Top 5 Common Mistakes Independent Filmmakers Make in Marketing!

So you’ve just completed your first film, you’ve poured your heart and soul into it, it looks incredible, and you couldn’t be prouder. But now comes the big question: How do you get it in front of as many eyes as possible? That’s where we come in! At Film Pulse, we’re here to help you avoid the pitfalls of independent film marketing. 

Here are the top five most common mistakes filmmakers make when trying to get their work seen - and how to steer clear of them.

1. No Clear Direction/Branding

If someone asks, “What’s your film about?” and you start rambling for five minutes without a clear answer, you're more likely to run into more problems than more audiences! Many filmmakers struggle to sell their own work, making it hard for audiences (or potential distributors) to connect with it. Make sure you know your film inside and out. A good tip is crafting a strong logline - one sentence that hooks people in. 

A great pitch + professional branding = more people paying attention to your film!

2. Overlooking Local Screenings & Collaborations

Aiming high is a great and ambitious plan, but don’t overlook what’s right in front of you! Many filmmakers focus on online releases or big festivals but forget that local screenings can be just as powerful. Universities, indie cinemas, and community centers can help you build a loyal fanbase. 

Plus, collaborating with other local artists - musicians for your soundtrack, graphic designers for your poster - creates a built-in network of people who will help spread the word about your film.

3. Not Building an Audience Before the Film is Finished

If you wait until your film is fully edited and ready to go before thinking about marketing, you’re already behind! 

One of the biggest mistakes independent filmmakers make is not creating buzz early on. Start posting from day one—share teaser clips, do some behind-the-scenes, or even a production vlog. Let people feel like they’re part of the journey! By the time your film is released, you’ll already have an audience excited to watch. While it might add some more work to your very busy schedule, posting and making this content is always a laugh! 

4. Poor Social Media Presence

Coming off the back of No.3! Social media is your biggest free marketing tool! It can’t be said enough… If you don’t have a good social media presence, you're going to find it ten times more difficult! 

Instead, engage your audience - share cast interviews, create countdown posts, and interact with film communities. Platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and even Reddit can help your film gain traction fast. 

Start building hype before your release, and keep the momentum going afterward!

5. Forgetting Press & Reviews

You’ve made a film! But if no one’s talking about it, does it even exist? Many student filmmakers skip press outreach, assuming only big-budget films get reviewed. 

Wrong! Film blogs, student newspapers, local magazines, and YouTube critics love discovering new indie talent. Reach out with a press release, offer exclusive sneak peeks, and send your film to niche review sites. Even one well-placed article can boost visibility and credibility. 

Don’t wait for the press to come to you—put yourself out there!