From last time…

What were the results of this innovative alternative theatrical distribution model for Hope for Hurting Hearts?   

In a word, "excellent."  As you remember, as filmmakers, we paid the upfront cost of the streaming event.  We promoted it through our communications channels at our ministry (Harvest Ministries…  harvest.org) and through a portion of Lifeway's communications channels.  

Over 2,750 venues registered upfront and over 1,100 venues actually pulled down the film within the July 10-14, 2013 world premiere window.  Most of the venues were churches that utilized the film as a free movie night for their congregation to do two things; be strengthened in their Christian faith and enjoy the film and also to be used as an evangelistic tool, to invite non-believers in their sphere of influence to hear the Gospel through the film.  So we envisioned, sold and executed a world premiere on over 1,100 (primarily church) screens for the marketing cost of around two traditional theater screens.

In addition to providing the film, we created free customizable artwork for the venues.  Here's an example of the movie poster art we created.  The venue could simply fill in the local information at the bottom of the poster and print as many as they needed.

Here's an example of a "two up" customizable bulletin insert/flyer that we created:

And finally an example of web banner art that we created where the venue could promote the movie night on their website/blog:

So when venues registered, they had access to the free artwork and by registering, Lifeway assembled a database that we as the filmmaker could "message" as we desired, primarily through email campaigns.

Next time we'll answer…  "Did it achieve what we wanted?  Did it generate awareness for downstream marketing channels?  Overall, was it a success?"