I made my film http://searchingforangelashelton.com/ by throwing a party, selling t-shirts, getting donations in trade for your name in the credit list, and having 13 investors who were friends and supporters who I gave 25% of the profits to. Then it was all audience driven. The movie became a message and a movement for healing and awareness, inspiring people to move past the victim roles and live joyful lives. Urged by the followers of the film, I took and sold the movie at places where the audience demanded it. The Air Force bought a copy for every Air Force base. It is now used in rape crisis centers and shelters across the states and in sex offender treatment programs. Who knew that was a market? I certainly didn’t when I began. The first DVD was just the movie with no extras and it was available because I got so many emails requesting it. The press that the movie got was all from word-of-mouth through the audience and supporters. It certainly taught me that the most important part of the film is not just that you love it, would sell your house, max your cards and live in your car for it, but if the audience would do the same. For this movie they would and have and still send money to make sure the next DVD gets out. I paid for the “official version” with closed captions (forgot about that!) and Spanish subtitles and director’s commentary all from pre-sells online, gifts and loans from those who wanted it out faster.

So far I’ve paid the investors back a third of their money through selling the DVD myself on the website and licensing it to TV. I didn’t sell it, I rented it. The audience demanded that I never sell the movie but keep it independent and a survivor like they are. Now the audience has requested and we’ve created an affiliate program so they can push the licensing agreements and make a portion of the proceeds for themselves.

But I also mortgaged my house, sold my car, maxed my cards, wrote for TV, took commercial gigs, and borrowed money to keep it all going in the beginning. Now it’s a machine that runs itself and slowly pays back the bills it collected.

Per the request of the audience, I started a line of other products that they also want to sell via affiliate marketing. We all have heard of the bogus affiliate programs on those “get rich quick” sites, now the audience for this movie are using that model to spread healing, awareness and joyful living. I couldn’t ask for more as a filmmaker actually. Now I listen to the people as well as my gut artist instinct.

Due to the huge love the audience has for this movie, I started another one under a very similar model but this time am not maxing the cards or selling the house and instead letting the audience spread the word about it further.

So filmmakers, do what you love and what the audience loves and you will prevail!

@AngelaShelton