I was clueless when I made my first feature-length film, Abandoned Allies. I had never made a film and knew nothing about distribution. Sharing my filmmaking experience with anyone willing to listen was the one thing I did understand.
That’s how I built my fan base — long before my first film was finished.
In fact, my fans made it possible to premiere my first film at IMAX Raleigh, on the largest screen in my state. We received coverage from traditional media. And the premiere sold out so quickly that we opened up a second screening to accommodate everyone eager to see the film.
All of those things were possible because of generous family, friends, and fans who followed along with the making of the film. (For five years!) Long before the film was ready to premiere, they were interested in seeing it. To the point that we were sold out.
What a filmmaking dream-come-true!
Discussion panel following the premiere of Abandoned Allies at IMAX on August 2012. Panel moderated by Bill Leslie, WRAL news anchor who narrated the film.
How did I do all of that? So glad you asked.
Check out this free PDF I’ve put together to help you start building your own film base, even if you haven’t started making a film. You don’t have to be tech savvy, a great writer, or even a marketing genius. These are simple, free ways to start building a fan base right now.
Download the PDF for free right now. Tell me what questions you have and how these methods serve you. I’d love to know!