Why Every Filmmaker Needs an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) to Promote Their Film
Learn why an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) is a filmmaker's secret weapon for promoting films and the essential pieces it must include.
From a bright and sunny 35 degrees.
Monday, November 25th
Hey Filmmaker,
In the filmmaking world, promoting your project is as important as making it.
Even the best films can get lost in the noise without the right tools to grab attention.
That’s where the Electronic Press Kit (EPK) comes in—a professional, well-assembled EPK is your film’s calling card, opening doors to festivals, distributors, media outlets, and audiences.
But what exactly is an EPK?
Why does it matter so much?
And how do you create one that stands out in a sea of competition?
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Electronic Press Kits, including their importance, the key elements they should contain, and how to use them effectively to boost your film’s visibility.
Why the Electronic Press Kit is Essential for Filmmaking Success and How to Build One
THE MODERN FILMMAKER
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So There I Was… (Story)
So there I was, staring at the email draft for a short film festival submission.
I had my film ready to go—polished, edited, and ready for the world to see.
The festival organizers wanted “supporting materials,” but I didn’t have anything cohesive prepared.
Frantically, I cobbled together a few production stills, a synopsis, and a cast list.
I hit send, but deep down, I knew my submission was incomplete.
Weeks passed, and I heard nothing back.
Later, I found out that the festival programmers had moved on from my submission because my “materials” weren’t professional or organized enough to help them market my film.
That’s when I realized the power of an Electronic Press Kit.
It wasn’t just a submission formality—it was a way to make a strong impression and stand out in a crowded field.
From that moment on, I made it a priority to create a professional EPK for every film I worked on.
And let me tell you, it’s made all the difference.
With a polished EPK, I’ve been able to catch the attention of festivals, distributors, and even journalists.
If you’re serious about filmmaking, an EPK isn’t optional—it’s essential.
What is an Electronic Press Kit (EPK)?
An Electronic Press Kit (EPK) is a collection of digital materials that showcases your film and provides all the information needed to promote and market it.
Think of it as a one-stop shop for anyone interested in your project—film festivals, journalists, distributors, and even potential audiences.
An EPK typically includes:
Key details about your film (title, runtime, genre, synopsis, etc.)
Cast and crew bios
Production stills and behind-the-scenes photos
A film trailer and clips
Press releases and promotional materials
Contact information for the filmmaker or publicist
Whether you’re submitting to festivals, reaching out to the press, or pitching your film to distributors, a well-crafted EPK makes it easy for others to understand and promote your work.
Why an EPK is Important for Filmmakers
It Makes You Look Professional
An EPK is a sign that you take your film seriously.
It shows that you’re organized, prepared, and ready to collaborate.
Festivals and distributors are more likely to work with filmmakers who have professional materials in place.
Example: When submitting to Sundance, a complete EPK can set your film apart from the hundreds of submissions that don’t include the necessary materials. Festivals want films they can easily market, and your EPK makes that possible.
It Simplifies Promotion
Journalists, bloggers, and festival programmers are busy people.
They don’t have time to hunt down information about your film.
An EPK puts everything they need in one place, making it easier for them to write about and promote your work.
Example: Consider Everything Everywhere All At Once. Its EPK included production stills, press quotes, and detailed bios for the Daniels (directors). These materials allowed media outlets to write in-depth articles without needing additional input from the filmmakers.
It Helps Distributors Sell Your Film
Distributors rely on marketing materials to sell your film to streaming platforms, theaters, and international markets.
A strong EPK gives them the tools they need to pitch your project effectively.
Example: Parasite’s EPK featured high-quality stills, Bong Joon-ho’s bio, and detailed notes about the film’s themes, helping distributors promote the film’s unique vision and win over global audiences.
It Tells Your Story
An EPK is more than just a collection of files—it’s an opportunity to tell the story behind your film.
It lets you share your vision, process, and inspiration, building excitement and connection with your audience.
Example: The EPK for Moonlight included a director’s statement from Barry Jenkins, providing personal insight into the film’s themes and emotional core. This added depth to the film’s promotional campaign.
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Key Pieces of a Great EPK
To create an effective EPK, you need to include the right elements. Here are the essential components:
1. Film Overview
Start with the basics:
Title
Genre
Runtime
Language
Synopsis (short and long versions)
This section gives readers a quick understanding of your film at a glance.
Example: The EPK for The Shape of Water included a one-sentence logline (“A fairy tale for troubled times”) as well as a detailed synopsis, helping media and distributors quickly grasp the film’s unique tone and story.
2. Cast and Crew Bios
Include short bios for the key players behind your film, such as:
The director
Lead actors
Producers
Cinematographer
Focus on relevant achievements, awards, and notable projects.
Example: The EPK for Little Women highlighted Greta Gerwig’s previous success with Lady Bird, which reinforced her credibility as a director.
3. High-Quality Stills
Include production stills, behind-the-scenes photos, and key moments from the film. High-resolution images are critical for press coverage.
Example: La La Land’s EPK featured vibrant stills of its iconic dance sequences, which were widely used in promotional materials and media coverage.
4. Trailer and Clips
A strong trailer is often the first thing people watch. Include a downloadable version, as well as links to any key clips or teasers.
Example: The EPK for Get Out included its iconic trailer, which showcased the film’s unique blend of horror and social commentary.
5. Press Materials
Add any press releases, early reviews, or promotional quotes. This helps build buzz around your film.
Example: The Banshees of Inisherin included glowing quotes from early festival reviews, which helped generate excitement ahead of its theatrical release.
6. Director’s Statement
A personal note from the director adds authenticity and context to your film. Use this space to share your vision, inspiration, and creative process.
Example: Alfonso Cuarón’s statement in Roma’s EPK shared his deeply personal connection to the story, making it resonate even more with audiences and critics.
7. Contact Information
Make it easy for people to reach you. Include:
Your email
Social media links
Your publicist’s contact (if applicable)
Example: The EPK for Minari prominently displayed its PR team’s contact info, ensuring media outlets could easily arrange interviews and coverage.
How to Use Your EPK Effectively
1. Submit to Festivals
Film festivals often require supporting materials for submissions. A professional EPK can make your film stand out and improve its chances of being selected.
2. Share with Media Outlets
Send your EPK to journalists, bloggers, and influencers to generate press coverage. Include a friendly email with a brief pitch about your film.
3. Partner with Distributors
Distributors use your EPK to pitch your film to theaters, streaming platforms, and international markets.
4. Promote on Social Media
Use elements of your EPK—like stills, trailers, and quotes—to build excitement on social media and attract audiences.
Why an EPK Matters: Key Takeaways
Here’s why every filmmaker needs an Electronic Press Kit:
Professionalism: Shows that you take your film and its promotion seriously.
Ease of Access: Provides all the materials needed for festivals, media, and distributors in one place.
Marketing Power: Helps generate buzz and visibility for your film.
Better Opportunities: Makes it easier to secure festival slots, press coverage, and distribution deals.
Final Thoughts
An Electronic Press Kit (EPK) isn’t just a tool—it’s an essential part of your film’s journey.
By investing time in creating a professional, polished EPK, you’re setting your project up for success.
From festivals to media to distributors, your EPK is the key to opening doors and making your film stand out in a competitive industry.
So, filmmaker, don’t skip this step.
Build an EPK that reflects the passion, creativity, and hard work you’ve poured into your film—and let it help you share your story with the world.
Until next time, keep creating, keep sharing, and keep believing in your vision.
Cheers,
Mike Rekola
P.S. Catch up on the rest from TheModernFilmmaker.co:
👉 Buy: The Modern Filmmaker’s On Set Filmmaking Dictionary, today.
👉 Some Filmmakers to Know: Jim Jarmusch & Claude Chabrol…
👉 Some Filmmaking Terms: Above-the-Line & Back to First Marks…
👉 Some Stories: So there I was… Writing a Screenplay that Sucked…
👉 Some Thoughts: Why Risk is the Key to Relationships…
👉 Meet Me: Mike Rekola…
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