The Big Picture Podcast: Episode 42 - The Surprising Success of "Sound of Freedom"

Welcome to another episode of The Big Picture podcast! In this episode, hosts Matt Belloni and Lucas Shaw dive into the unexpected success of the film "Sound of Freedom." This $14.5 million child sex trafficking drama has quietly surpassed $100 million at the box office, and the hosts are here to explore the reasons behind its triumph.

A Film That Defies Expectations

"Sound of Freedom" has defied all expectations, and Matt and Lucas are eager to uncover the factors that contributed to its remarkable success. One key aspect they discuss is the film's appeal to the religious audience, a demographic that is often underserved by Hollywood. By tapping into this market, "Sound of Freedom" found a passionate and dedicated fanbase that propelled its box office numbers.

A Unique Crowdfunding and Distribution Model

Another intriguing aspect of the film's success is its unique crowdfunding and distribution model. Matt and Lucas delve into the details of how "Sound of Freedom" utilized crowdfunding platforms to engage super fans and generate buzz. They also explore the film's unconventional distribution strategy, which played a significant role in its financial triumph.

Exploring the QAnon Connection

One controversial aspect of "Sound of Freedom" is its alignment with the QAnon conspiracy theory. Matt and Lucas tackle this topic head-on, discussing the potential impact of this connection on the film's success and the broader implications for the industry.

Business Lessons from "Sound of Freedom"

Finally, the hosts examine the business lessons that can be learned from the success of "Sound of Freedom." They explore the power of engaging super fans and the potential for studios to connect activism with the economics of a film's release. This thought-provoking discussion offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the film industry and its evolving landscape.

Tune in to this episode of The Big Picture podcast to discover the surprising success story of "Sound of Freedom" and gain valuable insights into the business side of the film industry.

Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to discuss how the independent thriller ‘Sound of Freedom’ came out of nowhere and made $100 million in its first two weeks. They talk about the unique crowdfunding “pay-it-forward” model that helped market and finance the film and wonder if this is just a fluke or if there are any lessons to learn. For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices