From Red Carpets to Vertical Videos: The Indie Filmmaker’s Guide to Surviving—and Thriving—in 2025

Streaming giants have conquered the old cinematic order.

Hollywood stardom feels like a cryptocurrency chart.

A seven-second video might just be the difference between obscurity and going viral.

Today, your competition isn’t just the project down the street—it’s everyone, everywhere, all the time. Daunting? Maybe, but that’s just the business we’re in now. And it’s never been more exciting—or more confusing.

So how do you break through the noise, get paid, and keep your creative spark alive? Lucky for you, this episode unpacks just that, pulling back the curtain on today’s movie business. Here’s what you need to know, whether you’re prepping your debut feature or leveling up for your next big swing.

The $8 Billion Vertical Video Boom: Hype, Hope, or Headache?

Remember when Quibi was supposed to change everything but TikTok and Snapchat actually did? Recent headlines are echoing some jaw-dropping numbers for vertical content: $8 billion and counting. Hollywood and international investors are now scrambling to snag a piece of this next-gen storytelling.

But what does this mean for filmmakers?  

• Vertical content is already here.Whether you call them “shorts,” TikToks, or the next evolution of episodic storytelling, open-casting and tech-savvy upstarts like Galatea rewire the old rules. You don’t need a fancy agent or a Hollywood zip code to get seen. You need acceptable production quality and a story to tell.
• Money talks—but beware of the metrics.“That $8 billion? It’s investment, not profit,” Chris notes. “Don’t get FOMO. Don’t think you have to chase every shiny new thing.”
• The real win: Understand why people watch what they watch. Nick cuts through the hype: “It’s not about ‘vertical’—it’s about mobile. Watch where the eyeballs go, and build for that.”

Takeaway: If you’re a filmmaker waiting for permission, the doors are open—you just need to step through.*

Are Audiences “Excited”? Or Just Loud?

Stats sell, but do they tell the truth? Chris and Nick talk about the so-called “top 10 most exciting TV shows,” a list that’s supposedly lighting up industry insiders—but is everyone actually excited, or simply talking? 

The truth is, sometimes marketing generates more noise than genuine demand. “I want people to understand,” says Nick, “just because everyone is talking about something doesn’t mean they love it.”

Think about it:

• Headlines are about clickbait, not always substance.
• Social buzz does not equal long-term audience loyalty (remember Tron’s reboots and their lukewarm receptions?).
• Real “excitement” comes from engagement—not just searches or tweets.

Takeaway: Don’t get discouraged (or overly hyped) by “top” lists. Focus on building real connections and feedback for your film.

The Death—and Rebirth—of Star Power

Will there ever be another Tom Cruise? Do Margot Robbie or The Rock “guarantee” a hit anymore? Not so much. The panel explores what keeps—and loses—audiences in multiplex seats.

• The decline of “star power” is really a shift, not an end.
• Today’s “stars” are just as likely to be TikTok influencers as A-listers. Today's competition may be a vlogger with a laptop and a killer hook.
• For filmmakers, that means more opportunity to build your unique voice—even if the industry’s cultural center of gravity has moved.

As Chris puts it, “Your biggest asset now isn’t a recognizable face—it’s a point of view people care about. Be a creator, not just a passenger.”

Takeaway: Invest in you and your community. The right audience will follow. 

 Marketing in the Age of Streaming: The Harsh Truths

 Brace yourself—the numbers around film marketing and streaming ROI will make your jaw drop (or your blood boil):

• To get 10 million streams for your indie film? You might need to spend around $775,000 on marketing.
• If you turn to platforms like Tubi, Amazon Prime, or Roku, expect revenue anywhere from $4 to $15 per thousand views (and even less after splits).
• The old “build it and they will come” model is gone. Now, you have to hustle, strategize, and adapt—or be ignored.

But here’s the upside: Marketing is more than ad buys. It’s building relationships, activating communities, leveraging social, and telling your story across platforms. You might not get rich on your first film—but brick by brick, you build your track record and your tribe. 

Takeaway: You can’t afford to “market later.” It’s part of the art. 

Crowdfunding, Family, and Paying It Forward

So what happens if your Uncle Bob funds your passion project? “Today’s investors aren’t always expecting a big check back,” says Nick. “Often, it’s about honoring the trust they’ve placed in you—with a finished product, a T-shirt (when crowdfunding), or the knowledge they helped you do something real.”

Indie filmmakers fund their movies through every means possible: crowdfunding, side jobs, partnerships, and occasionally, small investors. The key is clarity and gratitude. “Let people know their support is valued. Even if the financial ROI isn’t huge, the personal and creative ROI can change your life.”

Takeaway: Build your network with authenticity, and always deliver what you promised—financially and emotionally. 

 Social Media: Curse, Blessing, or Survival Tool?

 No big career move was ever made in a vacuum—and in 2025, that means playing smart with social media. We draw a vivid line between Snapchat’s pioneering days, Vine’s seven-second comedy bursts, and today’s TikTok-dominated universe.

• Platforms rise and fall—but the willingness to experiment and connect always pays off.
• “If the creators of social media platforms won’t let their kids use them,” Chris jokes, “you should definitely think twice!” Still, these platforms remain vital for building an audience, crowdfunding, networking, and sharing behind-the-scenes insights.

 Takeaway: Learn the language of new media. But always stay true to your creative values. 

Why Headlines Don’t Pay the Bills

 With all the buzz about AI, industry disruption, and platform algorithms, it’s easy to get lost in noise. But as Nick closes the episode: “Check your sources. Headlines aren’t always facts. As AI gets more embedded in your search, take time to double-check things yourself.”

• Don’t chase every “disruptor” story just to be trendy.
• Think like a curator: seek trusted info, build your perspective, and double down on your unique filmmaking mission.

Takeaway: Don’t let the media, or the market, define who you are. Let your work speak first. 

The Indie Survival Guide: Top Five Takeaways

Let’s cut through the clutter. If you remember only five things from this episode, make it these:

Focus on Platforms that Match Your Audience: Watch the trends, but don’t chase every new app. Find where your people are and show up consistently.

1. Measure Input, Not Just Output: Engagement, community, and conversation matter more than raw numbers.
2. Every Film Is a Stepping Stone: Most indie filmmakers build momentum through cumulative success, not one magical hit.
3. Marketing IS Making: In 2025, it’s part of the arts. Honing your marketing skills is non-negotiable.
4. Build On—and With—Your Community: Fans, supporters, and even “small” backers will carry you further than any single distributor ever could. 

Ready to Take Action? Listen/Watch Now!

We live in a wild, dramatically different world from just a decade ago. Whether you’re writing your first short, crowdfunding your third feature, or just exploring what it means to be a filmmaker today, the one constant is change. And every shift brings risks, but also new kinds of opportunities.

 So—are you ready to cut through the hype, discover what really works, and build your filmmaking future? Dive into the full, unfiltered conversation on this special Indie Talk episode of the MAKE IT Podcast. It’s packed with even more insights, laughter, and straight talk you won’t find anywhere else.

Listen to the episode now on your favorite podcast app, or watch the full video on YouTube—and join a movement of filmmakers redefining what it means to succeed in 2025 (and beyond). 

Want more? Subscribe to MAKE IT Podcast wherever you find us, leave us a review, and connect with fellow filmmakers on social media. The future of film isn’t just out there—it’s in your hands.