How to Write a Film Press Kit That Really Gets You Media Coverage

A strong press kit, also known as an EPK (Electronic Press Kit), more strategic than a folder of random assets. It’s a curated tool that tells your film’s story before a journalist, programmer, or buyer even watches a single frame. It should communicate professionalism, elevate your pitch, and make media coverage effortless. Let’s walk through how to build one that actually works.

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Start with a Compelling Cover Page

Your press kit should open with a page that acts like your film’s storefront window. It needs to grab attention and instantly communicate what your project is. Include your film’s title, tagline, logo, and year of release. If you’ve screened at any festivals or earned praise, feature those laurels or quotes right away. Contact info should be visible at a glance, including email, website, and social handles. Think of it like a movie poster with metadata: attractive, informative, and easy to pass around.

Write Synopses in Multiple Lengths

Different people need different versions of your story. Your short synopsis should be a one- or two-sentence hook that works like an elevator pitch. A medium-length version (around 100 to 200 words) can go a bit deeper, touching on character arcs or themes. Your long synopsis, generally 300 to 500 words, should walk through the full narrative arc without spoilers. This version is most useful for press kits submitted to festivals, buyers, and distributors who want the whole story before committing to a screening.

Include a Thoughtful Director’s Statement

Tell us what the film is and why it matters. A good director’s statement goes beyond logistics. Talk about what inspired you to make the film, the artistic vision you carried into production, and any challenges you overcame to realize it. This section is often where journalists and festival programmers find the emotional and philosophical angles they’ll use to frame their coverage. Your voice matters here, so speak directly, passionately, and in the first person.

Highlight Your Core Team

Media wants to know who’s behind the camera just as much as who’s in front of it. Provide short bios for the director, producer, cinematographer, and lead actors. Highlight their most notable past projects, awards, and what makes them essential to this film. If a cast member previously worked on a cult classic, or your DP came from the music video world, include that context. It helps paint a fuller picture of your creative team. Include professional headshots for everyone featured.

Anticipate Questions with a FAQ

Think of this section as pre-writing the article for a journalist. What inspired the idea? What challenges came up during production? Was there anything unique about the location, casting, or format? You can also include information about your budget, how the film was financed, or the social issues it addresses. Especially if you’re looking for feature coverage with an angle. A great FAQ removes barriers between your film and the coverage it deserves.

Provide High-Quality Visual Materials

Strong visuals sell stories. Your press kit should include at least four to six high-resolution stills from the film, ideally with a mix of cinematic moments and behind-the-scenes candids. Also provide your official poster, formatted for both web and print, and a link to the trailer if one exists. Avoid cluttering with too many assets. Instead, curate a selection that tells your story visually and complements the written content. Every image should be publication-ready.

Add a One-Sheet or Fact Sheet

This is your cheat sheet for the press. Include the film’s title, logline, runtime, genre, shooting format, premiere date, and any awards or festival selections. Add website links, social handles, and important credits. This page should be designed cleanly and exported as a standalone PDF, making it easy to share even if someone doesn’t want the full kit.

Show Press Quotes or Early Coverage

If your film has already screened at festivals or received press coverage, highlight it. Short quotes from critics, blurbs from programmers, or even a notable tweet can go a long way in establishing social proof. Just be sure to include the name of the outlet or person quoted, and link to the original source when possible. For films without prior coverage, you can feature a testimonial from a producer, mentor, or film educator.

Organize and Distribute Thoughtfully

Your press kit should be accessible, navigable, and professionally packaged. Whether you’re building it as a PDF or housing it on a digital press page, be sure all files are clearly labeled, high-resolution, and easy to download. Avoid zip files unless absolutely necessary. Google Drive, Dropbox, or a dedicated press section on your site works best. When pitching, avoid blasting it out blindly. Personalize your outreach, reference past articles the journalist has written, and keep your email short and targeted. Instead of being buried five scrolls down, the press kit should be one click away.

Keep It Fresh

An EPK isn’t a one-and-done. Update it as your film wins new awards, gets distribution, or generates buzz. Swap in newer stills, add updated laurels, and include excerpts from fresh coverage. Treat your press kit like a living document. It should evolve alongside your film’s journey.

Our Final Thoughts

A professional press kit is your film’s handshake to the world. Done right, it anticipates what media needs and delivers it clearly, creatively, and credibly. Whether you’re launching at a micro-festival or prepping for global distribution, a well-crafted EPK can be the difference between silence and sustained buzz.