By Thomas Ford | November 26, 2024
The film and television industry is crowded. It's a field teeming with producers, filmmakers, and creators working tirelessly to break through. Unfortunately, in such a saturated market, your project can often feel invisible. The finish line for success is constantly moving, making it increasingly difficult to get noticed.
Many creators continue chasing the elusive dream of breaking into the industry without adapting their approach. There's an old saying: If you keep doing the same thing, you'll keep getting the same results. Some of you may achieve modest success, but many will not, often because you're putting the cart before the horse.
The Harsh Truth About Submissions
One critical fact to understand is that studios and major networks rarely, if ever, accept unsolicited material. Many of the decision-makers in the industry aren’t on social media—they simply don’t have the time. If your strategy revolves around hoping for a big break from a chance encounter online, you may find yourself waiting forever.
To succeed, you need a new approach, one that positions your work in front of decision-makers in a tangible and professional way. You can get noticed, but it requires effort, planning, and a willingness to start where the opportunity is accessible.
Independent Broadcasters: An Overlooked Opportunity
One of the smartest ways to showcase your work is through independent broadcasters. While some creators shy away from this path, considering it a "dirty word," the truth is that independent broadcasters can be an essential stepping stone to larger opportunities.
Why? Because everyone has to start somewhere, and independent broadcasters provide a platform to showcase your talent to real audiences. This isn’t just exposure—it’s a chance to prove your ability to draw viewers and engage an audience. By building their audience, they help build you, and together you can create something valuable.
The Formula for Success
If you’re serious about breaking into the industry, here’s a straightforward strategy:
Showcase Your Work: Networks want to see what you’ve accomplished. If they haven’t come to you, it’s up to you to make your work visible. Independent broadcasters offer the perfect platform for this.
Do Your Research: Find an independent broadcaster whose quality aligns with your vision. Ensure they have agreements in place for ad buyers and other monetization opportunities.
Negotiate a Deal: Pitch your show or film to the broadcaster, and establish a partnership where both of you benefit. You promote your project while they provide a platform for it to thrive.
Monetize Smartly: With a well-chosen broadcaster, you can access revenue streams like ad sales, product placements, and sponsorships. This creates opportunities not only for visibility but also for financial returns.
Grow Your Audience: Use this platform to build your following, attract sponsors, and establish proof of your skills and appeal.
Why It’s a Win-Win
Working with independent broadcasters allows you to:
Get your work in front of potentially millions of viewers.
Demonstrate your ability to attract and engage an audience.
Build relationships with sponsors, advertisers, and decision-makers.
Generate revenue while gaining exposure.
This approach lets you control your narrative and your career trajectory rather than waiting for a gatekeeper to open a door.
The Choice is Yours
You can continue to send query letters, hoping for a response, only to hear the familiar refrain: "We do not accept unsolicited materials." Or you can recognize the potential of independent broadcasters as a smart and strategic way to break into the industry.
A smart business person sees opportunities where others see obstacles. Are you ready to make the leap?
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