January Notes
Some food for thought to get you going for January! Social media holidays, our takes on what you'll see in 2023, a start to your festival season, and so much more.
Each month, Blue Shoe will be sending you, as part of the film circle, a newsletter chock-full of resources, information, recordings from Zoom sessions with Christine and more. In addition, we will be hosting a monthly event that will cover important topics from funding to film festivals to making connections that will help move your projects along. If you haven’t already registered for tomorrow, Thursday’s, session on funding, you can do so here.
Email us at wiftmarketingcircle@gmail.com if there’s anything in particular you’d like us to cover.
It’s 2023. Now what?
In the session we hosted just before the holidays, Christine wrapped up 2022 with a look back at the film industry over the last year, the trends we've noticed in terms of the genres of movies that are of the moment (think Top Gun & Black Panther), the advancements in technology, including virtual reality, that have expanded the film industry, and so much more.
She then gives us a preview of what might happen to the film industry this year, including how NFTs will play a role, what will happen to the length of movies, the importance of film festivals, and more. You'll hear Christine talk about the flavors of video on demand which include, TVOD (transactional video on demand), SVOD (subscription video on demand), AVOD (advertising-based video on demand) and FAST (free ad supporting TV).
Key takeaways? Take the time to do your research and see what works best for your project BEFORE you pitch potential backers.
3 things you can do to further yourself and your projects in 2023? Do your research, use film festivals to your advantage, and put time and energy into social media.
Plan Your Film Festival Calendar Now
If you’ve watched the video above, you’re probably inspired to attend some film festivals this year, no matter what capacity. We loved this list that Movie Maker put forth with the coolest film festivals happening this year, all over the world.
February Social Media Holidays
Each month presents different opportunities for posting content that will help you grow your presence. Take a look at the list and see if you can authentically use any of these to connect to something you’re working on.
February 1 – 28: Black History Month
February 2: Groundhog Day #GroundhogDay
February 2: World Wetlands Day #WorldWetlandsDay
February 4: World Cancer Day #WorldCancerDay
February 5: National Weatherperson’s Day #NationalWeatherpersonsDay
February 7: National Send a Card to a Friend Day #SendACardToAFriendDay
February 8: National Boy Scouts Day #BoyScoutsDay
February 8: Safer Internet Day (Second Tuesday of February) #SID2023
February 9: National Pizza Day #NationalPizzaDay
February 11: Inventors Day #InventorsDay
February 12: Super Bowl LV (Varies each year based on the U.S. Football season) #SBLV #SuperBowlSunday #SuperBowl
February 13: World Radio Day #WorldRadioDay
February 14: Valentine’s Day #ValentinesDay
February 17: Random Acts of Kindness Day #RandomActsOfKindnessDay
February 18: National Battery Day #NationalBatteryDay
February 20: World Day of Social Justice #SocialJusticeDay
February 20: Presidents Day (Third Monday of February) #PresidentsDay
February 20: Love Your Pet Day #LoveYourPetDay
February 21: International Mother Language Day #IMLD
Recommended Things to Follow
If you are a screenwriter, this is a must follow! If you’re in the industry period, @screenwritingla is worth following. So many discussions that relate to so much more than screenwriting.
Put Yourself Out there
Yes, you are going to win an academy award for your film or your performance or whatever your role is in making movies and television. In the meantime, you must put yourself forward in content that takes place in videos. The stats mandate that this is true. Meet Jacob Fernandes.
Your must put yourself forward in content that includes video. Self made video with his iPhone? Heartfelt. Introducing himself. We like him. He’s serious but pleasant. Not bragging, just saying what he does and how he loves doing it. This is great example of promoting yourself. Notes: One message per video. Short. (Shorter than this one. It could have been 30 seconds shorter and still not appear rushed). Good background that doesn’t fight with the main character. No flailing hands, turning head. Not rushed. No one’s in a hurry unless you go on too long. Make a point to do video this fall. Need ideas? Give us a holler.
Don’t forget to #ShootTheShoot
If you’re a director or producer, don’t forget to #ShootTheShoot. Bring people behind the scenes and use the content for your marketing and social media. Taking a photo or quick video behind the scenes is an inexpensive way to gain great content for your film and your brand. People love a peek behind the curtain. Make sure someone shoots YOU at the shoot and all the other major players you wish to introduce.
#AppOfTheMonth
Green Screener. Calling all editors, directors, and producers. Green Screener provides you with a green background that video production teams can use to place visual effects later during the post-production phase.
Lists of Five
Daniel Pemberton’s list of his '5 Most Influential Film Scores' is a great example. He is a composer. He put forth his choice for the five most influential film scares.
Here are five reasons why it’s great content.
1. He can link to the five film scores he feels an affinity to. If he has been authentic in choosing them, they will give his followers and anyone who sees the post, a picture of the types of scores he creates.
2. Linking to those films and composers, he may (depending on the algorithm of the platform he posted on) get his name in front of those that also admire their work. New exposure. Possible connections.
3. If he takes the time to do some homework and puts forth some strong #hashtags, he can gain additional exposure.
4. Putting it together might just give him some inspiration for his own work.
Hint: Paying attention to those that do what you do, and spending time looking at their work, can enhance your own work.
5. He could go as far as to reach out to those he mentions.
Hint: Tell someone you admire specifically why you chose to mention their work, and you never know, you might have a new person at your watering hole admiring your work - or mentoring you.
What’s your list of five? Let us know!
Email us at wiftmarketingcircle@gmail.com if there’s anything in particular you’d like us to cover.
--Team Blue Shoe