Production, Promotion, Marketing and Distribution

In order to produce my own short film, I had to look at production, promotion, marketing and distribution of "The Stairway" (previous post). This would help me to get an idea how I should produce and promote my own film. That is what I got so far:

Production

The Stairway was produced by Alex Torteroton, in association with "Shiny Production".  Even though, this film lasts a little bit longer than 3 minutes, the hard work that producer put in this sequence is highly noticeable. I have to admit that the actor was very good, and played his role professionally. In addition, the funding of the film wasn't very big, however, producers managed to create a very good-looking product, which is interesting to watch, in my opinion.

Promotion and Marketing

In order to promote such film,  it would be effective to include it in festivals and competitions as well. Send your film to the right people and publications for talent spotting e.g. TV and Commissioners, Advertising Agencies and production company Producers. Once you've sent your film to these people, call them to make sure they actually watch it and ask for their feedback or advice on it. It is very important to send your short to a right festival. For example, British Film Institute (BFI), organise film festivals every year. This would be a very good place to send your film in. In case of "The Stairway",  one of the ways to market and promote it, would be to submit it on one of the short film festivals, as it has a niche audience. 

Distribution

As I already mentioned above, the distribution of short film such as "The Stairway" would be hard as it has a niche audience - narrow, very specific audience. The reason because it has a niche spectators, is because of a genre. Horrors/Thrillers attract less watchers than, for example a comedy or a romantic film. Furthermore, it is important to decide the target audience. Judges (for film festivals) would be the main audience, which you need to favour by your short film. If the film would get the approval from the judges, then promotion and marketing is going to be much easier.