Filmmaker Freedom

Why most indie films never make a profit, why DIY distribution is so difficult, and why you should be very wary when offered a distribution deal.

Show Notes

Today on Filmmaker Freedom, perhaps the most depressing episode of this show I'll ever make. We’re going to dig into the horrifying economic realities of making and distributing indie films. We’ll get into why most DIY distribution is bound to fail, and why you should be wary of distribution deal.

I guarantee by the end you’ll be disheartened. Don’t worry though. This is just part 1 of 2, and in the next episode, I’m going to show you a number of counterintuitive ways to shift this bad economic situation in your favor. So hang in there, and let’s unwind this economic mess together, shall we.

Full Transcripts & Archive

Each solo episode of Filmmaker Freedom (not the interviews) has a complete written transcript so that you can revisit the ideas quickly and easily.

You can find those transcripts, as well as the full archive of shows, right here:

www.filmfreedomshow.com

A Weekly Newsletter for Ambitious Filmmakers

Every Sunday morning, I send out a handful of stories, carefully picked to help you make films you care about, build a business, and master your psychology. Plus I share a short film I love, and various other bits of inspiration. Get it here:

www.filmfreedomshow.com/newsletter

A Community Just for Entrepreneurial Filmmakers

Want to join a community of like-minded entrepreneurial filmmakers who will push you to grow and succeed? Then Freedom Fighters is the place for you.

Here's where you can learn more about this one-of-a-kind community and apply to join our ranks. (Don't worry, it's totally free, but there's an application process to make sure this community is full of the right people.)

www.filmfreedomshow.com/community

Thanks for listening, and I'll see you next time!

-Rob Hardy

What is Filmmaker Freedom?

Filmmaker Freedom is a new kind of filmmaking podcast. It's handcrafted it for those of us who like to think outside the box, to experiment, to walk our own path instead of doing things the way they've always been done. If you want to make make films you're proud of and make a living from it, this is the show for you. It's full of clear, focused, and actionable advice to help you succeed as an indie filmmaker in a constantly changing world.