A film can be ready to watch and still be difficult to introduce. When a festival, journalist, screening partner, or streaming service asks for information, a scattered folder of old loglines, mismatched stills, and several versions of the synopsis slows the conversation down. A compact electronic press kit (EPK) gives every collaborator one dependable source for presenting the film.
Build one source of truth before outreach
Start with a single project folder and a short index document. Keep the approved version of each item there, date the index when it changes, and tell collaborators which folder is current. A simple structure works:
- 01 Film: screener link and access instructions, plus runtime and version.
- 02 Copy: logline, short synopsis, full synopsis, director statement, and filmmaker biography.
- 03 Images: poster and a small selection of captioned production stills.
- 04 Credits: principal cast and crew, production company, and approved credit wording.
- 05 Contact: one press or distribution contact and a reliable email address.
Use clear filenames that identify the film and asset, not cryptic labels such as “final-final-3.” Keep the original high-resolution image files, and include a lightweight preview when a recipient needs quick review.
Prepare copy for different placements
Write a one-sentence logline, a short description of roughly 50 to 75 words, and a longer synopsis. Make each version understandable on its own. The short description should explain the premise and tone without revealing more than you intend. Keep a spoiler-safe version available for listings and promotion.
Use the same title spelling, director name, runtime, year, and genre everywhere. If a festival or platform has its own word limits, adapt the copy from the approved source rather than editing an old listing and letting that become a competing master.
Make images easy to use correctly
Include a poster or key art and a few stills that show the film's visual range. Name files descriptively, note the photographer or required credit, and record any usage restrictions. Avoid sending only a compressed image embedded in a document. If artwork has multiple approved crops, label each by use, such as portrait poster or landscape still.
Make screener access clear and intentional
Provide a working link, any password, the version and runtime, and an access contact. Test the link in a private browser window and on a phone before sending it. If the screening service supports an expiry or access controls, choose settings that fit the recipient and the film's rights obligations. Do not assume a password alone prevents copying, and do not promise security features the service does not provide.
Keep any festival premiere, territory, or other contractual restrictions visible in your own tracking notes. Check the relevant agreement before making a screener or promotional clip available. A press kit helps organize information, but it does not grant rights you do not have.
Use a quick quality check before sharing
- Open every link while signed out and confirm the intended file loads.
- Check names, credits, title spelling, runtime, and contact details against the current approved version.
- Confirm that stills and artwork have usable filenames and required credits.
- Remove outdated drafts, private notes, and unrelated production files from the share folder.
- Ask a colleague unfamiliar with the film to find the synopsis, stills, and screener without help.
Keep the kit useful after the first release
Update the index when the cut, credits, artwork, or contact changes. Keep a dated archive of superseded materials for your own records, but share only the current version. This small habit prevents a festival programmer or press contact from receiving an old synopsis after your project has moved on.
VersusMedia has supported independent creators since 2001. Filmmakers can learn about distribution through Artist Services, review common questions in the FAQ, or create a free account to upload work for review.