In this episode, Melanie Rowland, co-founder of Lilydale Films, shares how she and her business partner have built a successful independent production company that is totally sustainable, without relying on streamers or broadcasters to greenlight them.They’ve created seven series, six feature films, and built a loyal audience with no investors, meaning all revenue flows directly to them.Their flagship show, Flunk, has garnered over 200 million views globally to date, all while operating on a minimal budget. In this episode Melanie discusses Lilydale’s unique approach to self-funding, building community engagement, optimising for YouTube’s algorithm, and creating new content within their highly engaged niche.Listen to this episode if you are interested in:<ul><li>How to build a sustainable production company in the new media landscape.</li><li>How to build and grow a story universe.</li><li>Gaining insights into how to have a truly audience centric approach to screen storytelling</li><li>Understanding sustainable revenue streams that don’t rely on traditional gatekeepers.</li></ul><li><ul><li>Being inspired to create high quality on a low budget.</li></ul><ul><li>Exploring business models that leverage You Tube, social media and direct-to-audience.</li></ul></li><li> Follow Melanie and her work Website: <a href="https://www.lilydalefilms.com">⁠https://www.lilydalefilms.com⁠</a> Social Media<ul><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-rowland-producer/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-rowland-producer/</a></li><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/flunkseries/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/flunkseries/</a></li><li>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FLUNKSERIES" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/FLUNKSERIES</a></li><li>You Tube:: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/flunkseries" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/flunkseries</a></li></ul> Watch Flunk here:<ul><li>Website: <a href="https://www.flunk.com.au" target="_blank">https://www.flunk.com.au</a></li><li>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/flunkseries" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/flunkseries</a> </li></ul>This Deep Dive interview is hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieeckersley/" target="_blank">⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠</a><a href="https://linkedin.com/in/kirstystark" target="_blank">⁠</a>, and proudly brought to you by <a href="https://www.crewhq.com.au/" target="_blank">⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.expandingmedia.org/" target="_blank">⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠</a>.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1GsbiHRwpncSFFUCtI0hvJ?si=9bd2df776e664faa" target="_blank">Spotify</a> or <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/we-interrupt-this-broadcast/id1791026795" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!</li>

012 - Deep Dive with Melanie Rowland on Global Success with a Minimal Budget: the Story of Lilydale Films and Flunk