We often get requests from filmmakers to advertise and market their films on Cinema UG's social media platforms. The first thing we usually ask for is the press kit. Unfortunately, very few filmmakers always provide the press kit for their films.

So what’s the press kit and why is it important for your film?

A press kit is a page or a folder on a film’s website, that talks about the film It includes, a synopsis, cast, and their photos, selected cast and crew biography, a few behind-scenes photos, and all the necessary information about your film. It makes it easy for journalists to get the facts, information, and media of your movie from one spot.  

It serves as a comprehensive package of information and promotional materials designed to generate interest and coverage from the media, critics, and potential distributors or investors.

​​​​​​​Here are some key reasons why a press kit is important in film marketing:

1. Media Coverage: Journalists and critics often need quick access to information and materials for their articles and reviews. Providing a press kit with high-quality images, trailers, and relevant documents can make their job easier and increase the chances of getting media coverage.

2. Festival Submissions: When submitting your film to film festivals, having a press kit can be a requirement. Festivals use press kits to evaluate the films they select and to prepare materials for their own promotional efforts.

3. Marketing and Promotion: Distributors, sales agents, and other industry professionals may use your press kit as a resource when considering whether to acquire or promote your film. It provides them with a comprehensive overview of the film's potential.

4. Consistency: A press kit helps ensure that everyone involved in promoting your film has access to the same information and materials. This ensures consistency in messaging and branding.

5. Networking: When attending film festivals, markets, or industry events, having physical copies of your press kit to distribute can help you network with potential partners, investors, and collaborators.

6. Online Presence: A digital press kit can be easily shared on your film's website, social media platforms, and through email. This allows you to reach a wider audience and generate buzz online.

7. Information Dissemination: A press kit contains all the necessary information about your film, such as the synopsis, cast and crew bios, production notes, and other relevant details. This makes it easy for journalists to write articles or reviews about your film.

The journalist looking for a press kit already knows about your film and wants to get his facts right and the right media that he will publish about your movie. Unfortunately, most of the filmmakers we have talked to will send you one thing at a time as you ask. Some journalists do not have that time.  

The press kit won’t only make it easy for you to promote your film here in Uganda but will also be required in some submissions to festivals.

The press kit is sent to the organizing committee of the festival along with an application for participation or at the festival request when the film is already included in the competition program. Some festivals will publish press kits on their websites, others place print versions at the information desks in the press rooms and distribute them to the media before press shows.

Most times the press kit comes into the hands of journalists before the screening of the film, forming the first impression of the film and its author. So, you must work on it in the best way you can.

Learn what are the key elements to include in an Electronic Press kit in our next blog.

By Jesca Ahimbisibwe and Martin Kabagambe.