Website Help Sheet

Why do films need a website?

Almost all films regardless of their budget will have an “official website” this is used to

market the film before its release.

Film websites can are used for a multiple of different reasons. The target audience of the

film can leave their thoughts and feelings on the website for others to see. Audience

members can also buy official film merchandise.

Websites are a good link to social networking sites such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

Websites are commonly tailored to appeal to specific target audiences. For example if the

genre of the film is action, then the website will include all the genre conventions of an

action movie.

Key things that SHOULD be included in your website!

Splash Page

Home Page

About the movie

Downloads

Gallery

Characters

Video i.e. trailer or interviews

Definitions and Examples

A splash page is an introductory or beginning page, before the main home page appears.

Example :

A home page is the opening page of a website. This needs to entice your audience

immediately. So it needs to be bright, colourful, eye-catching and meaningful. But please

remember to keep your website within the codes and conventions of your genre. The home

page will guide your audience around your website. Hyperlinks for each page should be

presented clearly on your page. Your home page should also provide a logo for your film, a

main image, possibly music to create atmosphere and expert witness statements.

Example:

You need to include information about the movie in your website. The film is summarised in

3 short, simple paragraphs to give the films synopsis. They don’t give away much about the

film and it is similar to the type of information you will find on the back of a DVD cover. They

will be very descriptive and exciting, to attract the audience to go and see the film!

Example:

Film logo

Hyperlinks

Main Image Expert witness statements (These

provide proof of how amazing the

film is, to attract more audience

members!)

Downloads need to be included in your website for example, wallpapers for your computer

desktop. Screensavers, twitter skins and icons such as mouse cursors etc. Sound effects are

sometimes used when the mouse cursor is rolled over text, to indicate this is available for

download. Example:

You need to include a gallery in your website. Galleries can contain as many images as

necessary, and are used to tell different aspects of the narrative. Each image should focus

on a different character or aspect of the film. They are used similar to a trailer to show the

audience the best and most exciting aspects of the film. Film sets and costume will be shown

more clearly to the audience. Example:

A character page needs to be included in your website! Character pages give more in-depth

information and detail about specific characters. Information will be fictionalised such as

likes and dislikes, character interests and special powers. This page is also used to find out

more information about actors and what other films they have starred in. This page will also

provide characters names and actors real names.

Videos need to be included in your website. These can range from trailers all the way to

behind the scenes footage! Trailers are embedded on the website so the audience can be

lured into watching the trailer and be persuaded to go and see the film. This is one of the

best ways to market your film! Videos should also have tie-ins with social networking sites

such as Facebook, YouTube and twitter. Example: