Twenty something years ago, Madonna said we’re living in a material world and while that is still true, we can now add digital to the list. We live in a digital world and it would behoove you to take advantage of it. Since you have digital tools available to you and mostly for free, why not use them.
In this day and age reputations are made or broken with digital tools. Consider the following; Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse in the world but maintains a consistent and vocal online presence. BP’s reputation was nearly destroyed because of the gulf oil spill but they put the final nail in their own coffin by not addressing the issue with the public via social networking sites. Check out the links below for more information.
http://blip.tv/file/3866406
http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2010/07/5-digital-pr-lessons-from-bps-oil-spillresponse193.html
Right now I bet you’re wondering what’s the method to get your voice out there. The simple answer is just pick one. I’ll touch on three in this post. We touched on making your own video last week. That is a great way to get you voice out there. Along with voicing an opinion, it allows you to connect with an audience. If you want to let others know what you’re doing (or writing) you have to let others know your out there. Check out the link below from best selling author John Irving.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1TbTCDHKRY
Another way to get your voice out there is to record it. BlogTalkRadio .com allows any and everyone with something to say a chance to say it. If you need to build a platform, this is a relatively easy way. And what’s even better, you can invite guests to help you get your point (s) across. You can write a script or do it freestyle. Just do it. Check out the link below from writerslifechats on blogtalkradio.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/writerslifechats
Last but not least, we have the old stand-bys social networking sites. Get connected with people who are doing what you do. You have a plethora of sites to choose from. Since we’re talking about writing, I’ve picked one for you to check out.
http://tribes.tribe.net/writersanonymous
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Hey Writers, a Picture Really is Worth 1,000 words
Since I’m not sure what kind of writing you’re doing, I’ll address two types. Let’s start with the novelist. As we stated last week, if you don’t have a website, you should get one as soon as possible. Almost everyone uses the web now days. So, on your website, I would suggest you put at least one type of video, preferably two. The first should be a video about you. It will help your readers know a little more about you and feel like they have something in common with you. You can record yourself for about 2 or 3 minutes talking about your life, what led you to writing, etc. It should feel personal and intimate. Invite the reader into your world and let them seem how you think. Post the video on YouTube and add a link to your site is space/bandwidth is a concern. The second video should be a video book trailer. At this point, I want you to do what I say and not I what I did (Mine isn’t done yet) but I will post my trailer soon. The trailer should whet the readers’ appetites and give them a taste of what is to come. Even if you can’t afford to do a real video trailer (With hired actors, lighting crew, etc) try to put together something for your readers. If you do it well, it can only help you. Even non-fiction writers can get in on this. A short string of interviews with real people addressing the issues in your book would look great on your site and might go further if the interviewees have read and mention your book.
The video below has no talking actors but great graphics and stirs an interest in the reader to pick up the book.
A Video Book Trailer
Next, I’ll address script writers. The same principles work for you but better. If you are trying to sell a screenplay or a film you should put together a short teaser to show people what they have to look forward to. It is very likely that whoever ends up buying your script won’t use any of your filmed ideas, but you’ve at least given them something to work with. For independent filmmakers, a short film placed on a website like YouTube or another site where your target audience frequently visits would be a great tool to entice viewers to see your movie. I found the trailer below on YouTube where it’s been seen by over 10,000 people. A trailer or short film is a great way to build buzz about your next project.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
So You Want To Be Writer In Hollywood ?
Breaking into the movie business has obvious perks but how do you do it? There are several schools of thought but I’ll touch on three here. Let’s call the first way, “The Front Door”. This is how it’s always been done. You (prospective screenwriter) write a script, try to land an agent based on that script and wait for your agent to shop your script and secure a deal for you. Most would agree that way hardly works anymore but it could so stay open. The next way is what I like to call “The Back Door” and this way is very popular. In fact, there is a whole industry built around it. It’s even become so popular that well known screenwriters hold classes on how to do it. You take the back door when you skip the agent and try to secure a deal by yourself. The Hollywood Creative Directory, or some tool like it is an absolute necessity if you decide to use this method. This book lists every major studio, network executive and production company known to man. The idea here is to send out your script to everyone in the book that may have the slightest interest in it. You also have to close your eyes and jump up and down while clicking your heels three times when you do this method but hey it works for some people. I call the last method “The Garage Door”. This last method is the most time-consuming because it requires you to actually produce a film instead of just a script. The good news is that people in Hollywood tend to be visual creatures so having something they can actually sit down and watch is a bonus for you. But here’s the reality check, you actually have to find someone to watch it. I call it “the garage door” because you are technically “in the house.” If you’ve created a film, you can call yourself a filmmaker but you’re still outside the main stream. I can hear all of you asking which door should I try? In my humble opinion if this is something you really want to do, you should try them all. You never know which one might open up. So your next question is “how do I do it?” First, if you’re not already, get educated. There are plenty of places where you can buy books or DVDs that will teach you what you need to know. The Writer’s Store and Film School Online are just two of them. Second, establish an online presence. If you don’t have accounts with Twitter and Facebook already, set them up and then network, network, network! Follow (on Twitter) or friend (on Facebook) people who are doing what you want to do. Take plenty of notes and follow advice when it’s given. This will put you a big step ahead of the pack. Also, set up your own website or blog and let people know what your doing. People love to follow a journey. The important thing is to get your name out there and build a platform. If you have a product, advertise it. You can buy ad space almost anywhere but try to focus on a specific group. For example, if you’re writing romantic comedies, you probably don’t need to advertise on sites that the Hell’s Angel’s frequent. Find your people and stay attached to them. Lastly, be committed enough to stick with it. If you’re really meant to break into “the business” you will, just give yourself time. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Check out the links below then go forth and conquer!
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