6 Tips for Making and Distributing Your First Feature
With Sana Soni, Director of Sales at 1091 Pictures
When it comes to distribution, how do you make sure your first film stands out from the crowd? Sana Soni, Director of Sales at 1091 Pictures, whose titles include ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ and ‘American Animals’, gives us her top tips for making and distributing your first feature. From setting clear goals and having a strong pitch, to getting a head start on your distribution strategy, these tips will guide you in the right direction:
1. Have a strong, *short* pitch
Could you realistically pitch what the film is about in 30 seconds? If not, it'll be more difficult to explain to investors, execs, distributors, and potential collaborators. You should be able to get the idea across quickly and easily if you're starting out as a filmmaker.
2. Base your film on a well-known topic, genre, theme, or event
This helps out everyone from distributors to viewers. This way they know exactly what they're getting themselves into, and you'll automatically attract fans of that topic, genre, theme, or event.
3. Don't mess around with on-set stills!
Hire a photographer -- or better yet, a production stills photographer -- to take great photos on your set of your cast behind the camera and in character/costume as well as your crew. This will go a long way towards helping out later on with your marketing, social media, website, publicity and promotion, pitch deck, and maybe even your official poster! Don't skimp on this by having someone in the crew just take iPhone photos in their spare time!
4. Think about distribution as early as possible
It's never too soon to think about your distribution plans and strategy. Is there a film out there that's similar or had a release strategy that you think you could emulate? Get in touch with the producers, sales agents, and distributors of that film! Bonus points for having this thought out before you even pitch to investors, collaborators, and distributors.
5. Try to get at least one well-known name involved
This could be in front of the camera or someone influential as an executive producer. Even if their involvement is minimal, it will make a big difference in helping your project stand out. After all, [so and so] supported this project! Note that this could even be an influencer with an impressive number of followers or a recognizable actor stopping by for one scene.
6. Finally, have a clear picture of what your goals are
...and be very honest with yourself, and specific. Is your goal making lots of money? Is it getting the film in front of as many viewers as possible? Is it to get the word out on a cause? Is it a proof of concept for a series or game? This will help shape your distribution strategy and prove to others that you've done your homework.
