The Filmmaker’s Social Media Playbook: 7 Essential Tips

Hey there, filmmakers! I’m your friendly social media expert, Kyra Hurlbut, and I’m ready to help you navigate the exciting world of online platforms. More specifically, let’s talk about something that’s as essential to your career as a well-crafted script: social media.

I know, I know. For some of you, the thought of juggling another platform might feel as daunting as a last-minute location change. But trust me, in today’s digital age, social media isn’t just a place to share cat videos — it’s your 24/7 networking event, your personal marketing machine, and your direct line to potential collaborators and fans.

So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let’s explore how you can harness the power of social media to elevate your filmmaking journey.

WHY SOCIAL MEDIA MATTERS FOR FILMMAKERS

Remember the days when social media was just for sharing funny cat videos and vacation pics? Well, those days are long gone. Today, social media isn’t just a fun distraction — it’s a filmmaker’s essential toolkit.

In fact, your Instagram profile is often the first impression you make — long before anyone even glances at your website or demo reel. Whether you’re pitching a project, hunting for your next gig, or simply building your brand, a strong social media presence is non-negotiable.

Think of it as your #1 free marketing tool, offering endless opportunities to showcase your work, connect with industry folks, and even stumble upon your next dream project.

Even if you’re not a natural-born influencer, don’t worry. We’re going to break it down into actionable tips that’ll have you feeling like a social media superstar in no time.

TIP #1: CHOOSE THE RIGHT SOCIAL HANDLE

First impressions matter, and your social handle is like the opening shot of your film — it sets the tone. Keep it straightforward, professional, and easy to remember. Use your industry name, not something random like @coffeelover27.

If your exact name is taken, get creative with periods, underscores, or slight variations. Think @sarah.jones.film or @sarahjones_director. If you absolutely must use a different handle, make sure your real name is front and center in your bio.

Remember, people need to be able to find you when they search! And don’t forget about your profile picture — a clear, professional headshot is key.

TIP #2: OPTIMIZE YOUR BIO — YOUR 150-CHARACTER PITCH

Your bio is like your elevator pitch—it’s a concise space to tell the world who you are and what you do. Make every character count! Include your location, your role in the industry, and any special skills or interests that set you apart.

Think of it as a mini-trailer for your filmmaking journey. A well-crafted bio can spark curiosity and entice people to learn more about you.

Use your bio to give a quick snapshot of your professional identity:

• Your role in the industry (director, cinematographer, editor, etc.)
• Your interests or specialties (documentaries, sci-fi, experimental)
• Current projects or recent work
• Any hobbies or fun facts that make you stand out

Need help crafting the perfect bio? AI tools like ChatGPT can be your trusty sidekick, helping you create something unique and impactful within the character limit. Use emojis to save space and add personality, and make sure to include links — preferably using a service like Linktree or Set.page to keep things organized.

If you’re represented by an agency, include their handle in your bio. It adds credibility and makes it easier for potential employers to reach out.

TIP #3: UPGRADE TO A CREATOR OR BUSINESS ACCOUNT — YOUR BEHIND-THE-SCENES PASS

If you’re serious about using social media for your filmmaking career, switching to a Creator or Business account is a game-changer. 

Here’s why:

• Access to insights: See how your posts are performing, who your audience is, and what content resonates most.
• Professional title: Showcase your role (e.g., director, filmmaker, cinematographer) right above your bio.
• Additional tools: Unlock features like scheduling posts, running ad campaigns, and even booking services.

Even if you’re an individual and not a business, the Creator account is ideal for filmmakers. It gives you that extra edge of professionalism and unlocks valuable tools to help you manage your online presence effectively.

Making the switch is easy! Just head to your profile settings and follow the prompts.

TIP #4: CONTENT IS KING — TELL YOUR STORY

When it comes to content, quality trumps quantity every time. But the big question remains: What should you post?

The answer is simple: post what’s authentic to you and your brand as a filmmaker.

If you’re a cinematographer, share your work! Stills from your shoots, behind-the-scenes photos, before-and-after comparisons of color grading, lighting setups, or even crew photos. If education is your thing, consider sharing breakdowns of scenes, lighting diagrams, or a step-by-step guide to building a camera rig.

Educational content often performs well because it drives engagement through shares, saves, and comments. Remember, the key is to be authentic. Don’t feel pressured to post content that doesn’t resonate with you just because it’s trendy. Stay true to your craft, and post content that genuinely represents who you are as a filmmaker.

TIP #5: POSTING WITH PURPOSE — CRAFT YOUR MASTERPIECE

There’s more to posting than just hitting ‘share.’ You need a strategy to maximize the impact of each post.

Hashtags are still very much alive and can significantly boost your reach. Make sure to use relevant hashtags for every post. Have a set of base hashtags like #filmmaker, #cinematographer, and #film, but also add specific ones related to the content. 

For instance, if you’re sharing a lighting breakdown, include hashtags like #lightingdesign, #cinematographylighting, or #setlighting.

Your captions also matter — they shouldn’t be an afterthought. A good caption adds context, tells a story, or invites engagement. Collaborating on posts is another powerful tool. By inviting someone to co-author a post, you can tap into their audience and gain visibility. Just remember to invite your collaborator before you publish the post — you can’t add them afterward.

TIP #6: GET HELP IF YOU NEED IT — CALL IN THE EXPERTS

Feeling overwhelmed by the world of social media? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many filmmakers struggle to balance their creative work with the demands of maintaining an online presence.

If you need a helping hand, consider reaching out to experts like Lost Objects. They offer a range of services, from social media audits to comprehensive strategy sessions, to help you get the most out of your online efforts.

Investing in professional guidance can save you time, energy, and frustration, allowing you to focus on what you do best: making amazing films!

• Basic Social Media Audit: An affordable one-hour evaluation where we analyze your primary social media profile. We’ll review your content strategy, posting frequency, engagement, follower growth, and branding, and provide you with immediate, actionable recommendations.
• Premium Audits: Offer a comprehensive review and strategy tailored to your goals.
• Basic Social Media Strategy Session: In this 90-minute session, we’ll help you define your goals, develop a strategy for one primary platform, and create a content calendar that aligns with your brand. We’ll also identify your target audience and discuss effective engagement strategies.
• Premium Strategy Session: A four-hour deep dive that includes a personalized PDF with research, a detailed analysis of your current presence, a 3-6 month content plan, and ongoing support. We even offer a follow-up session to review your progress and fine-tune your strategy.

 

TIP #7: TUNE INTO THE INNER CIRCLE PODCAST — YOUR BONUS FEATURE

For even more tips and tricks, check out the Inner Circle Podcast featuring Lost Objects Co-Founder Kyra Hurlbut.

In this episode, Kyra dives deep into social media strategies for filmmakers, offering valuable advice that you can put into practice right away. Whether you’re new to social media or a seasoned pro, this episode has something for everyone. Don’t miss it!

AND THAT’S A WRAP!

Remember, social media is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, effort, and consistency to build a strong online presence. But with the right strategies and a little bit of creativity, you can harness the power of social media to elevate your filmmaking career and connect with the right people in the industry.

So, go out there and create, connect, and inspire! The world is waiting to see your story.