Welcome to Phase Six!

Hi everyone!

Every May, I celebrate another year of Austin B Media and reflect on what's working and what needs to change. This year is a massive deal: it's the fifth anniversary. Over the past month, I have revisited the original notebook I used to brainstorm the origins of Austin B Media, reviewed past surveys, and even created a 14-tab spreadsheet to collate all the information I have learned.

I never imagined I'd reach this milestone. To honor it, I'm building something that can last another five years, with your help.

What is Phase Six?

Instead of a single big overhaul, Phase Six is a year-long, monthly rollout of updates and improvements, much like an incremental software update or the addition of new shows and movies to a streaming service. This allows me to adapt quickly, focus on what works, and build Austin B Media with you, step by step.

What to Expect in Phase Six

Back to Basics

First and foremost, I want to go back to basics. In my research, the things you've told me you love the most are my deep-dive reviews, festival coverage, interviews, and podcast episodes. So, naturally, I'll be doing more of that. However, I want to do some pretty audacious things of my own. I aim to produce more op-eds, essays, and spotlights on overlooked media, and strive to be more comprehensive in covering not only film and TV, but also games and music. So, over the next few weeks, expect a more multi-disciplinary focus for my coverage.

A Deeper Community

Another thing I want to focus on in Phase Six is you, the community. Starting today, you'll have access to more polls where you can help choose what I cover next, regular Discord AMAs, Patreon Community Chats to connect directly, a monthly Film Club for $10+ Patrons, and much more.

Contributors: Supporting Future Critics

Third, I know I haven't been the best at supporting the future entertainment critics out there, but I am going to be reworking my contributor program to include the opportunity to not only have a direct line to me, but to provide them with any resources they need to become the best entertainment critics they can be.

Which reminds me. For those who don't necessarily want to contribute to what I'm doing here at Austin B Media, I will finally be finishing my eBook, tentatively titled How to Go Legit: Transitioning from Hobbyist to a Professional Critic, that's been in the works for years now will be finished by June 1st, 2025, and will be available for anyone to purchase for $15. Patrons will receive a code for 20% off this price the week before. However, here's the big deal: if you become a contributor, you're going to get this eBook for free. Not only will my eBook include the press sites you need to go to, but I consider it the definitive guide to doing what I've been doing for five years now. I'll be working on more eBooks in the future, but for now, this is the one I have a firm date on.

Website & Platforms: Better, Faster, and Smarter

Beyond all this, I'm working on making my website and the platforms I'm on 100x better than they are right now. At the top of my list is improving my website to include enhanced search functionality, a dynamic homepage, push notifications, and a more intuitive way to access member-only posts, such as exclusive reviews, editorial calendars, and more. Just below that are a bit boring, but they keep the lights on. You may have already noticed that I've added a JustWatch' Where to Watch' widget throughout the site. In Phase Six, this widget will be included across all new posts on the Austin B Media website. I'll also be experimenting with selling sponsor spots on podcast episodes, videos, or articles, as well as freelancing for other outlets. I plan to sell high-quality merchandise that I would actually use, such as AirPods and iPhone cases, mugs, and shirts.

Additionally, I will also be crowdfunding for special occasions, such as film festivals or new equipment, as needs arise. This is all in service of providing you with better coverage of major festivals, such as the Bentonville Film Festival, AFI Fest, Tribeca, and SXSW, as well as my journey towards joining critics' associations like the Critics' Choice and Rotten Tomatoes.

Last but certainly not least, I'll be testing out new formats, such as video essays and live Q&As, and creating what I want to create with your support.

Patreon & Beyond: More Focused, More Fun

So, I've discussed a lot about what I'm going to do, but you'll notice that I haven't talked much about what you'll get. That's on purpose. Well, that's on purpose. Throughout my research for Phase Six, a recurring theme I've encountered is that you all want to support me and believe I'm doing a great job. In that spirit, I've only tweaked the Patreon tiers and ways you can support me.

As far as Patreon tiers go, here is the new structure:

Young Neil ($1/month):

• Pure support, no perks - just the knowledge you're helping keep Austin B Media alive.

Scott's Sidekick ($3/month):

• 48-hour early access to all reviews, podcasts, interviews, and articles

• Access to exclusive Patreon posts and monthly content calendars

• Dedicated Discord channels for Sidekicks and above

• New: Research lists for major reviews, with sources and behind-the-scenes notes

Wallace's Warriors ($10/month):

• Everything from Scott's Sidekick

• Monthly "Behind the Curtain" posts with production insights

• Uncut podcast episodes with bonus discussions and outtakes

• Exclusive podcast episodes, including short reviews and franchise retrospectives

• Coming soon: Austin B Media Film Club - watch films on your own, then join monthly Discord or Zoom discussions.

Knives' Crew ($20/month):

• Everything from Wallace's Warriors and Scott's Sidekick

• Direct feedback channel for website features and suggestions

• Voting power on polls that influence what I review and cover

Subspace ($50/month):

• All Knives' Crew perks

• Direct input on creative experiments (new show formats, video series, etc.)

• Quarterly behind-the-scenes updates on experimental projects

• Early access to pilot episodes, test content, and more

In essence, all that's changed is that the $1 tier now has changed its name from Tip Jar to Young Neil to tie into the Scott Pilgrim theming of my tiers directly, each tier now has clearer and more focused benefits, I'm focusing more on early access and exclusive content, added new perks like research lists, Film Club, and re-enabled the Knives' Crew and Subspace tiers. All of this is in support of a Patreon structure that is more sustainable for me and one that is responsive to all of my Patrons' feedback.

Outside of Patreon, I'll be reactivating my tip jar on my site, but other than that, everything is behind the scenes.

Thank you for five incredible years. Whether you've been following me since the beginning or just came across this post, your support makes Austin B Media possible. I'm excited to build Phase Six with you - one update at a time.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below or message me directly.

Here's to the next chapter!

Austin