When does he say the audience's story starts?

He states that the audience's story begins long before they enter the movie theater, long before the trailers and even the initial screening, as the story is woven throughout the pre-release process and experience.

Can storytelling continue after the credits roll?

Yes. He suggests that if you’re an 'absolute magician' at storytelling, the narrative can continue beyond the film, keeping the experience alive after the credits.

What effect does giving to the audience have?

He emphasizes reciprocity: the more he gives to the audience, the more they want to come back, creating a sustained relationship and ongoing engagement.

What does he think about filmmakers who don't interact with the audience?

He expresses disbelief and critique toward filmmakers who fail to engage with their audience, underscoring the importance of interaction.

What is the overarching takeaway on audience engagement?

The core message is that engagement is a two-way street and an ongoing process—keep the audience involved and the story continues beyond the film itself.

How to connect with your audience according to filmmaker Kevin Smith

Big Think

Education4 min read2 min video

Feb 10, 2026|2,042 views|42

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Engage the audience before, during, and after release; storytelling becomes a two-way loop.

Key Insights

Audience relationship is the true currency of filmmaking; it's essential to connect beyond profit.

The storytelling process starts long before a film hits the screen and continues during production.

A great filmmaker extends the narrative: keep the experience alive after the credits roll.

Engagement is a two-way street; the more you give to the audience, the more they invest in you.

Critically, filmmakers who avoid audience interaction miss a core opportunity to build loyalty and longevity.

BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE AUDIENCE

In Kevin Smith's view, the true value of filmmaking lies in the relationship you cultivate with the audience, not merely in selling a product. He emphasizes that his bond with fans and customers has always been intensely personal, extending beyond the moment of purchase or even the film itself. This relationship is cultivated through ongoing interaction, transparency, and generosity, which makes the audience feel seen and valued rather than billed for a one-time experience. He argues that the story begins long before screen time—the audience is already constructing a narrative about the project from behind the scenes, and that early, pre-release storytelling shapes their expectations, emotional investment, and sense of ownership. According to Smith, a truly successful storyteller treats the audience as collaborators in the journey, not as passive recipients, which in turn reframes how value is created. This approach requires consistent engagement, responsiveness, and a willingness to share the creative process, ideas, and even missteps. The ultimate payoff, he believes, is a reciprocal relationship where the more the creator gives, the more the audience returns—with loyalty, advocacy, and a deeper appreciation for the craft. In short, his philosophy rejects the idea of a detached creator and presents audience connection as a living, interactive practice that sustains both the work and the community around it.

THE STORY STARTS LONG BEFORE THE CURTAIN: PRE-PRODUCTION NARRATIVE

Smith argues that the narrative arc must begin well before the theater doors open. The way a project comes together—its origins, decisions, and evolving rough cuts—forms a critical part of the audience's story. By weaving a pre-release narrative, filmmakers invite fans into the journey, turning production into a participatory experience rather than a sealed process. This means sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, discussing character arcs, and revealing how creative choices unfold, while balancing spoilers and anticipation. The audience is not merely waiting for a final product; they are following the artistic evolution, speculating on outcomes, and forming emotional attachments to ideas and personalities involved. This behind-the-scenes storytelling adds texture to the final work and deepens the audience’s sense of authorship. Smith believes this transparency creates trust, increases curiosity, and primes viewers to invest more deeply when the film finally arrives. The pre-curtain narrative becomes part of the film’s extended life, supporting broader conversations and setting the stage for a vibrant, enduring relationship with fans.

KEEPING THE MAGIC ALIVE BEYOND CREDITS

A defining aspect of Smith’s approach is the insistence that storytelling should not cease when the credits roll. The magic of a film can—indeed, should—continue to unfold in audiences’ lives through ongoing engagement. He describes his own practice of staying connected with fans forever, treating the experience as an ongoing conversation rather than a completed transaction. This might involve continued dialogue on social platforms, post-release content such as director’s notes, interviews, or fan-centric events, and opportunities for viewers to reflect on the film’s themes long after they’ve exited the theater. By extending the narrative into sequels, spin-offs, or community-driven discussions, filmmakers can maintain momentum, invite fresh interpretations, and cultivate a community that revisits the work repeatedly. The key is to deliver value beyond the initial product and to acknowledge that audience experiences are dynamic and evolving. When done well, this post-release engagement reinforces loyalty, fuels word-of-mouth, and turns casual viewers into long-term supporters who contribute to a living, growing canon around the work.

INTERACTION AS A STRATEGIC CHOICE: WHY FILMMAKERS MUST ENGAGE

Ultimately, Smith rails against detachment, warning that filmmakers who do not engage their audiences miss a fundamental opportunity. He frames interaction as a two-way street: the more a creator contributes to the audience—through openness, responsiveness, and ongoing dialogue—the more the audience reciprocates with time, energy, and advocacy. This isn’t about crass marketing; it’s about genuine reciprocity and shared ownership of the storytelling process. The consequences for those who ignore audience engagement are tangible: weaker community ties, less enthusiastic reception, and diminished long-term impact. Conversely, embracing audience connection fosters trust, expands reach, and sustains creative vitality. For practitioners, this means practical steps: maintain open channels for feedback, participate in conversations, offer exclusive or early access content, and treat fans as co-authors of the narrative through their ideas, questions, and passions. In Smith’s framework, engagement isn’t extra; it’s integral to the life cycle of a story and the enduring relevance of a filmmaker’s work.

Audience Engagement Cheat Sheet for Filmmakers

Practical takeaways from this episode

Do This

Treat the audience as a two-way partner and stay engaged even after the credits.

Start storytelling early—the audience's journey begins before release.

Keep giving to the audience; reciprocity builds loyalty.

Avoid This

Don't be distant; avoid not interacting with the audience.

Don't end the engagement at the final scene.

Common Questions

The speaker argues that building a relationship with the audience is as important as making money. He describes it as a two-way relationship where the more you give to the audience, the more they return the investment with continued engagement and loyalty.