The Filmmaking Stuff Podcast

Latest Episodes:

5 Things to Know before you Make Your First Feature Apr 22, 2025

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First-time feature filmmaker? In this episode, I break down 5 things I wish I knew before shooting my first professional movie. From finding the right team to staying sane through chaos, these tips are gold for anyone stepping into the director’s chair.

🎬 Keywords: indie filmmaking, first feature film, production tips, filmmaking advice, how to make a movie

How to Find and Attract the Right Film Investor Apr 20, 2025

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Not all money is good money. In this episode, learn how to envision the ideal investor for your film and craft your outreach accordingly. Whether it’s a horror fan with money to burn or a philanthropist passionate about your doc topic, this strategy gets results.

How to Make a Film Pitch Deck That Gets Investors & Distributors Interested Apr 15, 2025

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What makes a pitch deck work? In this episode, I talk about why your visual presentation can make or break your film pitch—and how to make yours stand out, even if you’re not a designer. We'll cover the difference between pitch decks and business plans, the value of professional design, and how to leave a strong first impression.

Keywords: movie pitch deck, film business plan, filmmaking tips, indie film investors, professional design for filmmakers

What does a sales agent actually do at film markets like AFM, EFM, or Cannes? Apr 10, 2025

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In this episode, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how we set up meetings, pitch films, and close deals. From wrangling 18 buyer meetings a day to figuring out which trailer makes a film sell—this is a real-world guide to the hustle of film sales.

🎬 Keywords: film markets, AFM, EFM, Cannes, sales agents, indie film distribution, film sales strategy, pitching films

Is Your IMDb Page Helping or Hurting Your Shot at Distribution? Apr 08, 2025

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Distributors and sales agents often check your IMDb to gauge your experience. In this episode, I break down how to make sure your page works in your favor, what to include, what not to fake, and why professionalism (even in your email address) really matters.

Making a Movie With Friends: Boundaries, Roles & Avoiding Drama Apr 03, 2025

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Should you hire your friend for your movie?
In this episode, we unpack the risks and real-world consequences of letting friendship override talent on a film set. Learn why written agreements matter, how to avoid creative hijacking, and how to spot the difference between a loyal friend and a liability.
🎧 Listen now to make smarter crew decisions and avoid costly regrets.

Keywords: filmmaking, hiring crew, indie film tips, working with friends, production mistakes, how to choose your team

How to Use Your Short Film to Launch a Feature Career Apr 01, 2025

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In this episode, we’re talking strategy—not theory. If you’ve made a short (or are about to), this is the roadmap to make it count. We break down how to pick the right genre, why your feature script should be ready to go, and how to use festivals to build momentum toward directing your first feature.

🎯 Perfect for indie filmmakers ready to move beyond shorts.

AI is Disrupting VFX—Are You Ready for It? Mar 27, 2025

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AI is rapidly changing the game for visual effects—and if you're a filmmaker, you can’t afford to ignore it. In this episode, we break down how VFX margins are shrinking, why AI-generated effects are closing the quality gap, and how emerging tech like AI dubbing is opening doors to global distribution. Plus, a real-world example of a film budget gone wrong.

🎙️ Whether you're producing on a shoestring or planning your next big feature, this episode delivers real talk on what’s working (and what’s not) in today’s filmmaking landscape.

Movie Theaters Vs. Streamers - Are They at War? Mar 25, 2025

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In this episode, we break down the surprising shift in the film industry—streamers and theaters are no longer at odds.
With theatrical windows shrinking and major studios like Amazon going theatrical-first, we explore how this new partnership is boosting VOD performance and changing the game for indie filmmakers.
Whether you're planning your film’s release or just staying ahead of trends, this is a must-listen.

Why Kneecap Is One of the Best Movies of 2024 Mar 20, 2025

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In this episode, we’re diving into Kneecap, Ireland’s submission for Best International Feature at the 2024 Academy Awards. This high-energy film follows the Irish rap group Kneecap as they bring hip-hop to life in old Irish Gaelic, pushing back against cultural repression. It’s got that same adrenaline rush as Whiplash and Slumdog Millionaire, but with a completely unique voice.

We’ll break down why Kneecap stands out, how diverse storytelling can break through, and why filmmakers should focus on creating authentic, fresh perspectives—without forcing it. If you love films that introduce you to new worlds, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in now and let’s talk about what makes Kneecap one of the best films of the year!

🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share your thoughts! What’s a movie that totally transported you into a world you’d never seen before? Drop a comment and let us know.

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