Why use video or animation? The brain responds and processes images faster than text.
SHORT FORM PROMOS
- • GIFs: looping animations – about 3 seconds long – can use Procreate; Animated logos, titles, characters; Text should be the best quote, funniest line, make into a tagline.
- • Use the best illustrations and try film techniques, such as fade in/out, and B&W turning into color.
LONGER-FORM VIDEOS: Include any animated elements that reflect the book’s style.
- • Readings by the author; Interviews with the author/illustrator (can have illustrations and words animated); Book trailers; Time lapse of illustrations – shows the process of creating characters using Procreate software.
FULL SCALE FILMS: Make a short film of your book.
- • To make full scale films: Scan your Illustrations into digital format (vector style format is best).
MAKING DIY ANIMATIONS OR FIND AN ANIMATOR
- • DIY Resources: $ – Canva, Alight Motion (has capacity to import JPEGs, audio files, MP3 voiceovers and sound effects.) Check copyrights on artwork before using.
- • Alternate Resources: $-$$ – Schools & Universities (Filmmakers, School of Visual Arts in NYC) Facebook Groups (Dreamers and Doers), Fivver, Upwork.
- • Directories: $$-$$$$ – Panimation: panimation.tv, videographers.
TO MAKE A “BOOK” FILM
- • Animate the Artwork – Animation style reflective of the artwork, such as 2D, 3D, Stop motion, cell animation.
- • Record Voiceovers – Hire actors for voiceover work, such as Voice 123 – Variety of voices to select from.
- • Hire your kids or grandkids to read your story.
- • Choose Music +Sound FX – Source music from asset libraries or custom music. Ex: Musicbed, audiojungle, freesound.org (check licensing of music), motionsound.io, mtmograph.com/boombox, zapsplat.com, soundbible.com, incompetech.com.
MARKET YOUR BOOK’S FILM
- • Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube,
- • Flat screens at booths/tables; Zoom background – your character, book scenes, and your brand, e., logo.
- • Email/Newsletter – as signature or on top.
- • Go to film festivals – the more niche the better.
- • Children’s Film Festivals. Find festivals and check if there’s a children’s section. Set up a TV screen behind your booth at book fairs, schools, libraries.
- • Distribution Deal – not a huge market for it, but some library apps will buy short films.