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The Drive-In, Streaming Platform Where Indie Filmmakers Keep IP, Audience and Money, Sets Launch (EXCLUSIVE)
A new streaming platform called The Drive-In is launching in October 2026 to provide independent filmmakers with direct distribution and monetisation capabilities. The platform addresses a persistent challenge for indie creators by allowing them to retain full ownership of their intellectual property, audience relationships and revenue—a significant departure from traditional distribution models that typically require giving up control. The service will operate within RecDek, an existing independent film and television discovery app, offering filmmakers a year-round alternative to festival-based industry relationships.
The Drive-In functions as a transactional video on demand service where filmmakers set their own prices, keep receipts from sales, access real-time audience analytics and retain the ability to remove their work from specific territories if they secure traditional distribution deals. RecDek has grown into a community of 17,000 directors, producers, financiers and distributors since its launch as a recommendation platform. The platform is a collaboration between RecDek founder Ed Rigg and Hiway, a direct-to-fan economy infrastructure company, with formal launch scheduled for 17 October during the London Film Festival.
In short
- New streaming platform lets indie filmmakers keep IP, audiences and majority of revenue
- Operates within RecDek's 17,000-strong community; launches 17 October
- Provides direct monetisation alternative to traditional distribution deals
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that traditional distribution perpetuates an extractive system where studios and platforms capture substantial portions of revenue whilst dictating creative and commercial terms. The Drive-In returns agency to filmmakers, allowing them to set prices, retain complete IP ownership, build direct audience relationships and capture all revenue—respecting their work as intellectual property and their entrepreneurial contribution. This model aligns with creator economy values and fair compensation principles, enabling independent artists to thrive on their own terms rather than surrendering control to gatekeepers.
The case against
Critics contend that whilst creator autonomy sounds appealing, the practical economics may harm most independent filmmakers. Established platforms succeed through sophisticated recommendation algorithms, editorial curation and enormous marketing reach—assets most indie filmmakers lack. On The Drive-In, creators must now serve as their own marketers and business operators whilst competing for limited audience attention, which could concentrate success among already-prominent or commercially sophisticated filmmakers whilst marginalising others, and might actually reduce most creators' earnings and visibility compared to traditional platforms that guarantee audience access.
Explained simply
Independent films often reach audiences through festivals, distributors or streaming services. These routes can help films find viewers, but may involve filmmakers handing over some control of distribution, rights or earnings.
The Drive-In is a new service within RecDek, an app used by people working in independent film and television. It is being developed by RecDek founder Ed Rigg with Hiway, a company that provides tools for creators to sell directly to their audiences.
The service is designed to let filmmakers set prices, see audience data and keep the money from sales while retaining ownership of their work. This matters because it offers another way to reach viewers and build an audience, including between film festivals.
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