I read an article in Daily Variety about filmmaker Richard Cunningham who created a “fictionalized” Twitter account for one of his character’s from his short film “Year Zero” which was featured at the Tribeca Film Festival. This isn’t a bad idea. If you wrote a book, screenplay, or teleplay, consider creating a Twitter account for the protagonist and antagonist (or both). It’s a great way to engage readers and followers of your work. They can interact with the character(s) and get to know them better. Take advantage of social media platforms. They’re a fast and easy way to interact with your audience or readers.
Creating a fictionalized Twitter account for one of your characters or an interactive game on Facebook is the next big thing in marketing. In the Daily Variety article Fest Fosters Social Ties, Marc Schiller, CEO and founder of the digital marketing firm Electric Artists says, “Filmmakers have to engage and inspire their audience and make them feel a part of the film with an intimacy and closeness that allows them to be true advocates of their success.” Filmmakers are chronicling the production of their films on Twitter. Audience members can follow a filmmaker every step of the way. Authors can do the same with characters from their books. It’s quite exciting!
Authors, screenwriters, and filmmakers can hold a contest, soliciting poster art, book illustrations, and song submissions from fans. It’s the ultimate experience for any fan of a book or movie. To see their artwork, illustrations, or songs become a part of a book or movie is a dream come true — they won’t forget.
As an aspiring author and screenwriter, I love it when authors and filmmakers engage their fans. It’s a bit disappointing when you “Like” your favorite author or filmmaker on Facebook and they don’t interact with you. I’ve experienced this recently and am considering “Unliking” Facebook Fan Pages. After all, there are plenty of interns or experienced social media experts (and firms) who can take over social media activities. There’s really no excuse not to engage with your fans. After all, fans are the ones buying books and tickets to movies along with merchandising that’s created from these endeavors.
Marc Schiller, a moderator of the Tribeca Talks panel on social media called “Amplify the Message” says, “It’s not enough to create a Twitter or Facebook account. Artists must engage with their audience and fans.”
The Daily Variety article Fest Fosters Social Ties really hit home with me. I finished my non-fiction book for teens and have a couple of short films that I’d like to have made; the feature film is next on the list. I’ll take what I learned from the article and apply it to my social media outlets. I actually want to engage with fans — I enjoy meeting new people. If fans take the time to buy and read my books and watch my movies, I can take the time to interact with them (great feedback) and provide them with a memorable experience. After all, what’s the point of being in the arts and entertainment business or publishing industry if you’re not willing to meet your fans?
Rebecca
Related articles
- Social Media and Movies: A Match Made in Hollywood (mediabistro.com)
- Redefining Cinema In A Digital World (blogworld.com)
- Social Design Strategy: Working from the Outside In (searchenginewatch.com)
- Movie Studio Execs See Mixed Prospects for Digital (mediabistro.com)
