Building a Bridge to Your Audience: A Filmmaker’s Guide to Connection
In this atomic essay, I’ll share 3 ways you can connect directly with your audience as a filmmaker.
Connecting directly with your audience is the difference between creating a successful film that is relatable, impactful, and memorable (and one that’s not).
Unfortunately, many filmmakers struggle to connect with their audience. Here are some of the reasons why:
Lack of understanding about their target audience
Limited resources or budget
Creative limitations
Fear of failure
Overcome all of these obstacles and connect directly with your audience. Here’s how:
Step 1: Know Your Target Demographic
Research and analyze their interests, values, and lifestyles to gain insight into what they would respond to positively in a film.
How? Send surveys, interview 1:1, join groups, seek script feedback.
Step 2: Use Authentic Dialogue
Utilizing language, slang, and cultural references that are specific to your target audience can make them feel seen and heard. This will help them connect with the characters and the story on a deeper level.
How? Do #1, write it in the script, talk to dialogue coaches, get consultants to read or be on set.
Step 3: Consider the Film’s Tone and Style
The tone, style, color, music, etc. of the film should reflect the preferences of your target audience.
How? Ask what movies they like / hate and why. For example: if you’re targeting a younger demographic, a fast-paced, energetic film with upbeat modern music might be a good fit. Ask.
Get this right, and you have a film that truly speaks to your target audience. They’ll connect with your story and your message on a deeper level.
The end result? You made a film that is relatable, impactful, and memorable. 👏🏼
See you tomorrow.
Matt Cici
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