The last few years have seen a surge of popularity in indie films across multiple genres, such as drama, comedy and elevated horror. For many indie filmmakers, it can be a challenge to work with small budgets and up-and-coming actors while trying to break through to the big game. That’s why press promotion is so important for indie filmmakers. Part of a good press strategy includes creating a film press kit, but how exactly do you go about this? This article will provide some key tips to get your film press kit ready, professional and ready to make a scene (on the big screen).

Create a Press Release

Start by creating a press release for your film, using a free PDF maker or other software that will help you to design a polished, professional-looking media release. PDF file format is also preferable as PDFs are universally accessible, meaning they can be opened and read on all devices.

Your press release should include key details about the film, such as who you are (the director/filmmaker), any actors starring in the film, a brief synopsis about the film’s plot, your film studio or the studio that is creating the movie and a few memorable quotes in the film. You can then send this to key media publications or film festivals that might have an interest in reviewing or promoting the film to their audiences.

What Else Do You Need in Your Film Press Kit?

A film press kit is a collection of promotional materials designed to capture media coverage for a film. It will usually include the media release, as we’ve described above, but they’re more comprehensive than a single piece of content. Alongside your press release, your kit should include cast and crew biographies, director’s notes, high-quality still images from the film and press contact details.

You will also want to spend some time crafting an excellent film synopsis to sell the movie, adding some answers to commonly asked questions about the film and making a punchy director's statement. We’ll explore these in depth below.

How to Develop a Compelling Film Synopsis

When you set about writing your film’s synopsis, consider it your main hook for media companies to bite upon. Go beyond a mere summary of the plot. Instead, think about what makes your indie film unique. Maybe it is a cool setting, intriguing characters, a twisty plot, an inversion of standard film genres or other interesting filmmaking mechanics.

Add a Comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions Section

As part of your indie film press kit, include a thorough FAQ section to help you control the narrative around your film. Use this section to address key questions that might arise from the audience or critics, covering things like character development, technical filmmaking approaches, different themes that your movie explores and how your film approaches sensitive topics. Keep answers to questions brief, but reveal key elements of your film, giving a crucial insight into your creative process and decision-making that underpins your indie movie.

Some questions you might consider populating your FAQ with include:

  • How did the idea for the film come about?
  • What was the most challenging thing about filming?
  • What was the budget for the film?
  • How did you cast the roles?
  • What is one key standout memory from production?
  • What techniques did you use in making this film?
  • How does this film differ from your previous work?
  • Which are the main themes your film explores?

Include High-Quality Visuals

Another step in a compelling indie film press kit is to ensure that you include a mix of high-resolution images to go with the rest of the kit. Include key scene still shots, transparent images that can be used in print, behind-the-scenes images and your film’s official poster.

These high-quality images need to be sharp and clear and capture the unique mood and style of your film. If your film includes special effects or visuals, be sure to highlight these to capture media interest in the movie.

Cast and Crew Biographies

When you’re putting together the bios for the cast and crew, don’t just list people’s experiences like a CV. You’ll want to dive into what makes their history and lived experience special to your project and how their experience has shaped your indie film.

You can mention key projects that people have worked on prior to this film, but also share some insights about people, their achievements, unexpected challenges that arose during filming or personal milestones that align with your film’s themes. This approach for a press kit will make the reader feel connected to the creativity behind your cast and crew and drum up interest in your movie.

Include a Director’s Statement

A personal director’s statement is the cherry on top of your indie film’s press kit—adding your own personal touch. This is your key chance to address your audience and the press about your inspiration for the movie, any challenges you faced and how you overcame them and your overall vision for the film. Sharing why you’re passionate about the film, your motives, inspiration and drive and why the press deserves your attention and should cover the film are your objectives with this statement.

A Film Press Kit Summary

When putting together a winning film press kit, consider it like the CV and cover letter for your film. While your indie film may be full of originality and genre-bending scenes, your press kit should maintain professionalism, clearly outlining the necessary aspects that the media and festival organizers need to see to understand your movie. These elements include a press release, film synopsis, a FAQs section, director and actor bios, visuals and a director's statement. In your director’s statement, don't shy away from your passion and love for filmmaking and this film in general; that will help your readers fall in love with the idea, too.


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