"They were like, 'Let's show it [this year] because then you can experience it with an audience and really collect feedback in that ineffable way that you can only do if you see it in a room full of strangers,'"
"As the independent film landscape evolves, more filmmakers are finding that taking charge of their audience engagement, and often their distribution, is key to long-term success."
The Lions squad announcement drew an audience of 2,000 fans in London, showcasing the growing excitement around the event. It was broadcast live across multiple platforms, highlighting the marketing strategy targeting younger audiences.
However, Charlie Bunce, director of programmes for the series production company Curve Media, said in an email to chess.com that the first episode had attracted just under 1.2m viewers, describing that as a great success, and that in the rest of the series the programme had held its share.