Social Media is changing the Film Industry

Photo: Kelsey Hightower
Students using social media at Gaylord.

Movies are being promoted in the newest ways possible. Filmmakers of all kinds are utilizing social media to gain more success with their films. US & World said Classical Hollywood had success because of the Star System and now Modern Hollywood has Facebook, Twitter, and mobile phones. Even independent filmmakers are taking advantage of the world at their fingertips.

Photo: Kelsey Hightower
Kenny Madison checking his Web pages.

With over 800 million users on Facebook, connecting and sharing with people has become a type of lifestyle, which makes promoting things like films much easier. Kenny Madison, Film and Studies graduate from the University of Oklahoma, said that six days ago he added one of his new episodes to YouTube, and since then it has caught the attention of nearly 150 viewers. Also, websites like Kickstarter are becoming more popular, with thousands of users pledging money to projects they like.

Traditionally, marketing was left primarily to a publicist to promote the movie. Once the movie was in theaters, word of mouth helped build the success of the movie. Now filmmakers can independently promote their movies through social media. The Disney Channel is currently promoting its new movie The Muppets by trying to make Facebook history and get “1 BaZillion likes.” If Disney reaches its goal, fans will be able to watch The Muppets before it comes out in theaters.

“Social Media has given me many opportunities,” said actor and director Philip Borghee. “We’ve found locations, people to play extras and I’ve been put in movies because of it.” Borghee is currently working on the movie The Jones’, which has its own Facebook page and has drawn a lot of attention. “A lady on Facebook saw that we need a refinery for a filming location and let us use hers,” said Borghee. Not only has Facebook helped to find places for filming, but when the cast needed extras to play zombies, every single position was found thanks to social media connections. 

           

The future is being embraced by the film industry. US & World said Paramount’s Paranormal Activity had great success in the box-office making more than $150 million after only spending $15,000 to make. “Paramount extensively used Facebook to promote the film, partnering with Eventful to get would-be fans to request a screening of the film in their area,” said US & World. Technology is driving the future for filmmakers everywhere.