Is Filmhub's Relay the future of Indie Film Streaming? With Chad Wittman

#filmmakingpodcast #filmhub #relay #filmmaking 

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Chad Wittman from Filmhub to break down their new streaming platform, Relay, and what it could mean for indie filmmakers navigating today’s crowded distribution landscape. We talk honestly about how Relay works for audiences, how filmmakers get paid compared to traditional AVOD platforms, and whether directing viewers to a single platform actually makes financial sense. Chad also shares Filmhub’s thinking around marketing, discoverability, data, international reach, and future platform support, while we dig into practical promotion strategies, analytics, and even the role of AI in artwork and marketing. If you’re an indie filmmaker trying to understand where streaming is heading then this conversation is for you.

Find out more about Relay https://pickrelay.com/ 

Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

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Chapters

• 0:00 Intro to Chad Wittman from Film Hub
• 1:25 What is Relay?
• 2:24 How do users experience the streaming service?
• 3:03 What is the real financial incentive for filmmakers to direct their audience to Relay when their films are already available for free on Tubi and other AVOD platforms?
• 3:38 Are there adverts on Relay?
• 5:45 Asking for filmmaker feedback
• 8:03 How does Relay pay filmmakers compared to AVOD? Is there a per-view structure? A revenue share calculation? Is it transparent?
• 9:07 Using the best tools to promote your film
• 9:19 Would Relay ever offer higher pay rates to filmmakers who choose exclusivity or windowed exclusivity? Is “being everywhere” still the recommended strategy?
• 9:47 Is Filmhub taking a cut from Relay payments, and how does that work since Relay is Filmhub’s subsidiary?
• 10:49 What is Relay’s marketing strategy to bring viewers—not filmmakers—onto the platform?
• 12:39 Social Media collabs with Relay
• 14:21 Short clips on social and Tubi Facebook groups
• 16:44 Is Relay pursuing mainstream film acquisitions to elevate the platform and drive traffic to indie films?
• 18:25 A clear poster with a clear title
• 18:58 Green screen - getting some shots of your cast for the poster
• 19:47 Will Relay share viewing analytics, trends, or audience insights so indie creators can improve their marketing?
• 21:11 Chad's view on AI artwork
• 21:29 Using YouTube for analytics
• 23:27 Jim's view on AI artwork and using AI
• 26:06 When can filmmakers expect Relay apps for LG TVs, PlayStation, Xbox, and browser-based viewing?
• 27:13 Global distribution
• 27:50 Setting your release date
• 28:30 Will Relay highlight filmmakers who actively promote—e.g., feature them on the homepage, social channels, or run cross-promotions?
• 29:21 Sharing a film list to friends and family
• 30:54 How long does it take for a licensed Filmhub title to actually appear inside Relay?
• 31:10 What’s Relay’s strategy for discoverability when the library becomes massive—how will indie titles avoid being buried?
• 32:13 What’s Relay’s strategy for discoverability when the library becomes massive—how will indie titles avoid being buried?
• 32:44 Behind the Scenes content on Relay
• 34:23 What languages and regions are fully supported, and what regions are coming?
• 34:25 Is Relay planning to support subtitles, dubbing, or multi-language metadata uploads for filmmakers?
• 35:01 Will Relay help filmmakers reach international audiences more effectively than existing AVOD partners?
• 35:41 Chads final thoughts on Relay
• 36:48 Jim recommends - Jason Horton on Film Hub and Justin Milton on Tubi