It's the ultimate filmmaking dream: not only making the films we care about, but earning a living from it. And though it's anything but easy, it's absolutely possible to achieve this goal, thanks to a deeply connected world where we can reach anyone at the click of a mouse. That's what today's episode is all about. Here's what we'll cover: Why film festivals and traditional distribution are no longer viable for the vast majority of modern filmmakers. Why building an audience around your work is the single most important step for both financial and artistic freedom. My simple five step strategy for audience building. How authentic content that tells a story—and lots of personal interaction with your fans—is the key to keeping your audience engaged. The fundamentals of marketing to your audience, or why you should start building an email list right now. How to have a huge (and profitable) world premiere for your film without ever submitting to a festival. This full first season is sponsored by Music Vine. If you're looking for high-quality music at an affordable price, but don't want to wade through hours of crappy stock music, you'll love Music Vine. Get 10% off your first song when you use the code: FREEDOM. You can also get this episode's key takeaways, plus lots of supplementary content, at filmmakerfreedom.com/6 Lastly, if you enjoy the Filmmaker Freedom Podcast, it would mean the world to me if you subscribe, then leave a rating and review on iTunes. That's the best way to help other filmmakers find the show. Here's to your success, -Robert Hardy