Interviews! Publicity! Hype! It's got to be out there somewhere...

[Project Black Studios]

Despite liberal use of italics and bold-face font, the liquidous requirements of imdb.com for submitting new feature-length films continues to frustrate me. Though they mention films in "Preproduction" are eligible as long as concrete details pertaining to cast, format, shoot locations and the like can be provided... I got a very brief e-mail explaining they want "links to outside publications or websites that can verify the existence of your film or have generated publicity for it" before my feature-length film can be accepted.

This morning I e-mailed every media contact I have in D/FW, tv news, newspaper, free "weekly" entertainment news papers and so on: But it's Saturday, I don't expect to get fast replies if any.

I was also told of a site called... well, I believe it's against the TOS of this site to name names, but basically you type up information, they call you/e-mail you to verify info then they print it up in their magazine at the end of the month.

My "question" here is, "Is there not some kind of agency, publication, web service, phone number, clandestine 2-way radio frequency that's set up for the purpose of promoting Independent Film, not necessarily just in Texas?"

For every 10 threads in this section from folks who are scratching their heads wondering how to get "free money for just an idea" they have, I feel like those of us who have the resources to make a full feature, but no knowledge of how to get word to spread/eyes "on the film" need a little attention too... heh.

Any information at all will help! At this time I'm also trying to pick up crew members (with a listing on the approriate forum here on indietalk.com as well as on the front page of my website).

 

[indietalk]

Well, you are not going to get publicity for a film that has not been made yet, unless you are known. Why do you want publicity at this stage?

 

[Project Black Studios]

For the same reason people want publicity at other stages: So people know it's coming, of course! We begin shooting in a month, and we're on track to have it all (more or less) done in time for the viewing/wrap party in November and (hopefully) in time for the 2010 film festival year.

In my experience, simply "being from Texas" isn't enough to get your movie accepted in film festivals in Texas... however, at the same time, I was never in the Director's seat or producer's chair, but the people who were had assumed "When it's done, it'll all come naturally". They got nothing, and continue to do so... however, this time out it's my money, my script and my ass on the line, it's certainly within my interest to get all possible coverage on this project and not *just* for imdb's sake.

I mean, what kind of question is that? Why do I want publicity at this stage... lol: I'd love to have it at any/all stages, but this being the stage I'm at currently... I'm really open to pursue all available options! Preproduction now, production tomorrow, post production after that... I understand naturally people will "care more" when there's something substantial, but there are also people who relish the opportunity to "know something first".

All I'm doing is asking! That's what we're all here for

 

[indietalk]

It's a legit question. Make the film, and then go all out on publicity. No one is going to care about the headline "Unknown filmmaker is in the process of filming his feature."

It's just my opinion. Go for the publicity if you want. The only interest I can possibly see is a local news spot.

You could also submit press releases: www.prweb.com

 

[Gonzo_Entertainment]

Hard not to sound like an a**hole saying this, but as was kind of noted, unless you are a known filmmaker, or you have known performers in your film, nobody is going to give a rat's ass (outside your friends, family, and maybe the local filmmaking community) until you are nearing completion.