This post was originally published as an update for my kickstarter project: Video Trailer for “Te Kauhanga: A Tale of Space(s)”. I would love to hear from authors and readers in the comments below. Authors, have you considered producing video trailers for your books? Readers, do book trailers appeal to you?
To my generous backers, a bit of background to this project:
As part of my investigations into ways of promoting my book(s), I saw that some books had video trailers available on YouTube, Amazon and Goodreads. These were mainly for YA books, but the idea intrigued me. I did find one other New Zealand author, Julie Thomas, had posted a trailer in which she was interviewed about her book. Shots of her were interspersed with images.
I thought I might do the same – perhaps speak on camera and alternate with shots of the river, etc. for Redeeming Brother Murrihy. The idea lay dormant until a few months ago when, while having a coffee with my wife at a cafe in Owhango, I was introduced to a man by a friend of ours. Once he realised I was the author of Murrihy, he was excited to tell me that he had read the book and that he thought it would make a very good movie.
Very nice words – but better than that, it turns out my new acquaintance has worked in the New Zealand film industry for several decades. So, I asked him for his card with no idea of what it might lead to.
Almost two months passed and I was up late talking to my daughter about the new book, Te Kauhanga. She pressed me, asking me how hard I had really promoted Murrihy. I defended myself, saying that I had worked really hard, but that maybe I should have pursued this trailer idea further. Then I told her about my meeting with the film-maker. She insisted that I e-mail him – but I had lost his card!
Nevermind – for the very next day, my wife and I were travelling to Auckland on an unrelated venture and, along the way, we paused in Te Kuiti at our usual stop for a coffee. It took me two or three takes, but I realised that the man sitting across the room from us was the film-maker from Owhango! I re-introduced myself to him and we had another great chat – and he gave me another card.
When we returned to Taumarunui, I e-mailed him to set up an appointment. We met at the cafe in Owhango and discussed some intriguing ideas. He has started work on some footage for Redeeming Brother Murrihy. This Kickstarter project will enable me to commission a trailer for Te Kauhanga.
Thanks again for your support.
Antony Millen
25 June 2014
Antony Millen is a Canadian living and writing in New Zealand and the author of Redeeming Brother Murrihy: The River to Hiruharama and Te Kauhanga: A Tale of Space(s).
