IF HOLLYWOOD CAN'T, HOW CAN YOU?: You Have a Nice Package!

Your film has to be special to the customer, so you should treat it that way. You want to make your packaging a work of art and an extension of your film. How many times have you walked into Blockbuster and saw a new release on the wall that had the title written in black sharpie on the DVD? Exactly.

Spend the time (and maybe money) in the creating of your DVD package. Don't know any graphic designers? That is no excuse. The web has opened the world to individuals who are looking to break into the world of graphic design and willing to do work for little or no money to create their portfolio. Don't trust the web? That is no excuse. Almost every major DVD replication house has an art department that can work with you in creating a masterpiece.

There is nothing wrong with using DVD-R's to get your film to market. If you use DVD-R, you need to make it extra special. Imagine if you ordered a movie before DVD's came out and instead of a nice brand new version of the film, you got a bootlegged version with a photocopied front and label. How upset would you be? Well that is what people today think of DVD-R. Some consumers think of it as a generic knock off. To change their mind, you need your DVD-R to be amazing.

Some ideas:

Autograph the covers and make them limited editions in a series.

Don't use the plastic jewel cases. Make your own. Take a trip to Michael's and be creative!

Make a nice color DVD label, insert and cover jacket

Add a nice little bonus item, key chain, on the set pictures, something special

Don't choose a replication company just based on $$$. Make sure they have the best tools to make your DVD cover and label look THE BEST

Use Color Cases!! and/or Color DVD-R's

Bonus Disc! Make a soundtrack to your film and include it free with the DVD. The bands will love the exposure. Your customers will love the free gift!

Artwork. Include a cool piece of art, still, slide, from the film. You see it in collectors editions all the time.