The film and TV industry is evolving at a rapid pace. With the rise of streaming platforms, social media, and shifting global tastes, how audiences consume content is undergoing a transformation. Australian filmmakers now face new challenges in understanding what the marketplace demands. Gone are the days when filmmakers could solely focus on the art of storytelling. Today, they must have a clear strategy for connecting with their audience, both locally and internationally.
Understanding the audience and how to engage with them is crucial for filmmakers aiming for success. Whether it's a local cinema release, international distribution, or placement on a streaming service, the competition for attention is fierce. So, how can Australian content creators craft stories that resonate and stand out in a crowded market?
Understanding the Market
The first step for any filmmaker is to grasp the dynamics of the market. While the Australian content industry is rich in talent and creativity, it faces stiff competition from both local productions and international content. For filmmakers eager to have their work seen and appreciated, understanding these market forces is essential.
Filmmakers must tailor their content to meet the needs of both domestic and international markets. By staying attuned to changing trends and audience behaviors, they can create work that feels fresh, relevant, and impactful.
Crafting Stories that Resonate
Understanding the market is one thing, but knowing what audiences want is another. Filmmakers should aim to create content that speaks to universal emotions while maintaining a distinct, authentic voice. This starts early in the creative process—during development. Filmmakers who consider audience preferences from the start are better equipped to create content that resonates and stands out.
For Australian filmmakers, this means embracing narratives, themes, and characters that feel both local and universally relatable. It’s about finding the balance between authenticity and the ability to connect with global audiences, ensuring that Australian stories maintain their unique cultural identity while appealing to a broader viewership.
The Importance of Market Research
One of the most valuable insights for filmmakers is the importance of market and audience research. Often, creators develop content driven by passion and artistic vision, without considering how their work will be received by viewers. This oversight can lead to missed opportunities in terms of distribution and audience engagement.
Successful filmmakers are those who engage in thorough research into their target audience early in the process. This allows them to refine their stories to better align with viewer preferences—whether that’s specific genres, themes, or styles. Media networking plays a crucial role in this research, as connecting with industry professionals, distributors, and fellow creators provides invaluable insights into the trends shaping the marketplace.
By mastering these strategies, Australian filmmakers can create compelling stories that resonate with audiences worldwide, giving them a greater chance of success in the ever-changing landscape of the screen industry. Whether you're a director, producer, or independent filmmaker, understanding how to connect with the right audience is essential to ensuring your project’s success.
MASTERCLASS: Finding Audiences for Aussie Content
In this session, Roadshow Films’ Head of Australian Content Edwina Waddy, who is responsible for the company’s development and production slate of Australian and NZ projects, joins us to demystify the current landscape for Australian filmmakers and provide practical insights and information on what producers can do to successfully craft and target their content for the marketplace here and overseas.
About the Speaker:
Edwina Waddy is the Head of Australian Content at Roadshow Films, where she oversees the development and production of all Australian and New Zealand projects for theatrical release. With over three decades of experience in the screen industry, Edwina has an extensive background in programming, strategy, and commissioning. Prior to her role at Roadshow, she worked at ABC, where she led programming for ABC2 and the ABC COMEDY channel, and also served as a Commissioning Editor and Executive Producer for ABC Factual & Documentaries. Edwina’s career began in talent agencies such as William Morris Agency and Curtis Brown, where she worked with writers, directors, and actors.
At Roadshow Films, Edwina has been instrumental in the success of various acclaimed Australian films, including The Dry, Penguin Bloom, and The Drover's Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson. Roadshow Films is a leader in the Australian film industry, known for distributing celebrated films such as Muriel’s Wedding, Happy Feet, and Red Dog, as well as producing and distributing high-profile content through its production entities. Edwina’s role allows her to bring Australian stories to both local and global audiences, fostering new talent and contributing to the growth of Australian cinema on the world stage.
Wednesday, 04 Dec 2024, 12:30 pm – 1.30 pm AEDT
Tickets are still available! Register here
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