In this episode of Truly Independent, Garrett Batty and Darren Smith discuss the breaking news that the Sundance Film Festival is relocating from Utah to Boulder, Colorado starting in 2027. They explore the implications of this move, debunk myths about the reasons behind it, and share their personal experiences with Sundance in Utah. The hosts also delve into the complexities of independent film distribution, sharing updates on their own film 'Faith of Angels,' including DVD releases through Amazon and digital streaming options via BitMax. They discuss the pros and cons of different VOD platforms and the importance of revenue strategies for indie filmmakers. In response to a listener question, they elaborate on structuring equity investor agreements and emphasize the need for transparency and balance in investor relationships. The episode wraps up with a compelling discussion on the joys and challenges of independent filmmaking, stressing the importance of creating meaningful stories and the rewarding nature of the indie film journey.

00:00 Sundance Film Festival Relocates to Boulder

00:27 Meet the Hosts: Garrett and Darren

01:14 Reactions to Sundance's Move

04:54 Debunking Myths About the Move

08:15 Infrastructure Challenges in Park City

10:40 Opportunities for Utah's Film Community

12:45 New Festival Prospects and Independent Spirit

14:56 Navigating Post-Theatrical Distribution

16:06 The Comeback of Physical Media

18:40 Revenue Streams for Indie Filmmakers

20:25 The Importance of Distribution for Filmmakers

21:05 Balancing Profitability and Distribution

23:11 The Concept of Oversubscription in Film

24:34 Exploring Different Distribution Strategies

27:38 BitMax and Streaming Solutions

32:27 Listener Question: Equity Investors and First Out Options

40:34 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Filmmakers