The filmmaker's guide to building an online presence before your film is done
The filmmakers building real momentum are the ones who treat their online presence as part of production.
Claim your space ASAP
Before you have anything to present, lock in your film’s social handles. Your film’s name should be the same on Instagram, TikTok, and X. In addition to socials, make sure you have a home base where programmers and press can find everything about you and your work.
Build your portfolio on KNOWN
You can use KNOWN to build your professional website portfolio that showcases your work and your story all in one place. No developer or Wix knowledge needed. When a programmer or distributor wants to know who you and your film are, send them to your KNOWN profile.
Document the process
Leverage behind-the-scenes content while in production. Factors like location scouts, table reads, first days on set, bloopers, all of that builds anticipation for your work. Your community will invest in this process.
Build an email/SMS list
Social platforms will help with amplifying awareness and accelerating reach. Collect email and SMS data from your community, this serves as an additional outlet for your community who are interested in learning more about the film. It’s the most direct link you’ll have to your audience when it matters most.
Let your screener work for you
Once your film is in the hands of programmers and press, you should know what’s happening to it. That’s exactly what KNOWN is for. Tracking who’s watching your screener, how far they got, where they stopped, every share tells you something you didn’t know before.
Your online presence isn’t an afterthought. It’s the foundation your festival run, distribution conversations, and audience all get built on. KNOWN is where that foundation lives. Also, remember to use Hiike Independent’s The Circuit to cut your festival search process in half.
