When to charge for your film.

Hey guys, I'm working on my film thesis right now. One of the objectives of this project is to get the word out the film. Marketing, advertising and stuff. Once its released, I plan to give a couple of freebies (shirts, soundtrack, DVD's) to those who watch it. Screening is free, supposedly. I was thinking, when is it the right time to actually charge for those stuff ie. freebies/screening? I realized that my film isn't really that "big" enough to actually charge money. People might think, "I don't know anybody from this movie. Its just a student movie, so why would I pay for it?".

What do you guys think?
 
I think you're right. You wouldn't pay for shirts, soundtracks,
DVD's of a student movie so I suspect others wouldn't either.
You charge for these items when people are willing to pay for
them.
 
Selling merchandise is not going to be a cost effective way of making money for your indie film, if that's what you're asking.

Marketing through merchandise can work really well, but it won't work if you try and sell it. You can always set up a shop on your website where people can buy them. But I wouldn't actively try and flog them (unless you've got a really cool marketing look).
 
I see, I see. But the thing is, here in the Philippines, people hardly support indie cinema or student films. Most screenings like this are only watched and supported by fellow film makers and artists. Even the big indie film festivals are only filled by celebrities and film makers.

I really want to get support not only from fellow film makers, but also non-filmmakers as well.
 
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