Production notes
Director's statement
Short and long synopsis
Cast and "above the line" production personnel bios
Complete production credit list
6, color lithographs of pictures that show action from the movie (2 per 8 X 10 page)
A page of notable quotes about your film
Press about your film
TIP 3 Include a data CD or DVD that contains PDF files of all your printed Press Kit materials, plus include additional high quality pictures. Also include videos. For example, we included videos such as:
Meet Greg Green, writer, producer and director of independent films
Jessica Manuel is CHRISTINA in THREE OF A KIND
Jodi Russell is ANNA in THREE OF A KIND
Margot Kidder is CLAIRE in THREE OF A KIND
THREE OF A KIND Trailer
A 30 Second Video of Your Film's Logo
Your Film's Poster as a JPEG Still
Your Film's Logo as a JPEG Still
There needs to be two versions of the trailer: one with all of your soundtrack intact, the other needs to have all dialog and effects on one track and music on the other. If you have a voice-over, another version should be included without the voice-over.
Here's an example of a Short Clip we include:
This collection of files and videos burned to a data CD or DVD is called an EPK (Electronic Press Kit).
Remember, behind the scene pics and pictures from the film are great to include. Because your pictures may be used for print publications, the minimum resolution must be 300 dpi. Make sure your JPEG's of pictures you include are at that resolution.
TIP 4: Have someone else proofread your Press Kit before it goes out. It's amazing how many mistakes can be picked up this way.
TIP 5: Keep your Press Kit up to date. For example, the PRESS RELEASE should have a current date on it. Has the media covered your film recently? Has your film won awards recently? Include that updated information, too.
TIP 6: Include all your contact information on the Press Kit folder itself and also on a business card that is included with your Press Kit. See that red business card on the right pocket?
That's it! Take a look at the PRESS KIT for THREE OF A KIND to get an idea of how to approach yours. Let me know if you have any comments or questions. Good luck!
