Across the country, authoritarian forces are getting bolder and more dangerous. Trump and his allies are not hiding their agenda: mass deportations, rollbacks of civil rights, weaponized courts, and f...

What feels like unprecedented chaos in 2025 actually follows a predictable pattern. For months, I had been trying to make sense of the accelerating chaos around us. Each day seemed to bring more institutional collapse, more uncertainty, more evidence that things were unraveling at an alarming rate. I found myself

In this episode of 'Truly Independent,' hosts Darren Smith and Garrett Batty dive deep into the intricate process of independent filmmaking. Darren updates l...

There are two paths in creative business: chase quick wins, or build lasting value. Here's why I'm choosing the latter. Disney started with a single animated short. Today, they own the IP of hundreds of their own films, as well those from Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar. That's what playing the long game looks like. Most filmmakers chase ...

I sat across from a filmmaker who was trying to get their project funded. "I don't get it," they said, frustration etching lines around their eyes. "Everyone says it's great. The pitch deck is solid. Why isn't it happening?" I asked a simple question: "How long have you been actively pitching?" Their answer: "Three months. Isn't that e...

We don't buy products. We buy the resolution of tension. I discovered a simple truth watching two identical film pitches play out with drastically different results. The successful one raised millions...

Some facts and assertions about healthcare (particularly in the US) and then an outline of a change agent that could improve health, perhaps dramatically. We spend an enormous amount of time and mo…

LEARN HOW TO PROFITABLY INVEST IN INDEPENDENT FILM

Brandon Sanderson's iconic writing course is back for a new 2025 edition. Come one, come all, class is in session for aspiring fantasy and science fiction wr...

Distributors Movie Breakdown 1995-2025

A Manifesto We messed up. We stopped investing in indie film. But we shouldn’t have. It feels amazing to discover a new independent voice at a festival or on your TV at home. To connect with a story that wouldn’t – couldn’t – have been told any other way.

Jewel Powell's Faith-Fueled Filmmaking JourneyIn this episode of 'Truly Independent,' hosts Garrett Batty and Darren Smith kick off the new year with guest J...

With season 2 of Truly Independent well underway, we're focused on the earliest aspects of the filmmaking process - the ideation, pitching, development, and fundraising. In this episode of the show we talk about three types of pitches - which I'll outline below, but be sure to check out the

How to raise money for your independent film projects

How to raise money for your independent film projects

With season 2 of Truly Independent well underway, we're focused on the earliest aspects of the filmmaking process - the ideation, pitching, development, and fundraising. In this episode of the show we talk about three types of pitches - which I'll outline below, but be sure to check out the

Producing profitable films and creating a truly independent film ecosystem