In this episode of Truly Independent, Darren Smith and Garrett Batty discuss the journey of releasing their indie film, Faith of Angels, post-theatrical run. They share insights into the challenges and strategies involved in making the decision to release the film on streaming platforms like Angel Studios and Living Scriptures. They also delve into the complexities of independent film distribution, including handling DVD releases, leveraging platforms like Amazon, and the importance of targeting the right audiences. Additionally, they analyze the current state of the box office and the potential for niche markets in family-friendly and faith-based films. The episode emphasizes the importance of building a sustainable distribution system that can eventually function independently, allowing filmmakers to focus on creating content. Also, there is a lively discussion on the perceived underperformance of major studio releases and the potential for indie films to carve out a successful niche.

00:00 Introduction to Truly Independent

00:31 Faith of Angels: Post-Theatrical Release Update

04:01 Choosing the Right Platforms for Film Release

07:17 The Role of Streaming Platforms in Indie Film Success

18:34 Future Strategies for Film Distribution

22:37 The Challenges of Indie Filmmaking

23:14 Building vs. Buying Distribution

24:19 Creating a Flywheel for Film Distribution

28:04 Balancing Creativity and Business

31:35 The J Curve in Filmmaking

37:16 Box Office Trends and Cinema's Future

45:21 Concluding Thoughts and Takeaways