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. However, he also highlights the control and potential for higher profits with self-distribution. We explore the role of aggregators, essential for getting your film onto major platforms like Apple T ..read more

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 subscription-based (SVOD) and ad-based video on demand (AVOD), and why breaking these windows can be detrimental. Tom shares valuable insights on how to effectively market your film at each stage, lever ..read more

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 strategies to handle unexpected expenses and the importance of clear communication with investors. Tom Malloy shares practical advice from his experience, including insights from his course, Backyard Bl ..read more

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 hundreds of pitches. Learn why a concise, two-minute pitch is crucial and how to focus on the hooks that make your project stand out. Discover the importance of highlighting the key elements of your film ..read more

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 table. Tom explains the hybrid nature of modern sales agents and distributors, using his own company, Glasshouse Distribution, as an example. He discusses the differences between international buyout de ..read more

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 creating a strong online presence and leveraging film festivals to generate interest. Learn why having an early buzz, press releases, and a fan base can make a significant difference. Discover how genre f ..read more

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, such as the director of photography, line producer, and sound recordist. He emphasizes the importance of defining roles and responsibilities clearly to avoid potential pitfalls. Learn from real-life expe ..read more

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 security and organization, and the evolving preferences of film buyers. Discover why action, thriller, and family films are in demand, and learn about the growing opportunities in co-production markets, esp ..read more

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 without first securing your development fund. Discover what development financing means and how it can change your movie-making journey. With real-life examples, learn how a development budget, no ma ..read more

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 play in a movie's distribution strategy. In this episode, we explore the concept of 'windowing', a release schedule one must follow. Violating this pattern can negatively affect the potential for mon ..read more