Competing for Audience Against Big Streamers
March 5, 2026 · 20 min
Why listen
Indie films are being made more than ever, yet fewer people are watching them — here is why.
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In this episode
- Why rising production numbers have not translated into bigger audiences
- How major streamers shape viewer habits in ways that push out indie work
- What the fashion industry teaches filmmakers about building demand
- A practical case for indie filmmakers building their own distribution platforms
About this episode
Jeff Deverett dives deep into the current state of indie film viewership. Are fewer people watching indie films? Why is that the case? Jeff explores the challenges independent filmmakers face in a landscape dominated by major studios and streaming platforms like Netflix.
Discover the reasons behind the decline in demand for indie films, despite an increase in production. Jeff discusses the importance of distribution and audience access, comparing the indie film experience to the fashion industry and how trends are created. He emphasizes the need for indie filmmakers to come together and create their own platforms to showcase their work.
This episode is packed with insights, practical advice, and a call to action for indie filmmakers to unite and take control of their narrative.
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About Indie Filmmaking: Truth & Reality
Film school taught you how to make a movie—this show teaches you how to get it financed and distributed. In bite-sized 30-minute episodes, filmmaker and distribution expert Jeff Deverett gives you the real-world advice film schools leave out.
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