How to Get More People to Watch Your Film

Small Worlds Tokyo and the Power of Repeat Visits

Miniatures hold a universal charm, captivating audiences with their intricate details. Large-scale miniature exhibitions, such as Tobu World Square in Nikko, are prime examples of this popularity. One key attraction of Tobu World Square is its outdoor setting, where models can be admired under natural sunlight. Sunlight, often considered the ultimate special effect in miniature photography, greatly enhances realism.

Recently, however, Tokyo saw the opening of one of the largest indoor miniature exhibitions in the world: Small Worlds Tokyo. This facility is likely to become a top attraction, offering a unique feature that sets it apart from Tobu World Square: interactive participation.

For a fee of several tens of thousands of yen, visitors can have their likeness scanned and transformed into a miniature figurine. This personalized figure is later placed within the exhibition’s miniature world, making the visitor a part of the exhibit. Naturally, those who purchase this service will want to return to see themselves as part of the display, effectively turning them into repeat customers.

From a business standpoint, this is an incredibly clever strategy.

Turning Participants into Stakeholders

People love being involved. It’s human nature to value things that include or represent us. In crowdfunding for films, for example, contributors often receive credit in the closing titles of the movie. This gives them a sense of ownership, turning them into stakeholders in the project.

Seeing their name on-screen in a theater provides immense satisfaction, solidifying their connection to the film.

For filmmakers, two goals are vital:

1. Finishing the project,
2. Ensuring the film reaches a wide audience.

While many creators believe their job is done upon completing the film, ensuring that it’s seen by as many people as possible is just as critical. Without an audience, even the most inspired film loses its value.

Expanding Your Audience by Increasing Stakeholders

To effectively promote your work, you need as many people as possible to feel personally connected to it. The easiest way to achieve this is to make them part of the film—by casting them as actors, for instance.

Even a small appearance in a film gives someone a tangible connection to the project, motivating them to share the completed work with others. Similarly, if their friends or acquaintances are involved in the film, they’re more likely to watch it.

Alternative Ways to Include Stakeholders

Participation doesn’t have to mean physical appearances on set. For example, people could “appear” in your film through photos. Imagine a crime drama where the victim’s photo appears in news reports or police investigations—this small role creates a connection without requiring acting skills or extensive time commitments.

Additionally, modern compositing techniques allow for creative involvement, such as digitally adding someone as a background character or even a “corpse.”

Balancing Art with Commercial Strategy

While hobbyist filmmaking may not aim to achieve wide commercial success, considering commercial elements can enhance sustainability. Having financial support and being able to thank collaborators—even modestly—can make the filmmaking experience more enjoyable and sustainable over the long term.

Creating compelling reasons for people to want to watch your film, and expanding the circle of stakeholders without compromising the story, is vital. Ultimately, these strategies help your work reach and resonate with a wider audience.