Using A Trade Show Booth To Promote A Motion Picture

A trade show booth can be an excellent platform to debut a movie or other multimedia experience. These tips will help you adapt your trade show booth for ultimate viewing and maximum impact.

It's common knowledge that a trade show booth at a well-chosen convention can be a powerful way to promote a particular product or build a brand. While that remains the most common use of convention displays, they also excel outside of the exhibit hall. One of the most novel and interesting new uses to emerge is as a platform to premiere a new motion picture. Most commonly used for independent films, a well-constructed trade show booth can be a very strong component of the premiere and promotion.
The Theme Is Key
Most people will not expect a trade show booth to be promoting a movie, so the first step in any design is to clearly brand it for your film. You should work heavily with whoever provides artistic direction so that it emerges with a consistent look and feel. Many independent films have experienced success producing a unit that seems almost painted or wrapped in the world of the movie; the effect is very striking and quite different from the type of trade show booth normally found at a convention. This type of design clearly communicates what the film is about, providing an early attraction for visitors.
Have Space For Viewing
In order to promote your film, you have to ensure that people can see and hear it. This is easier with action and comedy films than with a drama; it's rare to find a gripping scene without providing the audience significant back story on the characters. In a comedy or action movie, there are usually funny or intense moments that can be singled out one at a time and screened as a standalone.
You should not generally screen the entire movie in the trade show booth. While it is possible to turn the unit into an adequate theatre, you don't want people waiting and watching for that long. You want to give them a teaser, and then have an opportunity to screen it in another format. One good way to handle this problem is to have the movie available online, and hand out links at the trade show booth. If you choose the online route for distribution, ensure that you are also using social media to promote your work. Being linked to Facebook and Twitter from your booth will greatly increase the chances that visitors are able to see your complete work.
A Modified Trade Show Booth For Major Pictures
Bigger films can also use a trade show booth to help their promotional endeavors. When a major new film is released into theatres, the smaller venues will often get a package of materials to help form a local release party. While a conventional stand might seem out of place, one that is modified and redesigned to emphasize its connection to the film will seem right at home. This is particularly important if the release party entails ticketing or other administrative business that requires theatre representatives to be available. A themed display is a great chance to provide the necessary support while maintaining the fun spirit.
Using a display to promote a movie may be unconventional, but it can also be very successful. Whether your film is a low budget independent flick looking for an audience, or you're wondering how to add flair to the premiere of a more expensive picture, a well-designed display could be the answer.