Case Study
How an independent filmmaker bypassed traditional gatekeepers and built direct audience support
Back to the Beginning
A Film by Joshua L. Fulljames
Taking Control of Film Distribution
Frustrated with gatekeepers who often default to nepotism to make decisions about what movies make it into festivals, talented film maker Joshua Fulljames took matters into his own hands by self releasing his film Back to the Beginning for $10.10 with subscription tiers ranging from $7 - $350 / mo.
Campaign Results
Community
His community responded and supported the independent release
Leverage
Gained leverage when approaching festivals with proven audience support
Revenue
Created direct income through tiered subscription model ($7-$350/mo)
The Challenge
Independent filmmakers often face significant barriers to distribution, with festival gatekeepers and traditional distribution channels favoring established names and connections over raw talent and compelling stories.
Joshua Fulljames found himself in this position with his film "Back to the Beginning" - a powerful story that deserved to be seen but was struggling to break through the traditional gatekeeping systems.
The Solution
Rather than continuing to fight against a system that wasn't working for him, Fulljames decided to create his own path by self-releasing his film directly to audiences through a tiered subscription model.
By offering the film for $10.10 with subscription options ranging from $7 to $350 per month, he created multiple entry points for supporters while establishing a direct relationship with his audience.
Key Insights
"Building direct audience relationships creates more than just revenue - it creates a community of supporters who are invested in your success and future projects."
"When approaching traditional gatekeepers with proof of audience and revenue, the power dynamic shifts dramatically in favor of the creator."