The Colin and Samir Show How Extreme Birdwatching on YouTube could redefine Hollywood.
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Nov 13, 2025 
Owen Reiser, an independent filmmaker, shares the journey behind his birdwatching documentary, Listers, which he made for $16,000 with his brother. He discusses choosing YouTube over traditional streaming to prioritize reach and building a community. Owen details his unique monetization strategy—disabling ads in favor of a value-for-value model, which helped him earn about $75,000. He reflects on maintaining creative control, the unpredictable nature of YouTube, and the bright future for independent filmmaking on the platform.
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How Listers Got Made On A Shoestring
- Owen made Listers after his brother discovered birding and they committed years to the project.
- He produced the film for $16,000 using licensed footage and Patreon support to cover costs.
Turned Down Big Money To Keep Creative Control
- Owen rejected early studio offers because they wanted creative control and would pay little to him and his brother after cuts.
- He valued keeping the film authentic, especially the honest ending where they simply gave up.
YouTube As A Living-Room Platform
- YouTube now functions like a streaming competitor where viewers watch long-form content on TVs, not just mobile snacks.
- That shift lets independent filmmakers reach living-room audiences without traditional distribution.