What's Happening?
The documentary 'Breaking Ranks: Inside Israel’s War', produced by Zandland, has been released on YouTube, bypassing traditional distribution channels. The film, which features testimonies from Israel Defense
Forces soldiers about the Gaza conflict, faced buyer hesitancy due to its contentious subject matter. Despite this, the documentary has garnered interest from multiple channels post-release. Zandland aims to build an online community and brand through this approach, leveraging YouTube's monetization capabilities and partnerships to support investigative journalism.
Why It's Important?
The decision to release 'Breaking Ranks' on YouTube highlights a shift in distribution strategies for documentaries, especially those covering sensitive topics. This approach allows producers to reach a global audience directly, bypassing traditional gatekeepers. It reflects broader trends in media consumption, where digital platforms play a significant role in content distribution. For Zandland, this strategy not only facilitates audience engagement but also supports the financial viability of investigative journalism through alternative revenue streams.
