Building a Career in Independent Film Without Relying on Studios

Building a Career in Independent Film Without Relying on Studios

I just published a conversation with Wes Clark about what it really takes to build a sustainable career as an independent filmmaker in today’s market.

We talk about the realities of micro-budget filmmaking, including recoupment expectations, why most first films do not succeed on momentum alone, and why long-term thinking matters more than short-term wins.

We cover the role of

🔍 short films versus feature films,

🚀 the growing importance of YouTube and direct audience building, and

🎯 how niche positioning can be more effective than trying to appeal to the mainstream.

We also examine how

📌 marketing,

📌 community building, and

📌 consistency now play a central role in a filmmaker’s trajectory, as well as

📌 how new tools, platforms, and AI-driven discovery are changing how audiences find and engage with films.

This is a practical and reflective conversation for filmmakers who want to understand both the creative and business realities of independent cinema, and who are serious about building something that lasts.