Local Leaders for “Return to Zero” Build Buzz in the Community
By Paul Jaconi-Biery June 4, 2013
Los Angeles, CA - Harnessing the power of social media, the producers of the independent feature film “Return to Zero” have turned to the community that helped crowdfund the film to spread the word.
Faced with the task of convincing distributors that there is a market for an independent drama centered around the complex issue of stillbirth, the producers of “Return to Zero” are tapping into social media to empower those interested in the film to become its champions by crowdsourcing marketing and promotion.
In just over a week, more than 2,300 people from over 40 countries have volunteered to be Local Leaders for the film — each Local Leader is charged with getting 100 people to pledge to see the film on opening weekend in their community.
“This is the first film ever made about stillbirth. It’s a difficult topic, but it’s a story that needs to be told. And by the response we’ve been getting on social media, people are really excited to see it,” said Sean Hanish, writer/director of the film.
“We have been surrounded by an amazing community from the word ‘go’ on this project,” said Paul Jaconi-Biery, producer of the film. “They’ve supported us when it mattered most, for example, contributing money to finish the film through Kickstarter. And now they’ve gone even farther — creating Facebook groups, using Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest to expose their friends and family to the project.”
“The response to our Local Leaders push has been astounding,” said Hanish. “We’re going to be able to show distributors that not only is this a great film with some truly amazing performances, but that there is a built-in audience that will do whatever it takes to see it when it is released in theaters.”
In less than two weeks, over forty thousand people throughout the U.S. and around the world have pledged to see the film, with thousands more pledging every day.
“The sky’s the limit,” said Hanish. “We are truly grateful to have the support of so many people who are passionate about getting this important film seen around the world.”
About “Return to Zero”
“Return to Zero” is an independent film starring Minnie Driver, Paul Adelstein, Alfred Molina, Connie Nielsen, Andrea Anders, Kathy Baker and Sarah Jones. Written and Directed by Sean Hanish, the film is based on the true story of Sean and his wife, Kiley, and their experience of stillbirth. Sean produced the film along with Paul Jaconi-Biery.
For More Information Please Contact:
Paul Jaconi Biery, 323-633-1440, [email protected]