How can you create a press kit that promotes your film to potential sponsors?

In my experience it is always useful to custom tailor a press kit according to the goals you want to achieve. Study your target and understand their needs and their positioning. One of the most common mistakes I see, is that projects keep on talking about their own greatness and uniqueness and not listening enough to the other side. A bit of research and preparation will get you so much further. All of the specific items mentioned by my fellow experts are valuable and important, but for me the most important thing to do, is to create the impression that you really took the time to study them and understand them. Show them examples of how they can be part of this journey and how this will be a win-win situation. Learn from their past!

A compelling press kit is a crucial tool for attracting sponsors to support your film project. It should include key elements like a cover letter, film synopsis, details about cast and crew, awards and festival screenings, positive press coverage, funding sources, copyright information, high-quality images, website and trailer links, and bios. To create an effective press kit, focus on clarity, captivating visuals, compelling storytelling, credibility through reviews, updated information, easy access, a tailored approach for different sponsors, and, if possible, seek professional assistance. A well-structured press kit not only informs but also inspires potential sponsors to join your cinematic journey.

It needs to showcase the passion of the project - also the teams passion behind the project - in all of its execution including the press kit itself.

The less film industry executives and financiers must read through the better (that is, when it comes to your film and its story). Don't make them spend a lot of time in descriptives, because they won't. They'll be on to the next thing before you get their attention. Use vivid, beautiful imagery, a very short clip, punchy one or two phrase lines, amazing graphics to express why your project is the "it" film of the moment, and let the details be in the nuts and bolts (the financial projections, competitive analysis, research on scientific or other subject matter that may require defending). The point is, make it as effective and unforgettable as the best elevator pitches out there, and make it so attractive they want to show it to everyone.

Introduction: Use a captivating statement that highlights unique selling points. Mention the genre, target audience, and the core message to grab the reader's attention. Then: Synopsis: Provide a concise yet enticing summary of the film's plot, main characters, and the emotional journey they embark on. Highlight any unique or intriguing elements that set the film apart. Director's Statement Production Team Bios Target Audience and Market Research Budget Breakdown Funding Needs Marketing and Distribution Plan Visual Assets Trailer or Teaser Previous Work Press Clippings or Testimonials Contact Information Appendix Be sure to design it with professionalism, consistency in branding, and a clear focus on the project's unique strengths.

As an exhibitor who is always looking for ways to engage time-poor media who may over your film, I often find that press kits that include an interview with the writer/director to be useful. Sometimes press kits include an interview, and when they do, the quality tends to vary quite a bit. The most useful press kit interviews will draw out exclusive stories about the film that are engaging to general audiences. It's best for the interviewer to seem like an independent critical voice. If your budget can allow it, it's good to engage a journalist.

Creating a compelling press kit requires careful thought and attention to detail, but it can make a world of difference in promoting your film. Remember, a well-prepared kit not only attracts the media but also demonstrates your professionalism and commitment as a filmmaker.

The essential components of a compelling press kit for your film include a concise logline, a plot synopsis, the director's statement, a filmmaker's bio with filmography, a comprehensive cast and crew list, impactful visuals (poster and stills), an engaging trailer, and a professional press release to announce screenings or production details.

A succinct logline and synopsis are essential to pique interest and give sponsors a quick grasp of the film's essence. Crafting each element with precision and synergy is the key to ensuring the press kit effectively resonates with potential sponsors, compelling them to join us on this cinematic journey.

Engaging images are pretty paramount here. A good set of publicity stills should be an essential line in any production budget. Many people in festivals/exhibition/acquisitions are visually oriented; if in doubt prioritise image over excessive text. I disagree with some of the points in the main article; very few people will care what the producers claim to be the 'the social, cultural, or artistic impacts of your film' etc.

I agree but the content , messaging and all type of communication should not be presented to the TG in the press kit as a monotonous essay of the essentials of the content. The TG needs specifics and the reason to sponsor to get his/her money back and what value does the brand get keeping in line with the brand positioning.

When curating your press kit, consider a compelling narrative that brings out the film's distinctiveness. Highlight not only the selling points but also the emotional or impactful core of the story. Discuss the challenges and triumphs faced during production, focusing on how these elements add depth to the film's narrative. Additionally, explore the film's potential social, cultural, or artistic impacts, linking these to current market trends while utilizing testimonials, reviews, awards, or data to fortify your film's credibility.

Start with a Strong Pitch: Your press kit should begin with a compelling pitch that captures the essence of your film in a few sentences. This is your opportunity to grab the reader's attention right from the start. Synopsis and Logline: Provide a concise and engaging film synopsis along with a logline that encapsulates the core of your story. This is what will draw people in and make them want to know more.

This is the MOST asked question all the projects I've been a part of. In the end of the day, every single person you're pitching to, is at heart, a film lover. What He/she really wants you to tell them through this kit is, how your film is going to make them come to the cinema hall? What will they take back with them after the film? How long will this film linger in their minds? You crack this basic idea, you can then back this up with infilm branding, merchandise, pilot reviews, testimonials etc. for commercial credibility as well.

In the 1000 or more synopses/presentations I've read, without fail, me/what every busy professional does, is scroll to see how long it is! It's with that we decide our motivation to go further. I'm serious when I tell you, keep it AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE! When we see a quarter pager synopsis/slides with just 3 or 4 points/slide, restricting it under 10 slides, we love it! Guess what? we READ IT. Nobody reads the big synopsis/decks. We do, once we like the teaser. Use simple, over superfluous words. Pomp makes people distracted, making your work go unread. I prefer 90% simple, 10% fancy words for drama. This is your precious baby. Your only goal here is, a short, interesting read, that gets you a meeting in person. Where you can fill the rest.

Contact Information: Make it easy for journalists and potential collaborators to get in touch with you. Provide up-to-date contact information. Distribution and Festival Strategy: Mention your plans for distribution and any film festivals you're targeting. This shows you're committed to getting your film out there. Social Media and Website Links: Share links to your film's social media profiles and website, making it easy for people to connect with you and stay updated. Testimonials and Awards: If your film has received awards or commendations, display them proudly.

You need to identify what is the message that you are seeking to communicate. How do you put it across. Is it what the press person is looking for? Is it newsworthily wrapped? Are the photographs engagement enough to tell the story or spark interest?

With each sponsor I customised our pitch deck and press kit to best show why they should join, and what they get in return. Customising it allowed for them to better visualise their role and align it with their own goals.

The title of this article gives one the impression that the film is in pre-production and, if that is the case, one has to envision the financing as there are many different options ranging from angel investors to investors where you need to comply with SEC guidelines, to product-placement deals, etc. Then when a press kit needs to be created, decent quality templates can be found on Canva, Etsy, or hire someone to do one bespoke for you. The press kit creation comes down to Good, Fast, or Cheap -- pick any 2!

Sponsors come-in “only” if there is “something” in “anything” for “them” What? - monetary profit? - brand reinforcement - reach-out to new customer base - elite quality associations - social goodwill image paint job Does your film have it all? No? Then twist the plot to have at least any three - because - at the end of the day - filmmaking needs money -much money- and is also a business - so Showcase - saleable logline - possible in-film marketing spots - A class Talent&Crew’s LOIs - a large target audience - networking in best film fests - ways to make more money - book launch, music launch, press conf - great reviews story/plot has received - yourself, your achievements, integrity To do all this HIRE A GREAT DESIGNER & PR FIRM 🫱🏻🫲🏼