1. Social Media
Social Media is a powerful tool when trying to get the word out about your film. If you haven’t already done so, we recommend setting up social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram for your film.
- If possible, use the same handle across all your social media. This will make it easier for other organisations (such as festivals like us!) to remember and use.
- Instagram Stories are wonderful ways to show on-the-ground activity from the promotion of your film – post some fun, exciting Stories and don’t forget to add them to your ‘highlights’ on your Instagram page – that way they won’t expire and they’ll be there on your Instagram page as an archive for the rest of your film’s life.
- Create professional accounts for yourself as the filmmaker (including LinkedIn). As your body of work expands, so will your own profile. Tag yourself when posting from your film’s official account.
- Now that CIFF2021 has launched, please shout about your film! Cork International Film Festival hashtag and handles are:
#CIFF2021
Facebook: facebook.com/CorkInternationalFilmFestival
Twitter: @CorkFilmFest #CIFF2021
Instagram: @CorkFilmFest #CIFF2021
LinkedIn: @Cork-Film-Fest
Make sure to tag CIFF in your Social Media campaign – this ensures that we see your posts and can share them to our followers.
- Keep up to date with CIFF news. Let people know your screening date and link to our website (https://corkfilmfest.org/)
- Cork International Film Festival offers prestigious awards (including Oscar®-qualifying) and has a long history of showing quality film, so now is your chance to shout about it! You might say something like:
“Very proud to be screening/participating/ holding our World Premiere at Cork International Film Festival – Ireland’s first and largest film festival, 5 – 21 Nov”
“Download the myCIFF app and book your tickets now! Our film is available to watch in cinema/online from November xx etc.
“Proud to have been selected from over 4k submissions …”
“In contention for the Spirit of the Festival Award / Award for Cinematic Documentary / Audience Award / Grand Prix Irish/International/Documentary Short Award, an Oscar®-qualifying award …”
2. Create assets
If you haven’t already done so, send your press kit, including stills, posters, trailers, blurbs, to marketing@corkfilmfest.org. The more resources we have, the more we can talk about your film. Help us to help you!
- Choose a main image – pick a main image that represents your film and use it consistently throughout your marketing campaign. This makes audiences more likely recognise, remember and choose to see your film. Let us know this is your preferred image for their collateral.
- Make a trailer! Be mindful that Twitter allows videos of up to 2 minutes 20 seconds and Instagram only allows videos of up to 60 seconds. Making a teaser might allow you to make the most of these Social Media platforms.
3. Be prepared
Get yourself a business card and carry it around with you. Festivals are great ways to meet industry professionals, and to introduce yourself and what you do.
Networking online is also very valuable; participate in our online Q&As, follow on social and follow up with industry speakers, most people are happy to be asked for help/advice (but don’t stalk!). When at CIFF or other networking opportunities, have your next idea for a film in mind – you never know when you might be asked to pitch it!
