How Filmmakers Can Build a Sustainable Career with Emily Best (Seed&Spark)

In this episode, I sit down with Emily Best, founder & CEO of Seed&Spark, filmmaker, and fierce advocate for creator sustainability, to ask the BIG question:

👉 Why can't most filmmakers consistently fund, distribute, and profit from their films?

We dive deep into:

• The harsh realities of building a sustainable filmmaking career
• Why most indie films aren’t actually commercial (and why that’s okay)
• The key mindset shift most filmmakers need to make
• How to find and build an audience that will support your work
• Real examples of crowdfunding rewards that went viral
• The future of distribution and how to retain creative and financial control
• A brutally honest take on equity crowdfunding (and when you should avoid it)
• How to approach AI in filmmaking ethically and strategically

Timestamps:
00:00 - The Challenge of Sustainable Filmmaking
02:05 - Understanding Funding Issues in Filmmaking
10:23 - Identifying and Engaging Your Audience
14:09 - Balancing Creativity and Commercial Success
18:02 - The Role of Crowdfunding in Filmmaking
19:32 - Innovative Crowdfunding Strategies and Rewards
33:44 - Innovative Crowdfunding Strategies
38:06 - Building Community and Audience Engagement
41:28 - The Pursuit of Excellence in Filmmaking
42:31 - Navigating Distribution Challenges
49:52 - Understanding Equity Crowdfunding
54:16 - The Impact of AI on Filmmaking

Whether you’re a first-time filmmaker or an experienced producer, this episode is packed with practical insights, hard truths, and thoughtful inspiration for anyone serious about thriving in the film industry.

🔗 Mentioned Resources:
https://seedandspark.com/
https://distributionplaybook.com/
https://www.seedandspark.com/crowdfunding

Connect with ZB Siwek:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zb-siwek-55938442/

Learn More About Cine Circle:
https://www.cinecircle.co.uk/

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Chapters

• 0:00 The Challenge of Sustainable Filmmaking
• 2:05 Understanding Funding Issues in Filmmaking
• 10:23 Identifying and Engaging Your Audience
• 14:09 Balancing Creativity and Commercial Success
• 18:02 The Role of Crowdfunding in Filmmaking
• 19:32 Innovative Crowdfunding Strategies and Rewards
• 33:44 Innovative Crowdfunding Strategies
• 38:06 Building Community and Audience Engagement
• 41:28 The Pursuit of Excellence in Filmmaking
• 42:31 Navigating Distribution Challenges
• 49:52 Understanding Equity Crowdfunding
• 54:16 The Impact of AI on Filmmaking