Where do I begin?
There was a member who just posted about an upcoming Twitch, and it reminded me that this was a platform that some may not have thought about using. Twitch livestream isn't just a gaming platform. All creatives can find a way to use it to showcase their work, whether it's art, music, film, or podcasting. (https://www.twitch.tv/)
To build an audience, you probably need some form of social media, but I would choose a channel that has the chance of attracting a larger and engaged audience that is not in your circle.
We always hear about influencer marketing. How about influencer partnering? If there is a fit, it can help both parties push through a project that benefits both. There must be constructive collaboration. The influencer must believe in what you're trying to achieve. You also need to feel a connection with the influencer. Individuals with large platforms have massive value.
Subscription based distribution doesn't just have to be Netflix or Prime. It's the same for downloads. If you have a big enough audience, why not set it up on your own website. You don't have to be Taylor Swift or Kendrick Lamar to sell your wares, but you do have to be creative and know how to find your audience on different platforms. Besides your own website, find a way to sell downloads from other platforms, such as YouTube, Vevo, and Vimeo.
These are just a few ideas on distributing outside of the mainstream. Just know that platforms come and go. There are some that have stuck around forever and seem unlikely to leave (YouTube, Twitch...) and there are new platforms that look okay but won't be here tomorrow. The bottom line is not to put all your distribution in one place. When a new platform comes out, I will give it a few months before I decide to give it some cred (Bluesky). Once it looks solid and has a growing audience, chances are it will stick.
This Forbes article is from 2018, but some of the ideas still apply. Another way to find ideas is to take a look-through Kickstarter (https://www.kickstarter.com/) and Indiegogo (https://www.indiegogo.com/) Check out the successful campaigns, how they were set up, and what the rewards were. These ideas can help your own projects stand out.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil/2018/03/21/14-n...
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I think this is a great distribution opinion for creatives, Debbie Elicksen! I've seen a lot of people on Twitch, so there's definitely opportunity for creatives to get eyes on their movies, shows, games, scripts, etc. Thanks for the idea and advice!
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I have a friend in LA who produces a top rated show for Twitch Sports and its a business. They have eyeballs and sponsors and the production is pretty robust (they'll shoot a ton of episodes in a day but they do 3 a day on Wheel of Fortune). There are options out there for creatives that just didn't exist only a few years ago. Really great share, Debbie Elicksen.
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This is such a valuable discussion, Debbie Elicksen! The landscape of distribution has shifted so much, and non-traditional platforms are creating incredible opportunities for independent creators. I love the idea of influencer partnering. So many filmmakers focus on traditional marketing methods, but tapping into engaged niche communities through collaboration could be a game-changer.
Twitch is a great example of an underutilized platform for film and storytelling. The live engagement aspect alone allows for real-time interaction with audiences, which is something that traditional streaming services can’t offer in the same way. I’ve also seen filmmakers experiment with Discord communities to build direct relationships with their audience.
You make a great point about not relying on a single platform for distribution. Diversification is key, especially with how unpredictable the digital space can be.