(BrightPress.org) – A classic trope in stories is the success of the underdog over an established champion, and that pattern was visible in the success of “The Sound of Freedom,” a new film by Angel Studios. Grossing over $50 million at the box office after just a few weeks of release, the film features Jim Cazaviel playing Tim Ballard, a real-life ex-DHS agent who left the agency after red tape and bureaucratic interference prevented him from saving children from trafficking operations.
Ballard began Operation Underground Railroad, an independent organization that saves kids from being trafficked. Sound of Freedom is a dramatic retelling of his story, and the market approves with millions coming in for the film over other Hollywood releases like “Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny” despite being available in fewer theaters nationwide.
The film and its studio are proving that there is a different way to produce quality stories that people love without Hollywood gatekeeping executives determining what movies get made. Angel Studios uses crowdfunding: patrons can either offer the studio a monthly donation toward their productions or sponsor a specific film. “The Sound Of Freedom” relied solely on social media advertising and word-of-mouth. The controversial subject of human trafficking inspired multiple hit pieces from corporate press suggesting someone doesn’t like these stories being told to the masses. Donald Trump will host a screening, ensuring that the story gets told to even more people.
Screenwriter and producer for Angel Studios, Bradford Winters suggested they are “hitting the sweet spot” when it comes to providing content for an under-served audience like Christians and folks concerned about the grim reality of child trafficking. They had similar success with “The Chosen,” a series about the life of Jesus and his followers. Movie critic and ex-Hollywood insider Christian Toto suggested that the stakes are higher for independent studios that use crowdfunding.
The film’s success has demonstrated the potential for crowdfunding films that are unpopular with major studios, much to the chagrin of its detractors.
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