Does Hiring Influencers Actually Help Your Film's Release? Plus: DARUMA is back in theaters this July & a Portion of the Proceeds Supports the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation!
Also: media wins for my clients, the headlines that caught my eye, and check out indie film "About Him & Her" in this week's subscriber edition of Marketing & PR for Indie Films.
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Kelli McNeil-Yellen is a twenty year marketing and PR pro who finally made the leap to indie filmmaking with her award-winning Slamdance film DARUMA, now available on platforms. Learn more about DARUMA here. To work with Kelli, click here.
Quote of the Week: “The show must go on” is the rallying cry of all of us circus folk. The problem is that it’s a lie. What it really means is “the show will go on with or without you.” - Javier Grillo-Marxuach via The Ankler Team
DARUMA is Back in Theaters in Honor of Disability Pride Month
I’m delighted to finally share the screening series for my film DARUMA this July. After a nationwide theatrical run in 2024 and netting coverage for the film with all of the major trades as well as on CNN, NPR, Pix 11, NBC LA, The Seattle Times and more, I’m finally bringing the film back to theaters this month in honor of Disability Pride Month. A portion of the ticket sales will go to benefit a longtime supporter of the movie, the incredible Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, to help support their mission of funding innovative research, advancing care, and empowering individuals and families impacted by paralysis.
If you’d like to attend one of the screenings, the schedule is below.
DARUMA JULY SCREENING DATES:
July 15 - Sunray Cinema (Tampa, FL)
July 16 - Crest Theater (Sacramento, CA)
July 16 - Egyptian Theater (Boise, ID)
July 17 - Smodcastle Cinemas (Atlantic Highlands, NJ)
July 21 - Greenbelt Cinema (Greenbelt, MD)
July 26 - The Hill Arts (Portland, ME)
I will be doing another post later this summer that discusses how I booked the theaters and managed the ensuing marketing and PR campaign.
And if you can’t watch the film in theaters, please check it out on Tubi or send it to someone who you think would enjoy watching it.
Media Wins for my Clients: Reviews, Interviews & More
Even though it’s been a bit of a slow news week, I’ve been able to grab some really good coverage for projects I’ve been working on. Check out the reviews for ABOVE THE LINE, POOLS and a fantastic interview with Therese 'Tag' Goulet on Calgary’s The Spotlight Hour!
An interview with the Sugar Mama herself on The Spotlight Hour
An interview with director Jeffrey Scott Collins in the Filmmaker Mixer podcast
So proud of all of the hard work that went into netting these great reviews and interviews! It’s not easy but when it comes to promoting your film, it’s worth it.
Want to work with me? DM me to set up a 30 minute discovery call!
The Headlines That Caught My Eye Recently:
Every week I do a round-up of headlines that are pertinent to our business and list them here in my newsletter. I do my best to provide non-paywalled articles when possible! Here’s this week’s fresh catch (though it feels like it’s been a bit of a slow news week. It must be summer!)
‘Supergirl’ Braces for $100 Million Loss: What DC Studios Should Learn From Its Box Office Bomb
‘Lost’ Producer: I Gave L.A. 33 Years. Now I’m Leaving — Here’s Why
YouTube Is Not the New Hollywood (or the New Sundance) via Anthony Kaufman
Check out Indie Film “About Him & Her”
In 1989, a crossed phone line unexpectedly connects two strangers, setting in motion a life-changing conversation that culminates in an unconventional meeting. Inspired by the director's true story, the film employs a remarkable production approach: the two lead actors never met or saw one another during filming, even while performing emotionally and physically intimate scenes. Their first meeting took place at the film's world premiere.
Submit Your Finished Feature-Length Film to Be Featured!
If you have a finished feature length film (narrative or documentary) that’s available for people to watch that you’d like me to promote, click here to submit your materials. I do not promote crowdfunding campaigns but I also never charge to plug your film! This support matters and I hope you’ll spread the love around.
And now let’s talk about…
Does Hiring Influencers Actually Help Your Film’s Release?
I’ve worked on the PR and marketing campaigns for close to forty films now and I’ve seen it all in terms of what works and what doesn’t for indie films. One thing I’m constantly asked about is whether or not the filmmakers should engage influencers to promote their films. Here’s my answer, having seen it and been through it many times now.
Content below is for subscribers, so please consider upgrading your subscription! As a reminder I do four in-depth posts per month and a subscription could save you time and money!