How to Advertise a Movie

Download Article
Download Article

The scenes are shot, the sequence is edited, and all that’s left to do is release your movie—but how do you get people to show up for the screening? By promoting your movie early and getting fans excited, you can build the hype for your film before it even comes out. Try using some (or all) of these ways to advertise your movie and let people know about your new and exciting project.

1

Make a website for the movie.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Advertise-a-Movie-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Advertise-a-Movie-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Advertise-a-Movie-Step-1.jpg\/aid12414011-v4-728px-Advertise-a-Movie-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Set up a page that has a trailer, movie posters, release date, and any other important info for your fans. You can also have people sign up for a newsletter on your site to stay updated on your film and upcoming projects. [1]
    • For a super professional-looking website, hire a web designer (if it’s in your budget).
    • If you don’t feel confident creating a website from scratch, try using a template from a site like Wix or Weebly.
    2. Advertisement
2

Create social media pages.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Advertise-a-Movie-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Advertise-a-Movie-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Advertise-a-Movie-Step-2.jpg\/aid12414011-v4-728px-Advertise-a-Movie-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can post behind-the-scenes content, movie posters, and updates about the filmmaking process. If you have the budget, try paying for an advertising spot on social media to reach a wider audience. [2]
    • Use relevant hashtags to allow your posts to reach a wide audience. Examples can be: #moviepromo, #studentfilm, or hashtagging the movie genre like #romcom and #horrormovie
    • Build your social media accounts by asking your friends and family members to like and share your content.
3

Put together a movie poster.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Advertise-a-Movie-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Advertise-a-Movie-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Advertise-a-Movie-Step-3.jpg\/aid12414011-v4-728px-Advertise-a-Movie-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Work with a graphic designer or an artist to create a poster with the title of your movie, a photo, and a release date. You can print out physical copies or keep them strictly digital to spread the word about your film. [3]
    • You can put up your posters at local theaters, coffee shops, libraries, and universities near you.
    • Or, put the poster on your website, social media pages, and newsletter.
    • Make the title of your movie the biggest thing on the page so people can see it from far away.
    2. Advertisement
4

Keep a journal and post it online.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Advertise-a-Movie-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Advertise-a-Movie-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Advertise-a-Movie-Step-4.jpg\/aid12414011-v4-728px-Advertise-a-Movie-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    As the release date for your movie gets closer, take pictures or scans of your journal and post them to your website or social media. You might write about your casting process, the making of the props, behind-the-scenes footage, or any fun Easter eggs you’re including in the movie. [4]
    • A lot of directors will release their journals ahead of the movie premiere to get people talking.
    • This might sound a little old school, but people love to get a behind-the-scenes sneak peek.
5

Send out a newsletter.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Advertise-a-Movie-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Advertise-a-Movie-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Advertise-a-Movie-Step-5.jpg\/aid12414011-v4-728px-Advertise-a-Movie-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you have a website or social media page, ask people to sign up and collect their email addresses. Try to send out a newsletter about once a week to keep your fans updated. [5]
    • You could also give a special early release or streaming date to anyone who signs up for the newsletter. That way, there’s an incentive for fans to sign up.
    • Include special sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes footage to keep people interested in your film.
    2. Advertisement
6

Write a press release.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Advertise-a-Movie-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Advertise-a-Movie-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Advertise-a-Movie-Step-6.jpg\/aid12414011-v4-728px-Advertise-a-Movie-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If they agree, write a compelling press release with a gripping headline and details about your movie. For example: [6]
    • “Film exploring societal expectations set to release August 3rd. Up and coming director Alexandra Hecke will release her debut film titled “In the Winter” next month. This heartwarming story explores the relationship between human beings and the working class society we live in.”
    • Try to make your press release about 3 to 5 paragraphs long, but put the most important info (like the release date and the title) in the first paragraph.
    • If you’re a student, reach out to your school’s newspaper to see if they’ll publish a press release for you.
7

Submit your movie to an online student film site.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/Advertise-a-Movie-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Advertise-a-Movie-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/Advertise-a-Movie-Step-7.jpg\/aid12414011-v4-728px-Advertise-a-Movie-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your movie is accepted, a film site will help promote your film and release it online. You can submit your movie online with a short blurb about you and your movie-making process. [7]
    • Most film sites have an entry fee of around $75.
    • Try sites like WithoutABox, Short-Filmz.com, IndieReign, and Distribber.
    2. Advertisement
8

Release a teaser.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Advertise-a-Movie-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Advertise-a-Movie-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Advertise-a-Movie-Step-8.jpg\/aid12414011-v4-728px-Advertise-a-Movie-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Don’t give away any of the plot (save that for the trailer), but let the audience know who the characters are and what the general vibe of your movie is. You can make a couple of these teasers to really hype up your movie! [8]
    • For example, the new Spider Man movie might show a clip of Spider Man swinging through New York to meet up with the main villain.
    • A romantic drama might focus on the 2 main characters and show a few clips of them laughing or crying.
    • You can post teasers on a webpage or social media pages, if you have them.
9

Make a trailer.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Advertise-a-Movie-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Advertise-a-Movie-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Advertise-a-Movie-Step-9.jpg\/aid12414011-v4-728px-Advertise-a-Movie-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Make a trailer that’s about 30 seconds to 2 minutes long, and focus on setting up the main plot without revealing too much. You can release your trailer a few months before the movie comes out. [9]
    • For example, if you’re shooting a movie about a band, you might have an opening shot of them performing onstage. Then, pan to the band members walking off stage and chatting with each other. If it’s about them struggling, maybe show the members getting into a fight or storming off.
    • Put your trailer on your movie’s website and on any social media pages you have.
    • You could even make 2 different versions of your trailer to get people even more excited.
    2. Advertisement
10

Promote at a film festival.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Advertise-a-Movie-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Advertise-a-Movie-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Advertise-a-Movie-Step-10.jpg\/aid12414011-v4-728px-Advertise-a-Movie-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can send your movie in online for a chance at a big-screen promo and free advertising. [10]
    • Sundance, Cannes Film Festival, and the Clermont Film Festival are all huge, international festivals you can enter. You can also check around in your city or state to see if there are any smaller, local festivals to submit to.
    • Every film festival has its own categories and rules, so check them out online before submitting.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Ask your friends and family members to spread the word about your movie to anyone they know.
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Analyze an Advertisement
      How to
      Place an Ad on Gumtree
      How to
      Advertise Locally for Free on the Internet
      How to
      Get More Views on a Facebook Video
      How to
      Advertise Cars on Facebook
      How to
      Report False Advertising
      How to
      Write Slogans
      How to
      Get Rid of AdChoices
      How to
      Calculate CPM
      How to
      Get Paid for Advertising on Your Website
      How to
      Request Media Coverage for an Event
      How to
      Write a Blurb
      How to
      Make Your Own Advertising Posters
      How to
      Add Ads to Your Blog
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.productionbase.co.uk/blog/2015/03/03/student-view-promoting-your-student-film-project/
      2. ↑ https://www.raindance.org/8-incredible-ways-of-promoting-your-short-films/
      3. ↑ https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/make-movie-posters-promote-film/
      4. ↑ https://www.productionbase.co.uk/blog/2015/03/03/student-view-promoting-your-student-film-project/
      5. ↑ https://www.raindance.org/8-incredible-ways-of-promoting-your-short-films/
      6. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertwynne/2016/06/13/how-to-write-a-press-release/?sh=6537b0373b93
      7. ↑ https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/best-websites-promoting-film-online/
      8. ↑ https://www.productionbase.co.uk/blog/2015/03/03/student-view-promoting-your-student-film-project/
      9. ↑ https://www.raindance.org/8-incredible-ways-of-promoting-your-short-films/
      1. ↑ http://resourcemagonline.com/2017/11/20-film-festivals-you-should-enter-your-short-film-into/82548/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 16,312 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement