Tips for posting your work
I thought I’d offer some suggestions for those brave souls who post their work here, either to share a film they made or those seeking job opportunities.
As the one who does the hiring, as well as somebody who likes to seek out new talent on this sub, I want to help you stack the odds of success even more in your favor with a couple of very simple suggestions.
When posting your film embed it so there’s a thumbnail and can be played from the post, like a YT embed. You’d be surprised how many people won’t click on a link. It’s often more about the visual allure that your thumbnail has, since humans, and especially your fellow filmmakers, are visual creatures.
If you’re posting your work as a composer or SFX guru or anything along those lines, also try to embed so you remove as many steps and roadblocks as possible for your audience. You can’t expect strangers to make much of an effort to try and see your work. Upload your scores to YT so there is a link and image that represents your work. Post an example image.
Be *brief,* especially if you’re trying to get us to watch your short, trailer, or film. I’ve clicked on posts based on the promise of your title only to be met with a wall of text, paragraph after paragraph telling me what I’m about to see or what your inspiration was. Just my opinion but those conversations should be held in the comments or in a follow-up post. Most people, myself included, won’t take the time to read everything you wrote and will close the page and move on. That’s not to say those wishing to engage in discussion shouldn’t post a lengthy conversation starter, I’m talking about those with the end goal of getting us to watch your work. Show don’t tell.
At the same time don’t be so brief or vague that we have no idea what your film is even about. “Hey you guys, here’s my short I made with friends over the weekend. Hope you like it.”
You’re going to get way more views by giving us the logline or a quick synopsis.
This one is more personal but I see lots of folks end their post with, “Please if you don’t have something positive to say don’t comment.” Most often I have good things to say and maybe also a couple of critiques intended to help you improve. Filmmaking requires a thick skin and I’d rather hear all the criticisms because then I can decide if they have merit or are simply a difference of opinion. Don’t be afraid to be challenged.
I’m sure others have some suggestions too, but I wanted to address the ones I notice most often that keep me from ever seeing your work.