Filmmaker Freedom

1.1 Defining Success Jun 05, 2017

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1.2 Consistent Action Jun 07, 2017

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1.3 Purpose Jun 15, 2017

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1.4 The Film Industry Jun 22, 2017

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1.5 Client Work Jun 29, 2017

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1.6 Build an Audience Jul 06, 2017

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1.7 Diversify Your Income Jul 13, 2017

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1.8 Develop Your Voice Jul 20, 2017

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1.9 Grow Your Network Jul 30, 2017

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1.10 Putting It All Together Aug 03, 2017

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2.1 Psychology Aug 15, 2018

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2.2 Beliefs Aug 15, 2018

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2.3 Fear Aug 15, 2018

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2.4 Perfectionism Aug 15, 2018

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2.5 Resistance Aug 15, 2018

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2.6 Confidence Aug 15, 2018

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2.7 Depression Aug 15, 2018

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2.8 Resilience Aug 15, 2018

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A New Direction for Filmmaker Freedom Jul 19, 2019

Hey friend, long time no see.

I hadn't been planning on releasing new episodes of Filmmaker Freedom this year, but events transpired that completely shifted those plans.

And now, I'm happy to announce that Filmmaker Freedom will be a weekly show from now on, and it will be primarily focused on entrepreneurial indie filmmakers.

In other words, if your goal is the make the films you care most about, and earn a sustainable living from those films, you'll learn how on this new variation of Filmmaker Freedom.

I'll teach you everything I know about building niche audiences online, selling directly to your fans, and cutting out the shitty middle men that have made the indie film business so untenable for so many years.

Basically, we're going to achieve "filmmaker freedom" together, in the truest sense of that phrase.

So if that sounds like something you'd enjoy, please do tune in to today's teaser episode. I'll tell you the full story of how we got here, and where we're going.

Cheers,

-Rob Hardy

Season 3 Intro: A New Paradigm for the Indie Film Business Jul 22, 2019

Welcome to Filmmaker Freedom Season 3 (Previously referred to as The Filmpreneur). This is a new type of podcast for indie filmmakers who want to make films they care about, and earn a good, consistent living from them.

On this show, you'll learn how to build an audience, market yourself effectively, and sell directly to your fans without the middle men. And by the time we wrap this thing up, I will have shared everything I know about how to build a sustainable business around your micro-budget films.

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

The Filmpreneur Code Jul 22, 2019

The filmpreneur code is a set of ideas that will help you make the films you care about, build an audience, and earn a great living from it. The journey won't be easy, and it won't be quick, but it will be worth it.

Learn the code. Live it. And let it guide you to an amazing life.

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 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

The Horrifying Economics of Indie Film (Part 1) Jul 22, 2019

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

How to Make Indie Film a Viable Business (Part 2) Jul 22, 2019

The last episode of Filmmaker Freedom was a bit of a downer. We talked about why indie filmmaking is rarely a good business, and why most filmmakers can never make a living from it.

But today, I'm sharing a new paradigm, one that goes against everything you've ever learned about making and selling films. And when you adopt this paradigm, you'll quickly see that it actually is possible for indie film to be a viable business.

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

Mike Hall & Chris Sakr | A Radical Experiment in Direct Distribution Jul 22, 2019

Chris Sakr and Mike Hall are the founders of Shohawk Media, and the creators of Generation Freedom, a documentary about online business that's being distributed using online business principles. Pretty meta, right?

But it's working, as the film has already broken even, and these two are just getting started with the process of monetizing it.

Here's just a sampling of the fun stuff we covered in this conversation.

What Chris and Mike learned from their fairly disastrous first attempt at making a feature film.
The story behind their new film Generation Freedom, and why it's often a good idea to follow your curiosity and make the films you would want to see yourself.
How the film breaks free from commodity pricing by providing significantly more value to its niche audience than other films.
The innovative tiered business model that's helping them earn more from every sale of the film than they would otherwise.
How they're using their many hours of raw material for the documentary to add additional value to their audience members.
Their approach to email marketing that's driving even more revenue.
How Mike and Chris reached some of the biggest names in online business to appear in their film and give it massive credibility within the niche.
A handful of tactics they're currently using to promote the film and build a business around it.
And plenty more.

So I hope you're excited, because this is a damn good conversation with lots of useful takeaways. Enjoy.

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

Alex Ferrari | Writing Your Own Rules as an Entrepreneurial Filmmaker Jul 22, 2019

Alex Ferrari is the founder of Indie Film Hustle, one of the most popular indie film podcasts and blogs around.

He's also got a streaming platform called Indie Film Hustle TV and a book called Shooting for the Mob about his insane early experiences in film.

Not to mention he's made two micro-budget films in the last 3 years, and both have been profitable.

So here's a rundown of the fun stuff we cover in this wide-ranging conversation.

Alex's "stranger than fiction" true story of almost making a feature film for a mobster.
How many filmmakers hold themselves back through limiting beliefs and stories, and how to get out of your own way.
The various ways that filmmakers shoot themselves in
How Alex made $90,000 selling a short film (yes, really).
The improvisational techniques Alex used to make his first two feature films quickly and cheaply.
What to look out for when you get offered a distribution deal so that you don't get taken advantage of.
The one item to include in every distribution contract you sign.
What Alex has learned from the entrepreneurial filmmaking guests on his podcast.
And plenty more good stuff.

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

The Fundamentals of Audience Building Jul 22, 2019

Today on Filmmaker Freedom, a crash course in what it really means to build an audience, and how to approach this process in a way that will lead you to a profitable, fulfilling business selling your films directly to fans.

Trust me, there are a lot of misconceptions out there about audience building, and it's easy to spend months or years going down a rabbit hole that leads nowhere. So buckle up, because today we're going to set the record straight, and build a strong foundation for all future episodes of this podcast.

Also, you can find the written version of this episode here:

www.filmpreneurshow.com/fundamentals

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

Liz Manashil | Finding Success With Micro-Budget Films Jul 22, 2019

Liz Manashil is pretty prolific when it comes to writing and directing micro-budget features.

I actually found out about Liz a few years ago after her first feature, Bread and Butter, recouped its budget, and she wrote a great article for MovieMaker transparently sharing those numbers and revenue streams.

These days, Liz just finished her second feature, Speed of Life, and is taking it around the festival circuit, hammering out a unique distribution deal for it, and planning a DIY theatrical run that includes a David Bowie cover band, all of which we talk about in our conversation.

And finally, she's in the early stages on a new feature called Lady Parts, that's honestly got one of the funnier crowdfunding pitch videos I've ever seen.

Anyhow, here's a rundown of what we talk about in this interview.

The totally awesome name of Liz's dog (and the not-quite-as-awesome name of our cat)
What Liz learned from conducting the largest ever survey of distributors to find out what they look for in a film.
How Liz makes sure she doesn't get screwed when negotiating a distribution deal.
Why and how Liz is booking her own short theatrical run for her latest feature, and why she's hiring a David Bowie cover band to play those shows.
How Liz attracts and attaches big name talent to her micro-budget features.
Liz's history with crowdfunding, and how she consistently manages to raise money for her films through that channel.

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

3 Types of Audiences That Drive Film Revenue Jul 31, 2019

Today on Filmmaker Freedom, the three types of audiences you’ll need to understand if you want to make a living selling directly to your fans.

We’ll also dig into one of the biggest mistakes I see again and again from indie filmmakers who want to create content, reach people online, and sell their films. Problem is, they do it in the most ineffective way possible. We're gonna fix that.

So by the end of this episode, you’ll have newfound clarity on how to use your energy for maximum impact when reaching online. audiences and selling your films.

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

Coat of Arms | Running a Successful Studio & the Pursuit of Meaningful Work Aug 07, 2019

Today on Filmmaker Freedom, an in-depth interview with Clara Lehmann and Jonathan Lacocque.

Clara and Jonathan are the co-founders of Coat of Arms, a full service production and post studio that's created work for some of the biggest companies on earth. Think Google, Microsoft, Land Rover, Marriott, WebMD, and way more.

They also take their passion projects very seriously. They've made short animated films and documentaries. They made a web series that was nominated for a Webby award. They've done music videos. And currently, they're in the process of releasing their first feature length doc.

Oh, and they're married to one another.

Anyhow, over the course of this wide-ranging interview, we talk about the mechanics of building a successful production company, working directly with large corporate clients without having to go through an ad agency, pursuing passion projects in the midst of a running a business, creating work that you can be proud of, and quite a bit more.

It's a damn good conversation, and I hope you dig it.

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

Film Festivals Are Not a Business Plan Aug 29, 2019

Today on Filmmaker Freedom, we’re going to kill one of the sacred cows of indie filmmaking culture. Film festivals.

We’re going to dissect, point by point, why festivals aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, especially if your goal is to make money with your work.

In fact, by the time we get to the end of this episode, you might just be convinced, as I am, that the vast majority of festivals are a waste of time and money.

So let’s get to it.

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

Mike Dion | The Pioneer of DIY Distribution Sep 06, 2019

Today on Filmmaker Freedom, an in-depth interview with Mike Dion.

Now, Mike's not a household name in the film community, but to my mind, he's one of the real pioneers of indie film entrepreneurship.

In fact, since 2010 Mike's put out a handful of features that appeal to an extremely small, niche audience. But despite the size of the niche, Mike's managed to make a good living for himself—without film festivals, distributors, sales agents, or any middle men whatsoever.

Instead, Mike has figured out how to sell directly to fans, put on his own theatrical tours, create cool physical products, and lots more. He even created something called the Whole World Wide Premiere, where you create an amazing in-person event for your film, but then livestream it to the world and charge for access.

Point is, Mike has been on the cutting edge of direct distribution for a long time. And today, you're going to hear his story, and get the inside scoop on some of the strategies he's used to make the films he loves, and make a living completely independent of the industry.

So let's get to it.

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

Jason Zink | Horror Stories from the Trenches of Micro-Budget Distribution Nov 06, 2019

Today on Filmmaker Freedom, an interview with Jason Zink.

Jason's directed several micro-budget, DIY features, all in the realm of horror and punk rock. His latest is called Straight Edge Kegger, which looks awesome.

He's also experienced first hand just how predatory some traditional distribution deals can be.

So in our wide-ranging conversation, we go deep on Jason's ethos for making cool, grungy flicks that he and his team can be proud of, what to watch out for when offered distribution, his plan for staging a DIY tour for his current film, and a whole lot more.

It's a fun conversation, and I hope you dig it.

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

The Smart Way to Build an Audience for Your Films Nov 12, 2019

Today on Filmmaker Freedom, how to approach building an audience for your films, and do it in a way that leads to sustainable revenue with minimal work.

That might sound like a hyperbolic promise, but I guarantee you it's not.

There are two foundational missteps that entrepreneurial filmmakers tend to make when building audiences, and these strategic errors limit how much you can earn from your films, while dramatically increasing the amount of work you have to do.

Basically, if you're not careful, you might end doing more work for less money. And that's no bueno.

So today, you're going to learn a concept that I call the dichotomies of audience building, and come out the other side with a smart, strategic approach that will serve you well in your entrepreneurial filmmaking journey for years to come. Enjoy :)

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

Niche Down or Perish Nov 23, 2019

Today on Filmmaker Freedom, the only sustainable way for micro-budget filmmakers to win the brutal war for audience attention.

This is a war being dominated right now by the likes of Netflix, Disney, YouTube, Facebook, and plenty of others.

You might not think you have much chance of competing against companies like this, with their multibillion dollar content and marketing budgets.

But when you shift your focus and niche down, you absolutely can.

In fact, there’s surprising power and freedom in creating niche media in a world where everyone else is obsessed with reaching bigger, broader, more generic audiences.

When done right, it’s a shift that allows you to tell stories you care about to a genuinely receptive audience, and ultimately make a living doing what you love.

Sound good? Let’s get to it.

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

How to Choose the Perfect Niche for Your Films Dec 10, 2019

This episode is long. Quite long. In fact, when it comes to choosing a profitable niche audience for your micro-budget films, you’re about to listen to the most comprehensive guide on the internet.

Make no mistake, if you want to succeed as an indie film entrepreneur, targeting profitable niches is the single most important skill for you to learn and master.

Getting your niche right is the 20% of efforts that drive 80% of results.

In other words, you could be a mediocre filmmaker and an amateur marketer, but if you follow through on what’s coming in this article, you’ll still be set up for financial success in our absurdly competitive media landscape.

For that reason, what’s coming is easily the most impactful piece of content on this website. Hell, it might be one of the most impactful in the entire indie filmmaking space.

That’s obviously a bold statement, and you might think I’m full of shit. But it’s not hyperbole.

If you take what I’m about to share and apply it, you’ll be able to build a sustainably profitable business around your indie films, no matter where in the world you live.

You’ll be that rare indie filmmaker who earns a comfortable, consistent living from their work—while everyone else is still spinning their wheels, waiting for some festival, distributor, or gatekeeper to pluck them from obscurity.

So if you’re committed to the path of indie film entrepreneurship, you’re in the right place. Finding the perfect niche is the foundation on which your business will be built, and we’re about to dig extraordinarily deep into that very topic.

Buckle up, amigo. 😎

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

The Exact Process I Use For Niche Research Jan 17, 2020

In the Art of War, Sun Tzu tells us, “victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win."

If your goal is to earn a living from your films, this is wisdom to live by.

I mean, what if you could virtually guarantee your film would be profitable before you ever wrote a word or shot a frame?

What if you knew—with a high degree of certainty—that if you engaged a particular niche, you’d be able to build a sustainable, enjoyable business by producing films for them?

That’d be pretty rad, right?

It’d take so much of the pressure off when it comes to raising money and distributing your films.

With that kind of certainty, you’d be able to focus more of your energy on telling stories you care about.

You’d be able to spend more time doing what you love, and less time worried about whether your efforts would ever pay off.

Once you work through the research strategies in this article, you will have that kind of certainty.

You’ll be able to win the brutal war for audience attention before ever stepping foot on the battlefield.

So let’s get to it.

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

Audience Mapping, The Niche Filmmaker’s Secret Weapon Feb 29, 2020

So, you’ve chosen the perfect niche for your films. And you’ve done the research to ensure it can support you financially. Now what?

Well, one option is to just start making films and marketing yourself.

Just taking those two prerequisite steps—finding and validating your niche—puts you ahead of 95% of other indie filmmakers in terms of building a sustainable business around your work.

But I’d be remiss if I didn’t share the final piece to this niche puzzle—one that’ll help you create and communicate in such magnetic, compelling ways that when you release a new film, the folks in your niche won’t be able to whip out their wallets fast enough.

It’s a technique called “audience mapping,” and it’ll be your secret weapon for creating content and telling stories that are so specific, so emotionally-resonant, and so custom-tailored to your niche, that people will feel like you’re reading their minds.

They’ll feel connected to you and your work in ways that most filmmakers never experience. It’s that connection that opens the door to creating true fans, and building a sustainable long term business around films you care about.

That, my friend, the power of an audience map, and you’re about to learn exactly how to create one of your own.

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

Marcus Mizelle | A Life In Micro-Budget Features Mar 09, 2020

Today on Filmmaker Freedom, a super in-depth interview with Marcus Mizelle.

Marcus is a multi-talented filmmaker with three micro-budget features under his belt, and that's alongside a prolific career directing music videos, working in the grip department, and being a writer/producer.

And pretty soon, he's launching an entirely new kind of film festival dedicated specifically for us micro-budget folks. It's called the Micro Film Tournament, and it looks pretty rad.

Anyhow, this conversation was a blast, and we touch on so many aspects of what it really takes to succeed in this brutal business.

Hope you dig it :)

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

Zander & Elliot Weaver | Cosmos Dec 28, 2020

My favorite indie film conversation of 2020. Hands down.

Naomi McDougall Jones Jan 06, 2021

If you haven't seen The Joyful Vampire Tour of America doc-series yet, it's amazing and insightful. Watch it here.

And you can stay up to date with all of Naomi's projects and workshops and such from her website.