Building a 600K YouTube Audience for an Independent Sci-Fi Series | AI, Film Marketing & Indie Filmmaking

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you stop waiting for Hollywood to give you a chance and start building an audience yourself? On this episode of The Honest Filmmaker, I’m joined by writer, director and producer Dempsey Tillman, who is taking an unconventional approach to independent filmmaking with his sci-fi horror series, *The Bad Ones*. Instead of waiting for a streamer or distributor to come knocking, Dempsey is releasing his series on YouTube, using paid promotion to reach viewers and building an audience for future seasons. Dempsey shares what it takes to grow a YouTube audience of around 600,000 subscribers, why making the series is only half the battle and why marketing your own films can become an almost never-ending job. We also discuss the increasingly controversial use of AI in filmmaking. Dempsey explains how he uses AI to enhance visual effects that would otherwise be beyond his budget, while still writing, shooting and directing the performances himself and working with professional actors. Plus, we get into practical micro-budget filmmaking advice, from writing scripts around locations you can access to planning shots, shooting efficiently and taking on multiple roles to get your production made. We cover: - Building an audience for an independent film or series on YouTube - Using YouTube Promote and paid advertising to find viewers - Why filmmakers need to think about marketing from the start - Using AI for visual effects without generating an entire film - Making ambitious sci-fi on a limited budget - Finding distribution opportunities and building a fanbase - The reality of pursuing a filmmaking dream when success isn't guaranteed If you're an independent filmmaker trying to get your work seen, fund your next project or find a route to an audience outside the traditional film industry, this is an honest conversation about taking control of your own filmmaking future. Check out The Bad Ones on YouTube and see the approach we're discussing in action:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBadOnes\_Series/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf\_id=1 **The Honest Filmmaker** explores the realities of independent and micro-budget filmmaking, from funding and production to film festivals, marketing, sales and distribution. Listen, subscribe and join the conversation. #TheHonestFilmmaker #IndependentFilmmaking #FilmMarketing Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon  https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv\_dp\_share\_cu\_r Support the show For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/ Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/ HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business. We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career. Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk