Introducing GROUNDED: A New FAST Channel For Independent Film & Documentaries
The independent film landscape has always been defined by one persistent challenge: making great work is hard enough: getting it seen is even harder. After years of watching talented filmmakers struggle with distribution gaps, festival bottlenecks, and the endless wait for recognition, we knew something had to change.
Today, we're launching GROUNDED: Bloomsbury Post House's new FAST channel designed specifically for independent films, documentaries, and social stories that deserve audiences now, not later.
What Makes GROUNDED Different
GROUNDED isn't another streaming platform making grand promises. It's a practical solution built by people who understand the realities of independent filmmaking. Our approach is simple: give quality independent content a broadcast home while filmmakers continue pursuing traditional distribution, festival circuits, or sales opportunities.
This is about creating momentum, not replacing options. GROUNDED operates as a bridge between creation and recognition: a way to generate audience awareness, build viewing data, and earn revenue while keeping all your distribution doors open.
The channel launches with a revenue-share model that puts money back in filmmakers' pockets through advertising revenue. No upfront costs, no exclusive lock-ins, just shared success when your content performs.
The FAST Channel Advantage
Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) channels have revolutionized how audiences discover content. Unlike subscription platforms where content often gets buried in algorithmic feeds, FAST channels provide curated, linear programming that mirrors traditional television while reaching global streaming audiences.
GROUNDED takes this model and applies it specifically to independent voices. Each week, we curate programming that moves audiences: from intimate character studies to universal stories that spark conversation and change.
Our programming slate includes:
- Bold Features: Independent films that take creative risks
- Insightful Documentaries: Real stories that inform and inspire
- Captivating Episodics: Series work from emerging creators
- Conversation-Starting Shorts: Brief but powerful storytelling
How Revenue Sharing Works
Traditional distribution often means lengthy negotiations, complex contracts, and uncertain returns. GROUNDED simplifies this with transparent revenue sharing from advertising income.
When your content airs on GROUNDED, you earn from the advertising revenue it generates. This creates immediate income streams while you pursue other opportunities: festival recognition, sales agent representation, or traditional distribution deals.
The model recognizes that independent filmmakers need multiple revenue streams to sustain their work. GROUNDED becomes one reliable income source while you build others.
Building Broadcast Presence
For independent filmmakers, establishing broadcast presence has always been challenging. Traditional broadcasters have limited slots for independent content, and streaming platforms often require significant marketing budgets to gain visibility.
GROUNDED provides instant broadcast credibility. Your work appears alongside other curated independent content, reaching audiences actively seeking quality storytelling beyond mainstream offerings.
This broadcast presence serves multiple purposes:
- Audience Development: Build viewership for future projects
- Industry Recognition: Demonstrate market performance to distributors
- Revenue Generation: Earn while pursuing other opportunities
- Creative Validation: See your work reach intended audiences
Supporting the Independent Ecosystem
GROUNDED doesn't exist to disrupt traditional distribution: it exists to strengthen it. By providing immediate broadcast opportunities, we help filmmakers build the momentum that makes traditional distribution more attractive.
When a film performs well on GROUNDED, that performance data becomes valuable for sales agents, distributors, and festival programmers. Success breeds success, and broadcast performance often translates into broader opportunities.
We're not competing with festivals, sales agents, or traditional distributors. We're providing a complementary service that makes their jobs easier by demonstrating market demand for quality independent content.
The Stories We Champion
Independent storytelling thrives on authenticity: stories told by people who lived them, communities that understand them, or creators brave enough to explore uncomfortable truths.
GROUNDED celebrates these voices. Our programming reflects the diversity of independent filmmaking: first-time directors alongside established voices, local stories with universal appeal, experimental approaches that push creative boundaries.
Every story that airs on GROUNDED earns its place through quality, not marketing budgets or distribution muscle. This commitment to merit-based programming ensures audiences discover content they wouldn't find elsewhere.
Getting Your Work on GROUNDED
The submission process prioritizes simplicity over bureaucracy. We evaluate content based on production quality, storytelling strength, and audience appeal: not distribution pedigree or marketing resources.
Broadcast-ready content that meets technical specifications and demonstrates strong storytelling has a path to GROUNDED programming. We're looking for work that respects audiences and rewards their time investment.
Technical requirements ensure smooth broadcast delivery:
- Professional production standards
- Cleared music and rights
- Proper closed captioning
- Standard broadcast formats
Beyond technical specifications, we evaluate story impact, creative execution, and audience engagement potential.
The Future of Independent Broadcasting
GROUNDED represents our belief that independent storytelling deserves dedicated broadcast space. As traditional distribution becomes increasingly consolidated, independent voices need alternatives that respect their creative vision while providing viable revenue streams.
This channel is our commitment to that future: a broadcast home where independent films, documentaries, and social stories reach audiences without compromise.
GROUNDED isn't just a channel. It's a stage for stories that matter, a statement about independent film's value, and a shared belief that authentic storytelling deserves to be seen.
The channel launches with carefully curated programming that demonstrates independent film's range and power. Each title represents our commitment to quality over quantity, substance over sensation.
Independent filmmakers have always found ways to tell important stories despite resource constraints and distribution challenges. GROUNDED provides one more tool in that toolkit: a reliable broadcast platform that generates revenue while respecting creative independence.
Your story deserves an audience. GROUNDED provides the stage.
Ready to learn more about GROUNDED programming opportunities? Visit our services page to explore how we can help bring your independent content to broadcast audiences.