The Filmmaking Stuff Podcast

Jaksot

• AVOD, Theaters, and the Future of Independent Film 03.06.2026 3min

  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 trends and make smarter decisions before you make your next movie.
• Why Most Indie Films Fail to Find an Audience 28.05.2026 3min

  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 chance of success in today's competitive film distribution landscape.
• Do Film Festival Laurels Actually Help Sell Your Movie? 06.05.2026 3min

  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 use festivals strategically to build an audience instead of chasing meaningless laurels. If you’re trying to sell your indie film, this is an important conversation.
• AVOD Is Where Indie Films Make Money Now 29.04.2026 3min

  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 22.04.2026 3min

  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 15.04.2026 2min

  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 18.03.2026 3min

  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, audience engagement, and real sales.
• The Collapse of the Mid-Budget Indie Film 11.03.2026 5min

  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 structuring your next indie film budget, this is essential listening.
• Inside Film Markets: The Job of a Sales Agent 04.03.2026 4min

  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) 05.02.2026 3min

  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 29.01.2026 3min

  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.
• Rethinking Film Distribution Windows 27.01.2026 3min

  Film distribution windowing is changing fast. In this episode, Tom Malloy breaks down modern release windows — theatrical, transactional VOD, subscription streaming, and AVOD — and explains why the old rules don’t always apply anymore. Using real-world examples like Netflix films returning to theaters and the rise of ad-supported platforms, he shares one key lesson for indie filmmakers: focus on demand first, and the windows will follow. A practical, no-nonsense guide to smarter film release strategy.
• What Makes a Film Marketable? 20.01.2026 3min

  What makes a film marketable in today’s crowded film marketplace? In this episode, we break down the real factors that determine whether a movie sells — from cast and genre to niche audiences, timing, and cultural trends. Learn why trying to appeal to everyone often backfires, how targeting a specific audience can dramatically improve your film’s chances, and why even successful movies are sometimes just lightning in a bottle. A must-listen for independent filmmakers looking to package smarter and market better.
• The Right Way to Talk About ROI in Film Financing 15.01.2026 4min

  Understanding ROI is critical when pitching film investors—but most filmmakers either oversell it or avoid it completely. In this episode, Tom Malloy breaks down film ROI using simple math, a $1M example, and real investor expectations. You’ll learn how to present hypothetical returns in a realistic 30–70% range, why projections can hurt your pitch, and how to explain an investor waterfall without overpromising. Perfect for filmmakers raising money, building business plans, or pitching private equity for independent films.
• Understanding Film Rights Before You Sign a Distribution Deal 13.01.2026 2min

  Film rights can make or break your movie’s financial future — and most filmmakers don’t fully understand them. In this episode, we break down domestic vs. international rights, worldwide deals, split rights, and platform-specific licenses like TVOD, SVOD, AVOD, FAST, and theatrical. If you’re working with distributors, sales agents, or heading to a film market, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and protect your film.
• Putting 2025 Behind Us: Why 2026 Can Be a Turning Point for Film 08.01.2026 3min

  2025 was rough for a lot of filmmakers—but it’s over. In this episode, Tom Malloy talks about how mindset, language, and belief directly impact the film business, from investor confidence to job creation. Learn why speaking positively about 2026 isn’t fluff, how optimism becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, and what filmmakers can do right now to help shift momentum back toward production, distribution, and growth.
• Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail—and How to Set Real Goals Instead 05.01.2026 4min

  Most New Year’s resolutions fail — and that’s not an accident. In this episode, Tom Malloy explains why resolutions don’t work, how setting 10–15 realistic annual goals changes your mindset, and why believing you can hit a goal is the real key to success. A practical, no-nonsense approach to making 2026 a year of real progress.
• Do Film Festival Laurels Help Sell a Movie? 30.12.2025 3min

  Do film festival laurels actually help sell a movie? In this episode, filmmaker and distributor Tom Malloy breaks down how official selections impact audiences versus sales agents, why major festivals like Sundance, Cannes, and Toronto still matter, and when lesser-known festival laurels carry little industry weight. A practical, real-world look at festival strategy for independent filmmakers.
• When Hiring an Entertainment Lawyer Helps—or Hurts—Your Film Deal 23.12.2025 5min

  Should filmmakers hire an entertainment lawyer to review a distribution or sales agent agreement? In this episode, Tom explains when legal review helps, when it hurts, and how over-redlining contracts can kill a film deal. Learn a smarter way to work with attorneys, agree on key bullet points, and protect your movie without blowing up the deal.
• How Indie Filmmakers Make Money on YouTube and AVOD 18.12.2025 4min

  YouTube and AVOD platforms like Tubi are changing how independent filmmakers make money. In this episode, filmmaker Tom Malloy explains why strong openings, smart pacing, and understanding ad-based audiences are now essential—and how filmmakers can reverse-engineer successful YouTube movies to build a sustainable filmmaking career.