The Filmmaking Stuff Podcast

AFM 2024: Why You Should Attend the American Film Market in Vegas | Filmmaking Stuff Podcast In this insightful episode of the Filmmaking Stuff Podcast, host Tom Malloy dives into the significance of the American Film Market (AFM) 2024, which is moving to Las Vegas. Whether you've attended AFM when it was in downtown LA, Santa Monica, or even online during the pandemic, the core essence of this cr...

Welcome to another action-packed episode of the Filmmaking Stuff podcast with Tom Malloy. In this episode, Tom dives into the crucial moments leading up to securing a film distribution deal, an exhilarating yet daunting phase for any filmmaker. Tom shares valuable insights and personal experiences to help you avoid common pitfalls. Learn why relying solely on the distributor can be a costly mistak...

Welcome to another action-packed episode of the Filmmaking Stuff podcast! I'm Tom Malloy, and today we're diving into common mistakes in film funding that you should avoid at all costs. First, we discuss the dangers of appearing too desperate when pitching to potential investors. Desperation can emit negative energy and turn off investors, so it's crucial to project confidence and nonchalance. Nex...

Hello, filmmakers! Welcome to another action-packed episode of the Filmmaking Stuff podcast, hosted by Tom Malloy. In this episode, we dive deep into the pros and cons of using a distribution company versus self-distributing your movie. Tom, owning a sales agency and a distribution company, shares his insights on why going the traditional route with a sales agent or distributor might be beneficial...

Welcome to another action-packed episode of the Filmmaking Stuff podcast with Tom Malloy! In this episode, we delve into the critical elements of a successful film rollout strategy. Discover the importance of timing, sequencing, and coordinated marketing efforts to ensure your film reaches its maximum potential. Learn the intricacies of transitioning from transactional video on demand (TVOD) to su...

Are you struggling to budget your indie film? Many filmmakers find it hard to create and stick to a budget. A common mistake is underestimating costs and running out of money mid-production. In this episode, we dive deep into the essentials of film budgeting. Learn how to categorize your line items into flexible and fixed costs, negotiate better rates, and use contingency funds wisely. Discover st...

Struggling to get investors interested in your film? Many filmmakers find it hard to pitch their own projects. Welcome to another action-packed episode of the Filmmaking Stuff podcast with Tom Malloy. In this episode, we dive deep into the essentials of pitching your movie effectively. Tom shares his insights from years of experience in the industry, teaching pitching classes, and listening to hun...

Welcome to another action-packed episode of the Filmmaking Stuff podcast, hosted by Tom Malloy. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of how film distributors and sales agents generate revenue through sales fees, licensing deals, and revenue sharing. Understanding these mechanisms can empower filmmakers to negotiate better deals and appreciate the value these professionals bring to the ta...

Hey, filmmakers, want to catch the eye of top distributors? Let's make it happen. Hello, I'm Tom Malloy. Welcome to another action-packed episode of the Filmmaking Stuff podcast, where we share tips and tactics so you can take action and make your movie now. In this episode, I discuss strategies to get your film noticed by top distributors. It's not just about finding distributors; it's about crea...

Welcome to another action-packed episode of the Filmmaking Stuff podcast, hosted by Tom Malloy. In this episode, we dive deep into the crucial task of building a strong crew for your indie film. Many filmmakers struggle with assembling the right team, often making snap decisions that can lead to costly mistakes. Tom shares insightful tips on how to be discerning when choosing key crew members, suc...

Welcome to the Filmmaking Stuff podcast with Tom Malloy! In this action-packed episode, we dive into the highlights and insights from the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and the concurrent Marché du Film, the world's largest film market. Tom shares his firsthand experiences and key takeaways, including the significance of Cannes as the second most covered event globally, the challenges faced with securi...

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Filmmaking Stuff podcast with your host Tom Malloy. This episode reveals a valuable secret to secure your film's funding before you hit the production phase. This episode addresses a significant issue that frustrates many filmmakers - how to find initial funding for their projects. Find out why you should never rush into raising the full production budget...

Welcome to the Filmmaking Stuff podcast with Tom Malloy, an action-packed podcast where we share filmmaking tips and strategies! In a fast-paced digital age where traditional release windows are now complex due to the rise of VOD (Video on Demand) platforms, filmmakers need a robust strategy to maximize their movie's revenue. Dive in as we decode various VOD platforms and the significant role they...

Welcome to another episode of the Filmmaking Stuff podcast, with your host, Tom Malloy. In this action-packed episode, Tom shares the three most common movie pitch mistakes that could ruin your chances of securing funds for your project. He emphasizes the critical importance of pitching to investors and provides actionable tactics to avoid potential pitfalls. Tom shares his experiences from hundre...

In this empowering episode of the Filmmaking Stuff podcast, seasoned filmmaker Tom Malloy shares his experience over two decades ago when his script was held hostage by an unscrupulous producer. He details the deception, the broken promises, and the eventual tough decision that saw him take control of his script and destiny. Tom opens up about his early days as a young actor and budding filmmaker,...

In this episode of the Filmmaking Stuff podcast, host Tom Malloy explains the often misunderstood process of screenwriting. Dispelling the myth that a screenplay is ready after the first draft, Malloy tells new screenwriters that industry executives demand polished scripts reflecting professional standards. The first completion of your screenplay is just the rough 'garbage' draft. Now comes the ha...

Join host Tom Malloy in this episode of the "Filmmaking Stuff" podcast for essential tips on how to get your film featured in top industry trade publications like Variety, Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline. Discover the power of press releases, the importance of timing, and how knowing the right people can make all the difference. Whether you're an independent filmmaker or an industry veteran, lear...

Tune into the latest episode of the "Filmmaking Stuff" podcast with host Tom Malloy as we dive into the tricky waters of following trends in the film industry. Discover why trying to jump on the latest movie trend might not be the best strategy and how timing is everything. Learn from stories shared by industry veterans about the highs and lows of chasing the next big thing and why sometimes, crea...

Welcome to another exciting episode of Filmmaking Stuff podcast. In this episode, we are delving into the world of creating brilliant micro-budget films. Our host, Tom Malloy, shares insights on how can you make your movie stand out, even with a limited budget. Citing examples from successful low-budget films like 'Blair Witch Project' and 'Paranormal Activity', Malloy discusses the importance of...

In this episode of the Filmmaking Stuff podcast, host Tom Malloy discusses the potential market and the inherent value of producing short films. Tom explains that the value of short films isn't necessarily about profit. Instead, short films present an opportunity to gain experience and create a 'calling card' as a filmmaker. Aspiring directors should approach their short films like a test run or a...

Every filmmaker has a unique story to tell. If you're wondering how to bring your vision to the screen, this episode is for you. We'll guide you through the process, from initial concept to final cut, ensuring you have the tools and knowledge to create a film that truly resonates.

So you want to make money in movies? It's not just about the glitz and glamour. In this episode, we dive into the nitty-gritty of turning your passion for film into a profitable venture. 

Do NOT send out your screenplay with grammatical mistakes!  It signals to the reader that you’re an amateur and you haven’t put the effort into your writing. 

Dive deep into the heart of cinema with "Behind the Screens: Unveiling EFM 2024," your essential podcast episode for exclusive insights and highlights from the European Film Market in Berlin. This episode brings you closer to the pulse of the film industry, providing a comprehensive recap of the most prestigious marketplace for movie rights, production, and distribution. We transport listeners dir...

You want to take the first step in making your movie.  What is it?  What is the absolute first thing you must to do get things moving?