So you’ve figured out the art of how to make a short film, and now you’re stuck wondering how to sell it. Well, even though there’s much more competition these days, selling a short film is not as complicated as it used to be. Much of this is due to the new digital distribution tools on the market. So, we’re examining how to sell your short film so you can get paid for your hard, filmmaking work in this edition of Film Career Tips!
It’s not as easy to sell your short film in a traditional arena because very few buyers are out shopping for short film content. But, don’t let this discourage you because the market for short content in the film industry does exist. Today, we’re breaking down a few film career tips shared by the top film schools to help further you in your filmmaking career!
HOW TO SELL YOUR SHORT FILM: 2 SIMPLE WAYS
So, you want to learn how to sell your short film for some big bucks? Well, that’s not always possible during the beginning phases of your filmmaking career. However, there are ways to make money on short films through YouTube until you figure it all out. These are two common, simple ways to make money from the hard work you put into producing short films through YouTube:
- YouTube Advertisements – Will make you some quick bucks.
- Build Your YouTube Audience – Helps you make money online over time.
1. MAKE SOME QUICK BUCKS WITH YOUTUBE ADVERTISEMENTS
The simplest way to make money on YouTube is through their advertisements. You simply upload your short film to the online video platform. Then, you opt to place YouTube ads on your videos. Fimmaking has never been simpler!
But, if you really want to make money online with your short films, Video On Demand (VOD) Platforms are the key. VOD platforms allow you to upload your shorts. Then, they distribute them to the most lucrative, popular video marketplaces online for you.
This helps to drive traffic to your YouTube videos until you get bigger in the industry and are able to sell your film directly to your audience.
2. MAKE MORE AND MORE MONEY OVER TIME FROM YOUR SHORT FILM
What’s the point of knowing how to sell your short film, if no one will ever get a chance to watch it? Lucrative film careers are those where your audience is big, interested and excited about the next project. So, when it comes to making money online from your shorts, that means growing your audience.
What do I mean by “growing your audience”? Well, in this case, I’m talking about building an email list. You need to do what it takes to get people to your videos. Then, you want them so intrigued by your film that they simply must subscribe to your mailing list.
So, how do you build a subscriber list that will help sell your short film over time?
- Continuously produce short films.
- Allow online users to watch them on YouTube and other VOD sources for free.
- Make sure to create great Calls to Action so they’ll subscribe to your list.
HOW TO SELL YOUR SHORT FILM TO FANS
When you decide to sell your film, you’re challenging yourself to be a successful filmmaker. And, this is what filmmaking careers are all about… making money off of your work. Follow these tips, and in time, you will have a loyal following of fans willing to buy and download your videos, as well. Then, you can sell your short film online to your fans and make lots of money.
START YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER AT A TOP FILM SCHOOL!
There are many careers in the film industry available, and you can start on the road to yours by enrolling at F.I.R.S.T. Institute‘s Film and Video Production Program. Learn hands on, in real studio settings, with small class sizes at a top film school located in Orlando, Florida.
Faculty at F.I.R.S.T. Institute are working film industry professionals who have a passion for mentoring the next generation of filmmakers. Speak to an admissions representative today for more information on how you can launch a career in the film industry and even take a video tour of the campus. Start on your path to a career in the Film and Video Industry at one of the top film schools in Florida!
