An Underutilized Packaging Lever
An Underutilized Packaging Lever
+ Pre-Registration for my Packaging Strategies Playbook course ends Monday
Earlier in the week I talked about an Unconventional Approach To Packaging and announced I’ll be doing an in-depth exploration of this topic in an upcoming Packaging Strategies Playbook course, to be done right here on Substack at the end of this month.
If you’d like to join us, the Pre-Registration discount ends this Monday, April 15 at which point the price will increase. So register your interest now before the price goes up!
Click here to register for the Packaging Strategies Playbook course
And Underutilized Packaging Lever
We’ve talked about the obvious levers you can pull in previous newsletters like attaching talent, directors, producers, brands, IP, etc. But something that’s being criminally underutilized lately in creating a robust package is the humble proof of concept (POC).
When I’m working with clients on putting together a package we always draw from some type of proof of concept - whether it’s a short film, sizzle reel… or these days, a podcast series, you tube series, Tik Tok series…. you get the idea. The idea for a POC has broadened beyond just the standard old reliable tools from traditional indie film playbooks.
Think outside the box!
I was reminded of this last week as the last MIPTV took place in Cannes (before it moves to London next year) and hearing from commissioners or buyers that in a ‘retracting’ environment like we’re in right now, they want ‘known, established, or proven’ concepts over original ideas as a way to de-risk their investment.
As independent producers, we likely don’t have known or established brands under our belts yet (think major successful formats like Masked Singer or Jack Reacher or the Halloween franchise) but we can tick the PROVEN box by creating smaller activations like the afore mentioned Podcast/Tik Tok/You Tube series and prove audience engagement before scaling up to broadcasters, streamers, and film financiers.
So in short, don’t forget that proof of concept should be part of your overall Packaging strategy - now more than ever.
Have you had success with a particular type of POC over others? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments section below…
Would love to know what you think!
And if you have any questions about this or the upcoming Packaging Strategies Playbook course, feel free to email me at stacey@filmspecific.com.
And don’t forget to register by Monday for the course so you can save at the Pre-Registration rate :)
Have a lovely weekend everyone!
Stacey
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I love this series. Thank you Stacey!! I've noticed that even the short sizzle reels I've created to better establish tone and pitch have gotten the Director increasingly excited and motivated to get the projects fully off the ground. And I've been brainstorming how to leverage this tool to get others excited as well- specifically on social media. Especially if, for the shorts, we utilize a hybrid funding model of crowdfunding AND investors! People really are more likely to want to be a part of something they can visualize fully. Can't wait to hear more of your thoughts on packaging- it's quickly becoming one of my favorite subjects in film.