Filmmaking Stuff

11/21/2025

Want to network at the American Film Market without buying a badge? The lobby is open to the public! Most distributors and sales agents come down for a drink at the end of the day. Perfect for networking and moving your project forward.

11/20/2025

At AFM 2025, distributors and sales agents are primarily seeking completed projects. While pitches might get a listen, finishing the film is crucial. Adding value like attachments or funding increases your project's appeal and chances for success.

11/19/2025

AFM 2025 brought a fresh energy with its move to the Fairmont Century Plaza. An interesting change: people were allowed in without badges. The venue was top-notch, with excellent service. Maybe this is the start of a stronger AFM in the years to come.

11/16/2025

The Filmmaking Stuff mixer at AFM was a hit! People enjoyed the panel and gathered to celebrate indie film. The new venue was a big success. "This is the place to be from now on!"

11/15/2025

Hanging out with Sunny Zhao and the team at the Western Alliance AFM party. It's a mix of parties and networking, but right now it's all about the food and open bar. AFM is in full swing, even if we're all getting a little tired. Enjoying tonight while it lasts!

11/10/2025

If you're attending AFM this week, note that Tom Malloy is on the final panel of the AFM Sessions!

Great filmmaking isn’t defined by budget but by creativity, resourcefulness, clarity of vision and, of course, a great script. Many acclaimed and commercially successful films have been made for a fraction of what they appear to cost on screen. Accomplished independent producers are joined by lead...

11/07/2025

Your film will earn most of its money in the first five years. Don't sign away the rights for 15, 20, or even perpetuity. You want the option to reclaim your film if they don't do a great job. It could make you more money.

11/06/2025

So you just got a distribution contract — exciting, right? But before you sign, make sure you’re not walking straight into one of these three major red flags that could hurt your movie’s long-term profits.

✅ Unfair splits (anything worse than 75/25)
✅ Ridiculous contract terms (over 10 years — or worse, “perpetuity”)
✅ Overblown market expenses ($25K+ with no proof of spend)

Most of a movie’s income comes in the first few years, so don’t get locked into a bad deal that keeps your film tied up forever.

💬 What’s the craziest clause you’ve seen in a distribution agreement? Drop it in the comments below!

11/06/2025

Is your film distributor offering you a fair deal? The standard split is 25% for the sales agent, 75% for the filmmaker. Anything drastically different should raise a red flag. Watch out for those bad splits!

11/05/2025

Knowing what international buyers pay and potential domestic revenue gives you a realistic market awareness. Don't just guess! Base your projections on contacts, sales agents, and similar successful films. This makes your pitch credible.

11/04/2025

Here are the 3 mindset shifts you must make if you want to attract real investors:
✅ Set a realistic budget you truly believe you can raise.
✅ Build a valuable project that feels worth investing in.
✅ Develop market awareness so you know what’s actually selling.

When you combine these three, your confidence skyrockets — and so does your ability to fund your movie.

🎥 Watch the video now and drop a comment below: which mindset shift are you working on right now?

11/04/2025

Add value: refine the script, nail the budget, minimize risks, and create a killer pitch. Then, attach a director, a star, and partners. Suddenly, the project has momentum. It's like knowing your movie will be a smash hit. You'd ask anyone for investment!