Indie Film Marketing Masterclass – how to Promote your movie
With Jim Fredrick
In this episode, marketing veteran Jim Fredrick shares his incredible career path, starting from his early days cutting trailers in 1983 to becoming a senior marketing executive at major studios like Warner Bros. and Sony Screen Gems. With credits including Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and Fantastic Beasts, Jim applies his expertise with an Indie Film Marketing Masterclass.
How to Cut an Unforgettable Trailer
Jim dives deep into the art of cutting great trailers, stressing the importance of clarity, emotional pull, and pacing. Whether you’re working on a blockbuster or a micro-budget indie, the fundamentals remain the same: hook the audience quickly and leave them wanting more. Jim also shares why cutting your own trailer might not always be the best move—and why fresh eyes can make all the difference when it comes to editing.
Indie Film Marketing MASTERCLASS
Marketing a movie on a shoestring budget is tough, but Jim reveals powerful strategies to maximize limited resources. He discusses how to design posters that immediately tell the viewer what kind of movie they’re getting and why clear, obvious marketing often works best for indie films. Jim also explains how the rise of streaming has completely changed the way audiences discover and choose what to watch, opening up new opportunities for smart indie filmmakers.
Lessons from Hollywood Hits and Misses
Throughout his career, Jim has seen both massive hits and notable flops—and he’s distilled those lessons into his book, Opening Weekend: An Insider’s Look at Marketing Hollywood’s Hits and Flops. In our conversation, he shares the key marketing missteps filmmakers need to avoid, from false advertising to poor trailer pacing. Jim also discusses how testing and tweaking can save a campaign, especially in today’s fast-moving digital world.
Final Advice for Indie Filmmakers
Before wrapping up, Jim offers essential advice for emerging filmmakers: learn by doing, embrace criticism, and always put yourself in the audience’s shoes. He stresses that marketing should never be an afterthought—it’s just as creative and vital as making the film itself. For anyone serious about building a lasting career in film, Jim’s practical tips and hard-earned wisdom are truly invaluable.
Interested in finding out more about how to promote your film? Check out our episode with How to boost your films exposure with Amy Guth
