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The Filmmaking Stuff Podcast

The Filmmaking Stuff Podcast

Filmmaking Stuff 300 episodes Latest Jun 3, 2026

Filmmaking Stuff is the professional resource for entrepreneurial filmmakers, providing tactics on film producing, film funding, and film distribution.

Episodes

What Film Buyers Actually Want Jun 10, 2026 189 What do film buyers really want? In this episode, I break down what buyers are looking for at major film markets like Cannes, AFM, and EFM. From cast and genre to marketable concepts and international appeal, you'll learn how buyers evaluate movies and what gives a film the best chance of landing distribution deals around the world. If you're making an indie film, this is information you need befo
AVOD, Theaters, and the Future of Independent Film Jun 3, 2026 217 Film distribution is always changing, and filmmakers who ignore those changes do so at their own risk. In this episode, Tom Malloy discusses the rise of AVOD platforms like Tubi, the shifting revenue landscape for independent films, signs of a theatrical resurgence, and why attending film markets and talking with other filmmakers can give you a competitive edge. Learn how to spot distribution tren
Why Most Indie Films Fail to Find an Audience May 28, 2026 213 Why do so many indie films fail to find an audience? In this episode, I break down the biggest reasons independent films struggle after release, including oversaturated marketplaces, weak marketing strategies, ineffective artwork and trailers, and relying too heavily on distributors. You'll learn practical ways to improve your film marketing, reach the right audience, and give your movie a better
Do Film Festival Laurels Actually Help Sell Your Movie? May 6, 2026 227 Do film festival laurels actually help sell your movie? In this episode, I break down the truth about film festival awards, official selections, and what buyers, sales agents, and distributors really care about. We’ll talk about the major festivals that matter—like Sundance, Cannes, Tribeca, and Toronto—why smaller regional festivals often don’t move the needle for sales, and how filmmakers should
AVOD Is Where Indie Films Make Money Now Apr 29, 2026 226 AVOD is where indie films are making money now. In this episode, I break down why ad-based video on demand platforms like Tubi, YouTube, and Pluto are becoming the biggest opportunity for indie filmmakers, why younger audiences prefer free content with ads, and how smart filmmakers can use AVOD strategy to increase revenue and improve film performance.
Why Your Trailer Matters More Than Your Movie Apr 22, 2026 230 In this episode, we break down why a movie trailer is more important than the movie itself when it comes to sales, distribution, and audience engagement, and how the right trailer can drive viewership and revenue.
Indie Film Distribution: What Filmmakers Get Wrong Apr 15, 2026 173 Why do most indie films fail to make money? In this episode, we break down the real reason—filmmakers focus on production, not distribution—and how to build a clear path to sales, investors, and ROI from the start.
How to Avoid Making an Invisible Film Mar 18, 2026 188 Why do some indie films completely disappear after release? In this episode, we break down the concept of the “invisible film” — movies that get uploaded to platforms but generate little to no revenue. Learn why platform saturation, over-reliance on distributors, and lack of filmmaker promotion can kill a film’s visibility — and how building a marketing plan from the beginning can create momentum,
The Collapse of the Mid-Budget Indie Film Mar 11, 2026 317 The mid-budget independent film model is collapsing — and most filmmakers don’t see it coming. In this episode, I break down why $750K–$5M films are struggling, how the loss of DVD revenue and platform saturation changed the market, why B-list cast no longer guarantees sales, and why some producers believe $15M films are actually safer investments than $5M films. If you're raising capital or struc
Inside Film Markets: The Job of a Sales Agent Mar 4, 2026 296 What do sales agents really do at film markets like Cannes, AFM, and EFM? In this episode, I explain how sales agents meet buyers, pitch films, and secure distribution deals. You'll also learn why most deals don't happen during the market itself, but in the weeks after buyers review screeners.
Most Producers Only Pay $1 for a Script (Here’s Why) Feb 5, 2026 198 What is an option agreement and how do indie producers legally control a screenplay without buying it upfront? In this episode, Tom breaks down film option agreements, $1 options, term lengths, writer payments, and how rights revert if a movie doesn’t get made. A practical, no-nonsense guide for producers and screenwriters navigating indie film development and financing.
EFM Berlin: Where Serious Filmmakers Make Real Deals Jan 29, 2026 208 Thinking about attending the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin? In this episode, I break down how EFM compares to Cannes and AFM, why it’s considered the most professional film market, and why filmmakers with finished projects and real credits get the most value from it. If you want smarter film distribution and market strategy, this one’s for you.

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