You want to take the first step in making your movie.  What is it?  What is the absolute first thing you must to do get things moving?

The First Step in Making a Movie

Filmmaking Stuff provides tactics for film producing, film funding, and film distribution.

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Welcome to another episode of the Filmmaking Stuff podcast, with your host, Tom Malloy. In this action-packed episode, Tom shares the three most common movie pitch mistakes that could ruin your chances of securing funds for your project. He emphasizes the critical importance of pitching to investors and provides actionable tactics to avoid potential pitfalls.Tom shares his experiences from hundreds of pitch meetings, highlighting the importance of knowing your investor, preparing your project, and maintaining high energy throughout the pitch. Providing practical examples, Tom discusses the challenge filmmakers face when they're unaware of their investors' interests and preferences, or when they pitch an unprepared project.Tom lays bare the often-overlooked importance of energy levels during the movie pitch process. He explains why a low-energy pitch can kill the deal, even with a solid project. He discusses the crucial importance of maintaining enthusiasm and passion during your pitch so that the investor feels your excitement and shares in your vision.Tom encourages you to master the art of pitching, as this can secure the funding your film deserves. Remember to check out the Filmmaking Stuff podcast for more tips, tactics, and inspiring stories in your filmmaking journey.

3 Pitch Mistakes that will Tank your Movie (and how to avoid them)

In this empowering episode of the Filmmaking Stuff podcast, seasoned filmmaker Tom Malloy shares his experience over two decades ago when his script was held hostage by an unscrupulous producer. He details the deception, the broken promises, and the eventual tough decision that saw him take control of his script and destiny.
Tom opens up about his early days as a young actor and budding filmmaker, falling prey to a manipulative producer who was all promises but short on action. This producer quickly became the executor of his script's fate, wreathing himself around it like it was his own. He had control over casting, execution, and even production. But the saga ended in deceit, leaving Tom with precious lessons on contracts and undermining his creative vision.
The heart of the story is Tom's shift in mindset. In the face of disappointment, he found resilience, picking himself up and reorienting his focus towards achieving his dream. He shares the liberating moment when he reclaimed his intellectual property, released his grip on lost opportunities and walked away from false alliances.
Tom, now an emblem of DIY filmmaking in Hollywood, tells how he channeled his painful experiences into a horror film script titled "The Attic", which later featured big-name stars. His journey underscores the importance of staying true to oneself and understanding that all one needs to kickstart an ambitious project is a determined mindset and one's existing resources.The episode is an encouraging cheer to filmmakers dealing with setbacks and a testament to how setbacks can reposition one's trajectory upward.
This episode is a must-listen for filmmakers at any stage, especially those who've given control of their film to a producer. Also for those looking to get started, this episode provides a reservoir of motivation to overcome fears and self-doubt. It compellingly shows that no budget or famous cast is required to kickstart one's filmmaking journey.
So why not pull up a chair, listen in and get ignited for your next filmmaking adventure? Happy listening!

Rejection to Producer: How I Broke Free and Made My Own Film

In this episode of the Filmmaking Stuff podcast, host Tom Malloy explains the often misunderstood process of screenwriting. Dispelling the myth that a screenplay is ready after the first draft, Malloy tells new screenwriters that industry executives demand polished scripts reflecting professional standards. The first completion of your screenplay is just the rough 'garbage' draft. Now comes the hard work of rewriting and polishing it.
Malloy compares screenwriting to sculpturing. The first draft is just a big rock. Your task then is to shape this into a recognizable form in the rewrite, and then go back a third time to add defining details in the polishing phase. These make up the real first draft. An understanding of this process is paramount for all screenwriters, even the most celebrated and successful ones. They do not simply type 'The End' and then send off their work. They rewrite and polish.
Beware of the danger of sharing your 'garbage' draft with others. You only get one chance to impress; people are generally unwilling to dedicate extra time to reread your script. Your polished screenplay is what opens doors in Hollywood. So, make sure your first read counts.
For more tips on transforming your initial draft into a market-ready script, follow the Filmmaking Stuff podcast. And remember, the journey to creating a great screenplay requires grit, patience, and continuous honing of your craft. Give every read your best shot!
And for more information on Screenwriting, go to: https://www.filmmakingstuffhq.com/write-your-screenplay-info/

From First Draft to Film-Ready: Perfecting Your Screenplay

Join host Tom Malloy in this episode of the "Filmmaking Stuff" podcast for essential tips on how to get your film featured in top industry trade publications like Variety, Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline. Discover the power of press releases, the importance of timing, and how knowing the right people can make all the difference.
Whether you're an independent filmmaker or an industry veteran, learn how to boost your career by making sure the right people see your work.
Don't miss out on practical advice for getting your film the attention it deserves in the competitive world of cinema. Subscribe for more insights and take the steps to make your movie now!

Unlocking the Power of Trade Publications in the Filmmaking Industry

Tune into the latest episode of the "Filmmaking Stuff" podcast with host Tom Malloy as we dive into the tricky waters of following trends in the film industry.
Discover why trying to jump on the latest movie trend might not be the best strategy and how timing is everything. Learn from stories shared by industry veterans about the highs and lows of chasing the next big thing and why sometimes, creating your own unique path could lead to greater success.
Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable insights on staying ahead in the fast-paced world of cinema. Don't forget to subscribe for more tips and stories to inspire your next film project.

The First Step in Making a Movie

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