Nowadays, having a website is essential, not only for the simple fact of having an online presence, but also because you need tangible elements to support the viewing of your film.
A few years ago, when DVD copies were still being sent out, it was very important to take care of the graphic image and the cover that accompanied the copy: it was the first image for a programmer. Nowadays, when the physical format no longer exists and films are watched on platforms and via screening links, the website becomes the main reference point for finding information and the natural place a programmer will go if they are interested in the film after watching it, or if they have heard about it.
This online presence is essential for you as a director and filmmaker, especially if you are just starting out and need to take care of your personal brand. You can see the website not only as a promotional element and a tool for the film’s marketing, but also as a working tool for festival submissions throughout the entire distribution process.
When you get down to work and start designing the website, you may have doubts about what content needs to appear. These are some of the elements that, in principle, should be present on the website:
#1 Credits and synopsis
The credits usually include all the department heads and actors. You could create several sections on the website: on the one hand, the credits themselves, and on the other, the actors with a short description of each of them. Do not forget the running time and genre, which are decisive for your festival strategy, and information that should be in a prominent, easy-to-find place.
The synopsis can be placed on the same page as the crew, or in its own section of the website. It should be short—between 200 and 300 words at most—and it should spark curiosity to watch the film; do not write an overly descriptive plot summary.
#2 About you
Your film’s website should also help promote you as a director and filmmaker. Dedicate a section to talking about yourself with a short biography and filmography featuring the most relevant work you have done so far. Add a photograph that festivals can use. Use this section to talk about your new projects as well.
#3 Photographs
They are essential on the website, both for the design and to show images from the film. Choose photographs from the best and most representative scenes.
These photographs should also be available for download; they are essential material for festival submissions.
#4 Trailer
It is used more and more and is increasingly important; a good trailer is one of the most prominent elements on the website. You can share it on social media and get additional traffic. Dedicate an exclusive section to it, or place it on the homepage along with the synopsis or a logline.
#5 Production notes
You can share a bit about the production process and publish a short making-of. Spark curiosity and show the complexity of the production.
If it is a live-action film, focus on the actors, talking about their characters and the experience of working with you as the director.
#6 Download materials
This section is essential if you consider the website a tool for festival distribution. In this section you can include the photographs, a credits sheet, and the rest of the promotional materials. Every time a festival asks you for materials, you can use the link to your website; this way you reinforce promotion and increase visits.
#7 News and updates
You can create a blog with regular updates where you can write news about your participation in festivals, travel, etc. If you have not started distribution yet, you can talk about the shoot and post-production. This is a very good tool to start generating demand to watch the film and begin promoting it.
#8 Contact
You should leave a space for visitors to contact you, either through a form or an email address. Keep in mind that one of the goals of the website is to expand your network of contacts, and for both programmers and potential producers to take an interest in your work and get in touch with you.
Add more content to the website
You can include more sections depending on the stage you are at. For example, if you have festival selections and press coverage, you can add a section with links to reviews and interviews, as well as to the festivals where you have participated. You could also share the music if it is relevant and you have the corresponding rights.
You could also try to monetise your work through the website by selling film merchandise, screenings, downloads for offline viewing, DVD copies, etc.
Although it may seem complicated, building a website is increasingly easy and there are many free tools that let you start with the basics; do not wait any longer and start building your website as soon as possible, both for your film and even a personal website as a director, with images and videos of all your work.