No matter what kind of digital video film you are trying to do, whether it is a documentary or narrative type, if you want to have your film see the light of day you will have to promote it in some way. This can be done a number of ways, including contacting media regionally and nationally, sending it to film festivals, and making a deal with larger media distributors. For any of these sources it is important to give the image of absolute professionalism so they will take you and your project seriously. To do this you need to put together a promotional press kit.
A press kit is a package that you send to any organization that you either want to purchase or publicize your work. This is comprised of several things, often depending on the size of your project and where you see it going. The first, and obviously most important thing, to attach is a complete copy of the film. Make a complete DVD using a home DVD authoring software and put the film on it. Make sure to place copyright protections on this, labeling who owns the rights specifically, and contacting the U.S. Copyright office to file a copyright if you are concerned. Try to put together a trailer for your film, which highlights the best parts of the project while keeping a little mystery about the plot but maintaining a climatic energy. Put together a special features section with text including the plot synopsis, a very basic production history, production stills, and cast and crew bios and resumes.
In addition, it is important to include a concise, one page synopsis of the film. This should be shorter, and more story oriented than the synopsis that you place on the DVD. Talk about the main characters, while also indicating either who they are or who plays them, and make sure they're established. Talk about the rising action, but avoid giving away any spoilers. This is likely to be used in all promotional material later on, such as in program guides at film festivals and on distribution of informational documents.
Include a full biography of you, the main producer, and any other people in above-the-line, executive positions. Make sure to talk specifically about your professional background and interest, but also some personal details that will allow you to look like a complete artist and filmmaker. Make sure to put detailed contact information for all people being mentioned. Head shots and photographic material, such as production stills, are appropriate to include. Make sure to limit the number of photos, and do not include resumes in their physical form.
This is a very basic press kit, and there can be more elements added depending on the specific situation. A successful digital video filmmaker can both put together a great project and let people know it exists.