When Nathan Anderson decided to make a movie in North Dakota, he knew a central location was needed to coordinate funding, scheduling, casting and hiring. He wanted to involve the entire state, but driving everywhere is obviously out of the question.
NoDak Films knew online marketing was going to play a pivotal role in their filmmaking. ‘The web site has been a collaborative process between me and my web designer, Luke Graner. Luke is the technocrat behind the site. He was born and raised in Minot, but now lives in Bismarck.’
Anderson used WordPress Blog Tool through a GoDaddy domain to build the NoDak Films site as well as his own music site Nabruralfolk.com.
Long term, Anderson plans to use NoDakFilms.com and the Facebook fan page as portals for contribution site. ‘I remember when I first started NoDak Films, I relied heavily upon MySpace in trying to solicit donations quasi directly through direct messaging to each MySpace friend I had. It didn't work and now with Facebook, I mention the contribution model, but I don't message every Facebook friend.’
Facebook is an excellent social marketing tool because it allows the user to have control over the flow of messages from your organization. Although NoDak Films currently has a little over 200 fans, the number has grown considerably in the last couple months. ‘I try to have more fun with my NoDak Films facebook page and not use it as such a serious business tool, as I did with MySpace. In my experience, social media brings attention to NoDak Films, to my website, but ultimately that Facebook friend or MySpace friend has to be compelled to step out of the social media sphere.’
As movie production moves along this summer, Anderson sees his web site and Facebook page as a live broadcast of news and updates to keep viewers interested in the process and the upcoming film.
Although Anderson doesn’t necessarily call himself a blogger, he’s kept his ‘What’s New’ page updated since October of 2006. ‘The 'What's New' page is my weapon for how I feel about movies and my company.’
Call Backs for NoDak Films are on May 15th and 16th in Bismarck, North Dakota at the Doublewood Inn. This is also a venue for the public to come on in and find out more about NoDak Films, ask questions, contribute in person, see NoDak Films outside the internet.
Anderson adds, ‘We are also shooting our first scene in Minot on May 20th at the Minot High School Graduation Rehearsal.’ Students can get involved by adding to the $100 contribution fund.
A NoDak Films short, starring contributors.
To get involved in NoDak Films you can visit their web site or become a fan on their Facebook page. Consider investing in their $100 contribution model and become an extra in a movie today!
Parts one and two of the NoDak Films series.
For more great reading on local movie making, check out the Minneapolis Filmmaking Industry Examiner!
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