THE FUTURE OF LONG FORM BRANDED CONTENT

As innovators in the branding content space, we understand that more brands are exploring long-form branded content, including feature-length documentaries and narrative films. These brands typically target premieres at prestigious festivals like Sundance, followed by distribution on platforms like Netflix. While these strategies are certainly notable, they represent a standard, overcrowded path that brands often feel pressured to follow.

Brands traditionally submit their films to festivals, anxiously await acceptance, scramble to find sales agents, and compete for spots on streaming services. Even after this arduous process, their content may disappear in an endless sea of films, with minimal control over viewership data and distribution. This traditional model, originally designed for independent and arthouse films with no other options, may not be the most effective approach for brands.

Brands inherently have the power of a loyal customer base, sophisticated marketing skills, and often, significant budgets. They can leverage their substantial resources, including retail stores, social media followings, brand loyalty, and their knack for understanding consumer needs. Even without specific knowledge of film release strategies, brands have what it takes to navigate the changing market successfully.

Embracing our ethos of "Emotion through Immersion", we encourage brands to redefine their own paths. Brands can collaborate with distributors, pay them a fee to distribute films, and regain control over marketing and roll-out. This strategy, known as a service-deal, can be facilitated through various distributors, from studios to smaller outfits.

Brands can then orchestrate their own film premiere, ensuring the film reaches the audience in a way that is unique to their brand. They can choose their premiere dates, coordinate with festivals that suit their timelines, or even bypass festivals altogether. By creating special events and utilizing their own outlets, brands can generate buzz and land on various digital platforms.

Breaking traditional norms puts the power back in the brands' hands. They have the liberty to decide how, when, and through which mechanisms their films reach audiences. Brands no longer need to rely on the mercy of festivals and the market. They can directly engage with their audience on their own terms. Both traditional and innovative strategies have their merits and challenges, but brands should remember that they are not confined to the status quo. "Emotion through Immersion", means championing brands to forge their unique paths, crafting a new system that works best for them.