We recently connected with Michael Joy and have shared our conversation below.

Michael , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

Marketing Macabre was born out of necessity. When I was working for the Philadelphia based distribution company, Artsploitation Films, I was dealing with multiple PR agencies and it was my belief that these companies were all over charging for the services that they provided. This gave me the idea to create my own marketing company, specific for the needs of the independent filmmaker. I knew indie filmmakers didn’t have the money for what they were being charged. I knew I could provide marketing services the same level of service at a more affordable rate. There was a void that needed to be filled for marketing no budget to low budget films. I felt an obligation to fill that void. Since my background had always been in horror and I had many connections in the horror industry, it just made the most sense that this marketing company that I would create, cater to the horror genre professional. The pieces all fit together rather easily and I started Marketing Macabre. The rest is horror history.

Michael , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

It all starts with being a horror fan. I’ve always loved watching movies, especially horror movies. I’m a product of the 1980’s, when renting VHS selections at the corner mom & pop video store was like religion. There were so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Fast forward to the era of the internet, I started out writing reviews and doing interviews for the horror website, Horrornews.net. It didn’t take long before I was the full blown manager in charge of this horror website. I was a kid in a virtual candy store. This is where I really discovered to true value of networking. I started working with companies like Universal Studios and Sony Pictures on various promotional campaigns. The doors started to open and the opportunities were plentiful. I was getting invites to red carpet premieres in Hollywood and set invites to cover the making of new upcoming horror movies. This experience afforded me the knowledge that I eventually used when creating my own promotional campaigns. I’m proud that what I’m doing now helps other horror fans discover those hidden gems, like the video stores helped me decades earlier.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I spent a large part of my life going through the motions. I had that 9 to 5 job that paid the bills but didn’t give me any sense of accomplishment. I wise boy once said, “life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it”. I think one day, I stopped and looked around and decided that a new career path was in order. Now, I get to do what I love. I get to work with filmmakers and promote horror movies. If you love what you do, it will shine through. I give everything that I have to get these films noticed. The hard work pays off. You build a reputation for yourself and people notice.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I think it all starts with good communication. I make myself available via phone, email, and social media. It’s more than that. It’s about connecting with your client and knowing their needs. Their film is the brand. I like to think my clients are my partners. We are working together to reach a common goal. It sometimes takes shape as a partnership of creativity and enthusiasm. If I have a new client that hires me to do a press release for a new movie, I’m constantly updating them on each new media hit. I really love showing people that there’s much more that can be done. I’ve partnered with filmmakers from ground zero, where I’m able to broaden the scope of coverage from the initial project announcement to the release of the film. The more attention you give the project, the more it will get noticed. I’ve done crowdfunding campaigns, cast announcements, first look articles, official poster press, trailer drops, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and more. If I am loyal to their brand, their film, then I’m rewarded with their loyalty and knowing that they’ll come back to me to market their next film. My business thrives on referrals. I get so many filmmakers coming to me who were recommended by other filmmakers. It tells me that I’m doing something right. I’m helping their brand and they are building my brand at the same time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marketingmacabre.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyhorror/