Audience Building and Buzz Building during Production

A good set of still photographs is important for two reasons. One, you can use them later when developing the campaign for your film as well as for your website. Two, sales agents and distributors will demand high-resolution still photos as part of your deliverables—items you must deliver to them upon signature of the distribution contract and

theatrical distribution is not considered a revenue stream; rather, it’s actually a marketing expense.

Here’s something to note: When you see box office numbers thrown around, understand that these have absolutely no relevance to you or what revenue your film is capable making. Why? For two reasons: 1. Box office numbers represent what the theater makes, not what the distributor or producer makes. Also, the revenue that does make it to the

I pride myself on being totally realistic when it comes to projecting revenue for

• Marketing Budget: Set aside 25 to 50 percent of your production marketing budget for distribution and more (up to 100 percent) if you’re planning a theatrical self-release. For example, a film budgeted at $100,000 would need an additional $25,000–$50,000 for a marketing budget, or up to an additional $100,000 if planning to do a theatrical

Distribution Expenses aka Deliverables: Budget at least $20,000–$30,000 for deliverables, NOT INCLUDING prints.

I already mentioned that in terms of production budget for your film, under $1 million is what’s realistic in today’s marketplace, and without name actors and/or director, consider $500,000 or less.

Great idea, but it won’t work for my film! I hear that one a lot. Are you making a film that has no audience?