For years, documentary makers and production companies relied on broadcasters, streamers and platforms to reach audiences. But that model is changing fast. In a fragmented media landscape, owning a direct relationship with your audience is becoming as important as making the work itself. Led by Zandland founder Ben Zand, this roundtable will explore what it means to build an independent documentary company in the creator economy — one that can make premium work for major platforms while also growing its own audience through YouTube, social, newsletters, podcasts and live events. The discussion will ask whether true independence now means owning your distribution, how serious long-form storytelling can survive algorithm-led platforms, and what the next generation of media companies need to do to stay culturally relevant.
Information for attendees:
- Book a roundtable session via the RSVP function on our app.
- Please arrive 5 minutes early to check in for the roundtable session. Late arrivals (anyone not present at the start of their booked session) may lose their slot to a walk-up attendee.
- If a session is fully booked, you’re welcome to try as a walk-up in case a booked attendee doesn’t attend.