Start with the job the campaign must do
Publicity is not one deliverable. A release-only engagement, a focused local campaign, and a regional or national push require different research, materials, outreach, and follow-up.
The most useful budget conversation begins with the outcome: a strong release announcement, credible local coverage, a targeted review push, creator interviews, or broader streaming awareness.
What changes the scope
- How soon the film launches
- Whether the trailer, screener, key art, stills, and EPK are ready
- The strength and documentation of festival recognition or existing reviews
- The number and type of audiences, markets, and story angles
- How much outreach has already been attempted
Use the published range as a scope ladder
The Elephant Room currently offers project-based film publicity from $350 for release-only support to $1,500 and above for a broader regional or national campaign. The right point in that range depends on the work the campaign must include—not only the length of the film.
A better first question
Instead of asking only, “How much does publicity cost?” ask, “What is the most valuable campaign we can execute credibly with the materials, timing, proof, and budget we have?” A detailed intake makes that recommendation possible.