For years, many of us have been taught that the path to financing is writing a great script, making a great proof of concept, and hoping the right person notices. Emma challenged that mindset by showing that audience engagement itself has become part of the proof.
Going into August, I’m committing to building an audience around my work, not just promoting it after it’s finished.
That means:
• Sharing more of my creative process.
• Creating story-driven content tied to my projects instead of random posts.
• Paying attention to meaningful engagement—comments, discussions, and completion rates—not just follower counts.
• Treating every interaction as an opportunity to learn what resonates with the audience I’m trying to reach.
One line from the article really stayed with me:
“The old proof of concept was a sizzle reel and a prayer. The new one has data behind it.”
As filmmakers, we still have to tell great stories—but now we also have the opportunity to show that those stories are already connecting with people before we ask anyone to invest.
What’s one creative move you’re committing to this August to build momentum for your projects? I’d love to hear what everyone is working on.
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I'm currently developing a crime/action thriller feature screenplay centered on revenge, deception, and the collapse of a criminal empire.
What if the only witness to a billion-euro drug operation was a nightclub dancer... who accidentally recorded the wrong man?
A retired former French Navy operative loses his daughter and discovers her murder is connected to an international cocaine trafficking network that smuggles drugs inside mobile phones.
Two crime bosses fight for control of a billion-dollar empire. One rules through fear. The other manipulates everyone from the shadows. Neither realizes they have awakened the one man they should have left alone.
Some of my favorite lines from the screenplay:
"The best place to hide... is in the light."
"He's like a swing. Push him away, and he'll come right back."
"Watch the news tonight... there might be a war."
"When donkeys start thinking... disasters happen."
A few story elements:
• A nightclub dancer is murdered after unknowingly filming a drug exchange. • Cocaine is trafficked internationally inside mobile phones. • A retired operative returns after five years of silence. • Betrayal tears apart a criminal empire from within. • Every player believes they're controlling the game... until they discover someone else made the first move.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the premise and these themes from fellow writers, producers, and filmmakers.
1 person likes this
I'm rooting for you to build your audience, @Gurpreet! That's a great strategy to do it!
I'm writing a Faith-based Sports Action feature script. I plan on writing every day. I also plan on finishing the pitch material and think of unique ways to pitch my script on social media.