The Filmmaking Stuff Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Why Some $100K Films Succeed—and Most Don't Jul 01, 2026

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Can a $100,000 indie film make money? In this episode, I break down the realities of today's micro-budget film business, why distribution matters as much as production, and what separates profitable indie films from the ones that never earn their investment back. If you're planning a low-budget feature, this episode will help you make smarter decisions before you roll the camera.

Film Financing Myths That Are Costing You Investors Jun 24, 2026

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In this episode, Tom Malloy breaks down some of the biggest myths and realities of raising money for movies. From whether a great script can raise financing to the truth about film festivals, wealthy investors, and chasing the success of breakout indie hits, you'll learn what actually matters when trying to get a film funded. A practical, no-nonsense look at film financing from someone who has spent decades raising money and producing independent films.

The New Rules of Indie Film Financing (Most Filmmakers Miss This) Jun 17, 2026

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The indie film financing landscape has changed dramatically. In this episode, I break down the new rules filmmakers need to understand before raising money, including realistic revenue projections, changing international sales, budget sizing, marketable elements, and why educating yourself on actual film revenues can make the difference between a fundable project and a fantasy.

What Film Buyers Actually Want Jun 10, 2026

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What do film buyers really want?

In this episode, I break down what buyers are looking for at major film markets like Cannes, AFM, and EFM. From cast and genre to marketable concepts and international appeal, you'll learn how buyers evaluate movies and what gives a film the best chance of landing distribution deals around the world. If you're making an indie film, this is information you need before you go into production.

AVOD, Theaters, and the Future of Independent Film Jun 03, 2026

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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 May 28, 2026

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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? May 06, 2026

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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 Apr 29, 2026

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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 Apr 22, 2026

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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 Apr 15, 2026

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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.

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