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Funded by fans: the Time Team playbook

How going direct to consumer can pay off

Tara Conlan ๐Ÿ“บ's avatar
Tara Conlan ๐Ÿ“บ
Feb 23, 2026
โˆ™ Paid

Emily Boulting, Senior Producer and Director at Time Team

Everyone is talking about how to raise new revenue streams. One way to do that is through platforms such as Patreon.

It can seem daunting going direct to consumer, but the brains behind Time Team did just that after the show was cancelled by Channel 4.

They have built up a membership that has funded the return of the much-loved archaeological show, which now airs on YouTube.

So read on for advice on:

  • How to make the leap to fandom funding

  • Smart strategies to grow and activate your membership

  • Production playbooks for YouTube

  • Unlocking partnerships and monetising your archive

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