The Filmmaking Stuff Podcast

In this episode, I break down everything indie filmmakers need to know from the 2025 Cannes Film Market. From shrinking mid-budget profitability to the rise of micro-budget films and AI tools, I’m covering the shifts that will impact your next project. Don’t raise a dime in private equity until you hear this.

In this episode, we break down the myths around “micro-budget filmmaking” and how to shoot a real, marketable feature that looks like a million bucks—without spending it. We talk production value, tech tools, and why most people are doing it wrong. Perfect for indie filmmakers, first-timers, and anyone serious about building a career in film.

In this episode, I break down how filmmakers can avoid bad deals with distributors or sales agents—by doing smarter research, knowing what red flags to look for, and understanding what “getting burned” actually means in today’s film market.

In this episode, we dig into the must-have elements of a professional film business plan. You’ll learn why sitting between the flashy pitch deck and legal overload is key, and exactly what to include—from a polished cover to a hypothetical investor return. Whether you're prepping for your first investor meeting or need to clean up your current plan, this breakdown will help you pitch with confiden...

Can you break into the movie business if you don’t live in a major city? Absolutely. In this episode, we cover real strategies to stay connected to the industry through film markets, festivals, meetings, and smart networking — no matter where you live. Listen and find out how showing up (in person or online) can open doors from anywhere.

Not all money is good money. In this episode, learn how to envision the ideal investor for your film and craft your outreach accordingly. Whether it’s a horror fan with money to burn or a philanthropist passionate about your doc topic, this strategy gets results.

First-time feature filmmaker? In this episode, I break down 5 things I wish I knew before shooting my first professional movie. From finding the right team to staying sane through chaos, these tips are gold for anyone stepping into the director’s chair. 🎬 Keywords: indie filmmaking, first feature film, production tips, filmmaking advice, how to make a movie

Not all money is good money. In this episode, learn how to envision the ideal investor for your film and craft your outreach accordingly. Whether it’s a horror fan with money to burn or a philanthropist passionate about your doc topic, this strategy gets results.

What makes a pitch deck work? In this episode, I talk about why your visual presentation can make or break your film pitch—and how to make yours stand out, even if you’re not a designer. We'll cover the difference between pitch decks and business plans, the value of professional design, and how to leave a strong first impression. Keywords: movie pitch deck, film business plan, filmmaking tips, ind...

In this episode, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how we set up meetings, pitch films, and close deals. From wrangling 18 buyer meetings a day to figuring out which trailer makes a film sell—this is a real-world guide to the hustle of film sales. 🎬 Keywords: film markets, AFM, EFM, Cannes, sales agents, indie film distribution, film sales strategy, pitching films

Distributors and sales agents often check your IMDb to gauge your experience. In this episode, I break down how to make sure your page works in your favor, what to include, what not to fake, and why professionalism (even in your email address) really matters.

Should you hire your friend for your movie? In this episode, we unpack the risks and real-world consequences of letting friendship override talent on a film set. Learn why written agreements matter, how to avoid creative hijacking, and how to spot the difference between a loyal friend and a liability. 🎧 Listen now to make smarter crew decisions and avoid costly regrets. Keywords: filmmaking, hiri...

In this episode, we’re talking strategy—not theory. If you’ve made a short (or are about to), this is the roadmap to make it count. We break down how to pick the right genre, why your feature script should be ready to go, and how to use festivals to build momentum toward directing your first feature. 🎯 Perfect for indie filmmakers ready to move beyond shorts.

AI is rapidly changing the game for visual effects—and if you're a filmmaker, you can’t afford to ignore it. In this episode, we break down how VFX margins are shrinking, why AI-generated effects are closing the quality gap, and how emerging tech like AI dubbing is opening doors to global distribution. Plus, a real-world example of a film budget gone wrong. 🎙️ Whether you're producing on a shoestr...

In this episode, we break down the surprising shift in the film industry—streamers and theaters are no longer at odds. With theatrical windows shrinking and major studios like Amazon going theatrical-first, we explore how this new partnership is boosting VOD performance and changing the game for indie filmmakers. Whether you're planning your film’s release or just staying ahead of trends, this is...

In this episode, we’re diving into Kneecap, Ireland’s submission for Best International Feature at the 2024 Academy Awards. This high-energy film follows the Irish rap group Kneecap as they bring hip-hop to life in old Irish Gaelic, pushing back against cultural repression. It’s got that same adrenaline rush as Whiplash and Slumdog Millionaire, but with a completely unique voice. We’ll break down...

🎬 Thinking about working on a film set? If you’re looking for film set jobs just to make money, you might be in for a surprise. In this episode, I break down the reality of getting hired as a Production Assistant (PA) and why entry-level film jobs aren’t a financial goldmine—but they can be the best way to gain experience, make connections, and build a career in the industry. 🔹 Why PA jobs pay l...

Is your indie film the next Anora? While it had a $6M budget, the real game-changer was an $18M marketing spend. In this episode, we break down the economics of indie films vs. studio-backed projects, why marketing is crucial, and how to improve your chances of success. Don’t fall for misleading comparisons—learn the real strategies that work! 🎧 Subscribe for more indie filmmaking insights! #Indi...

How Reviews Can Make or Break Your Film’s Success 🎬⭐ In this episode, we dive into the power of reviews and how they impact a film’s visibility on platforms like Amazon, iTunes, and Tubi. Learn how positive reviews can boost your movie in search algorithms, why verified purchaser reviews matter, and how a web series we distributed skyrocketed after winning an Emmy. Plus, tips on getting your cas...

Film distribution is changing faster than ever! In this episode, we break down the evolution from traditional theatrical and DVD sales to the rise of VOD (Video on Demand)—including TVOD, SVOD, and AVOD. Discover how platforms like Netflix, Tubi, and YouTube are shaping the industry, why AVOD is booming, and what indie filmmakers must do to stay ahead. Don’t get left behind—learn how to maximize y...

Should you require an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) before sending your screenplay to producers or agents? In this episode, we break down why NDAs are NOT standard in the film industry—except for high-profile IPs like Marvel or Lucasfilm. Learn why using an NDA can make you look like an amateur, why screenplay theft is rare, and how digital timestamps easily prove ownership. 🎙 What You’ll Learn:...

Worried about someone stealing your screenplay or film? In this episode, we break down the truth about copyright law, automatic protections in the U.S. and U.K., and why most professionals don’t register their scripts. Learn how to protect your work, avoid common mistakes, and focus on what really matters in filmmaking. 🎬 🔹 Topics Covered: ✅ Do you really need to register your screenplay? ✅ Ho...

Are film festivals like Sundance, Toronto, and Cannes the best place to sell your movie, or should you focus on film markets like AFM, EFM, and the Marché du Film? In this episode, we break down the key differences between festivals and markets, revealing where real deals happen and how filmmakers can maximize their chances of securing distribution. 🎬 Why only a few festivals lead to real sales...

In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest questions aspiring filmmakers ask: How do I break into the film industry? Whether you’re dreaming of walking red carpets, attending festivals, or becoming a full-time filmmaker, it all starts with one key step—making a feature film. We’ll cover why shorts are helpful but not enough, how to get your film sold and released, and why attending film markets...

In this episode, we dive into the 7 essential stages of filmmaking, from the spark of an idea in development to a film’s long-term revenue as a library title. Learn how each stage—development, pre-production, production, post-production, sales, release, and beyond—shapes a movie's journey and maximizes its success. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or an industry pro, this guide is packed with...