The Filmmaking Stuff Podcast

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 TV and Tubi, and discuss the vital relationships and international reach that sales agents and distributors bring to the table.

Tom also addresses common concerns, such as marketing fees and unscrupulous practices, while emphasizing the importance of filmmakers actively participating in promoting their films, regardless of the distribution method chosen.

Join us for this comprehensive guide to making the best distribution choice for your film. Don't forget to subscribe for more tips, tactics, and inspiring stories. Until next time, take action and make your movie now!

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, leveraging social media, influencers, and partnerships with sales agents or distributors. Tune in to understand how a well-planned rollout can sustain your film's momentum and success over time.

Don't miss out on these essential tips and tactics for filmmakers. Subscribe now for more inspiring stories and practical advice. Take action and make your movie now!

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 Blockbuster Blueprint. https://www.filmmakingstuffhq.com/backyard-blockbuster-blueprint-info/

Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or just starting, this episode offers valuable tips to help you make the best movie possible within your budget.

Don't forget to subscribe for more tips, tactics, and inspiring stories. Until next time, take action and make your movie now.

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, from the story's unique aspects to technical details and value points. Understand how to practice and refine your pitch continuously, ensuring it captures the attention of potential investors.

Don't miss these invaluable tips and tactics to help you take action and make your movie now. Subscribe for more inspiring stories and expert advice from Tom Malloy and the Filmmaking Stuff podcast.

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 deals and U.S. distribution, highlighting the typical revenue splits and the importance of scrutinizing expenses. Tom emphasizes the need for transparency in costs and warns against hidden fees that can eat into a film's revenue.

He underscores the importance of making a film stand out in a challenging market and explores the limitations of self-distribution compared to professional distribution networks.

Ready to demystify film distribution economics? Click the link for more info.

https://www.filmmakingstuffhq.com/international-film-distribution-action-plan-info/

And follow me if you want to produce movies!

#FilmDistributors, #FilmEconomics, #Filmmaking, #IndieFilm, #MovieDeals

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 film festivals like Fantasia and Sitges, or major festivals like Sundance, can give your film the seal of approval it needs. Understand the importance of marketing your film before approaching distributors, and why a compelling online presence is irresistible to them.

Ready to make your film irresistible to distributors? Click the link for more info. And follow me if you want to produce movies!  http://www.filmmakingstuffhq.com

#FilmDistributors, #Filmmaking, #FilmMarketing, #IndieFilm, #MoviePitch

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 experiences and discover how one wrong hire can impact your entire film production. Tom also discusses the value of having a trusted list of reliable crew members and the significance of local connections in the filmmaking industry.

Don't miss this episode if you want to ensure your film is produced to the highest standard possible. Subscribe now for more tips, tactics, and inspiring stories. Take action and make your movie now!

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, especially with new UK tax credits.

Tom emphasizes the importance of attending film markets like Cannes, EFM, and AFM for networking, gaining industry knowledge, and advancing your filmmaking career. Tune in for invaluable advice on how to make the most of these events, even if your film is still in the planning stages.

Don't miss this episode filled with practical tips and inspiring stories to help you take action and make your movie now. Subscribe for more insights from the Filmmaking Stuff podcast!

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 matter how small, plays a crucial role in realizing successful films – even with big-budget ones. The episode breaks down the components of the development budget, including producer fees, legal paperwork, LLC setup, and more, explaining why each is a vital part of your pre-production process.

Get expert insights on how hiring a casting director can take your project to the next level. Plus, find out how the extensive casting lists provided by professional casting directors can narrow down the most suitable and available actors for your indie or studio film.

This episode also covers the importance of using development funding to attend film markets and how these events can enable you to pick up a sales agent or distributor. Learn how to engage initial interest in your project, showing potential partners who you are aiming to attach to your project as a significant step in securing film finance.

Understand the intricacies of development financing, and how the calculated risk entailed makes it a much safer form of investment. Explore why the journey to making a $3 million film starts with a much less daunting $50,000 in development funds. Whether your first investor opts for a simple payback once the film's fully financed or desires an along-for-the-ride experience with an executive producer credit, development financing covers all bases.

Tune into the Filmmaking Stuff podcast with Tom Malloy for more exceptional tips, tactics, and inspiring stories. Let your film creation journey begin today.

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 monetizing your movie. We delve into the intricacies of these windows and why it's crucial not to "break" them. For instance, if you release on Transactional Video on Demand (TVOD) such as Fandango or Apple TV first and then aim to release it in theaters, it's not going to work. Once a window is opened, you cannot retreat.

We demystify the three types of VOD - TVOD, SVOD (Subscription-based VOD - e.g., Netflix), and AVOD (Ad-based VOD - e.g., Youtube). Each type serves a different function and can impact your movie's distribution and profits differently.

We also share insights on the possible mistakes filmmakers make when releasing films on these platforms, emphasizing the need for sequential release (windowing) rather than simultaneous release across all platforms (shotgunning). By following a targeted windowed release pattern, filmmakers have the potential to maximize revenue on every platform.

Whether you're working with a sales agent, distributor, or self-distributing, understanding these release patterns is paramount to your film's profitability. So set on a journey with us as we navigate the complex world of VOD distribution in the Filmmaking Stuff podcast. Don't forget to subscribe for interesting stories, tips, and tactics that will help push your filmmaking boundaries!