It's Always About The Story: Why Content Is King
In this column, actor-producer and Max It Magazine co-founder Bryan McClure argues that across budgets and platforms, storytelling — not money — is what connects with audiences.
In Hollywood, we often hear about budgets, box-office numbers and streaming wars. But no matter how big or small a production is, one truth remains constant: it's always about the story.
This year, indie studios like A24 and Neon dominated the Oscars. Films like 'Anora' and 'The Brutalist' proved what indie creators have known for years — audiences connect with authenticity, not dollar signs. Big blockbusters are a lot of fun, but the studios with the deepest pockets don't always win. The storytellers who take risks do.
Through producing 'Roast Pork Butt' and 'Switch', I saw that the power of connecting with an audience comes from a focus on the narrative. You're not beholden to corporate obligations — you're telling the story you believe in. Even when I worked on 'Origin', a larger-scale indie film, the heartbeat was still its story.
Whether you're shooting a no-budget short or a studio-backed feature, audiences want to feel something. Indie film gives us the space to take risks and create those unforgettable, human connections. Now get out there and put your heart into your projects.
About the author: Bryan McClure is an actor, writer, producer and director passionate about independent filmmaking. His credits include 'The Summer I Turned Pretty', 'The Walking Dead', 'Mindhunter' and HBO's 'The Great Lillian Hall' opposite Jessica Lange, as well as Ava DuVernay's 'Origin'. He is the creator of 'Roast Pork Butt' and 'Perfect Purpose', is developing the romantic comedy 'Switch', and is a co-founder of Max It Magazine.
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