YouTube for Filmmakers

I’m on YouTube, Now what?

There’s certainly a resistance for some filmmakers to get on YouTube.  After all, there is no barrier to entry – which means that everyone who has a kid, pet, or the ability to rant while drunk can, and does, post videos.  There is certainly plenty of, er, coal – but there are also plenty of gems.  And the cream can certainly rise to the top, with some promotion.

75% of the total U.S. Internet audience watches online video. YouTube is the most of the video sites and since it hosts videos, allows you embed them from there into your blog (website etc.) and broadcast them to the world, you’d certainly be missing a key opportunity by not using it.  Oh & it’s free.  (Did’ja hear what I said? FREE!)

So once you get on it what can you do?

Well, aside from posting your complete (short) film, you could post

• your trailer
• outtakes (if they’re funny or interesting)
• interviews (if they are intriguing, not self-indulgent.  I can’t stress this enough).
• Videos specifically made to supplement advertise your film. (Make it clever. It doesn’t have to be high-tech. high budget at all – but it does have to be intriguing.)
• a “video response” to a video that relates to your film (e.g. your film is about an embarrassing date, so record a quick video response with a funny date story to another video that discusses embarrassing moments or dates.) If it’s only subtly self-promotional this could work (Attach to a fairly popular video for maximum effect and remember that it has to be super-relevant to the original video, or it just looks tacky.)
• A short video showcasing one of the actor’s talents (no, nudity doesn’t count.  Wait, actually, it does…)

Remember:

• Don’t innundate your “channel”  with every video you’ve ever made about everything.  Keep in mind that too much choice is sometimes a deterrent to making any choice! (Behavioral Economists like Barry Schwartz note that people will sometimes not make any choice at all, rather than risk a poor decision).
• Take ownership of your “channel”.
  • It’s about more than just deciding what color to make it.  (Please no pink, unless your brand is super-girly.  In fact, even then, please no. It hurts me where I am soft like woman.)
  • Make sure you control the “feature” clip.  The default is that YouTube features your most recent clip, which might be fine in some cases.  But you should try to feature a strong clip (you can select your favorite).  recent, depending on your promotion tactic) and (“Go to “My Account ▼” And “Channel Design”)
  • Pick your own “favorite 9” of your videos so your channel showcases the best, right off the bat.  (Go to “My Account ▼” And “Organize Videos”)

Other basics tips:

• Always tag (keywords) your video with appropriate keywords & title it in a interesting but clear way
• As per my previous post, remember to simultaneously post (try TubeMogel) and be active on other video sites as well.
• Don’t just broadcast – communicate.  Use the network like any other social tool – be part of the community. Watch and comment on other films and make friends and connections.  Be genuine, and go low on the tacky.  Respect others (I can’t stress this enough).

“YouTube for Filmmakers” by Monica Hamburg

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Want more articles about artists? I have a whole series here.
https://monicahamburg.wordpress.com/category/artist-series/

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