There’s no denying that sometimes search engine optimization (SEO) gets a bad rap. At its worst it is seen as manipulative and dishonest, while others may find it just plain boring or are overwhelmed by the nit-picky details. However, SEO offers a world of possibility for screen media creators, especially if it is done with integrity and consistency as part of a larger engagement strategy. This week, From Search to Screen takes a look at some of the best practices for what I like to call “authentic” SEO and how it can be of benefit to a film, television show, web series or transmedia experience online. Continue reading “Keeping It Real: Best Practices for Authentic SEO” »

The idea of “crowdsourcing” has been around for about five years, since Jeff Howe coined the term in a Wired Magazine article. It basically means outsourcing to the crowd. Filmmakers like those behind the Finnish sci-fi comedy Iron Sky have found it possible to crowdsource such services as visual special effects through their Wreck a Movie platform to keep costs low. User generated content (UGC) has become key to many online business models where content of all sorts is essentially created for free by a motivated and involved community (such as the YouTube Life in a Day  documentary film). And of course, everyone has heard of at least one successful crowdfunding story for film and online video through sites like Kickstarter and Sokap. It all sounds a little too good to be true, and a crowdsourcing backlash now decries it as “slave labour.” But whether it is exploitation or simply engaging your superfans effectively, crowdsourcing is becoming a necessity for many indie screen media creators. This week I explore how search marketing can help you connect with your potential superfan community and get them invested in generating content and cash for your project. Continue reading “Search & Crowdsourcing: How to Find Community, Content & Cash Online” »