In this episode of 'Truly Independent,' hosts Darren Smith and Garrett Batty delve into the often overlooked yet critical aspect of filmmaking: marketing. Joined by film industry veteran Jonas Barnes, who transitioned to marketing during the 2023 Hollywood strikes, they explore strategies indie filmmakers can adopt from major studios to ensure their films reach the right audience. Jonas emphasizes the importance of considering marketing from the inception of a project, creating impactful posters early on, and leveraging social media platforms like Reddit, TikTok, and Instagram. The discussion highlights practical steps for building awareness and community, as well as the value of viral events and brand partnerships. Tune in for an insightful conversation that underlines the necessity of marketing in the film business and offers actionable tips for independent filmmakers.

00:00 Unlimited Streaming Options

00:21 Introduction to Truly Independent

00:42 Meet Our Guest: Jonas

01:28 The Importance of Marketing in Indie Films

04:44 Early Marketing Strategies

06:05 Creating Effective Posters

09:19 Building Awareness and Community

20:31 Leveraging Brand Partnerships

24:10 Marketing Strategies for Indie Filmmakers

25:02 The Importance of Viral Events

26:12 Creating Marketable Moments in Films

28:41 The Role of a Film Marketer

31:51 Building an Audience Early

32:23 Where to Find Jonas Barnes

34:38 Current Projects and Future Plans

41:41 Using Weekly Highlights for Marketing

44:50 Final Thoughts and Farewell