The Filmmaking Stuff Podcast

Submitting to film festivals without a strategy is the fastest way to burn cash. In this episode, I explain how to choose the right festivals for your indie film, why big festivals like Sundance are a long shot, and when you’re better off skipping festivals entirely and heading to film markets instead. Perfect for indie filmmakers looking to save money and actually reach an audience.

If you’re selling your movie and hear the term MG (Minimum Guarantee), you need to know exactly what it means—and what it doesn’t. In this episode, I break down how MGs work, the pros and cons, and how to avoid the classic “paid once” mistake many indie filmmakers make.

Perfect for filmmakers navigating their first distribution deal or weighing an MG versus a revenue split.

🎬 What Sales Agents Really Want When You Pitch Your Film Pitching at a film market? You’ve got seconds to make a first impression. In this episode, I break down the three things every sales agent looks for: recognizable cast, a marketable genre, and a professionally cut trailer. The trailer alone can tip the scales—good or bad. Don’t blow your shot.

Listen in and learn how to stand out in a crowded market.

In this episode, I break down the investor waterfall—how film investors get paid and what every business plan needs to include. I walk through the standard model (120% return + 50/50 split) with a clear $1M example. Whether you're raising from one investor or five, this is essential knowledge if you want to close real money.

🎧 Learn the basics of film finance in plain English—and why this one piece can make or break your deal.

In this episode, I break down why your one-pager is the first (and maybe only) chance you get to prove you're a professional filmmaker. We cover what to include, how to design it right, where to get great concept art, and the printing specs that work best at markets. Don’t let a bad first impression sink your film before it’s even made.

Want to land film investors? You need more than just a good project—you need to understand why they say yes. In this episode, we break down the three things that matter most to investors: excitement, experience, and the potential return. If you're pitching a film soon, don’t miss this one.

Finished your movie and wondering what to do next? In this episode, I break down how to sell your completed indie film step-by-step—whether you’re hitting the big film markets or staying home and using Cinando. Learn how to stand out with your trailer, reach the right buyers, and land a real distribution deal.

In this episode, we cover the top 3 things to watch out for in any sales or distribution contract: term length, sales fees, and expense caps. Learn how to protect your film and maximize your earnings.

Got 60 seconds? Perfect. In this episode, I show you how to pitch your movie lightning-fast — and how to use AI tools to get it done better than ever. We cover the elevator pitch basics, hooking your listener immediately, and making sure your delivery feels natural every time. Tune in and master your one-minute movie pitch today.

Smart indie film budgeting can make or break your shoot. In this quick episode, I share practical spend vs. skip tips to help you use every dollar wisely — from feeding your crew right to avoiding costs that never make it on screen. Listen in and learn how to get maximum production value without breaking the bank.

Ready to crush your next investor pitch meeting? In this episode, you'll learn exactly how to get investors interested in your movie by starting with active listening, crafting an irresistible quick pitch, and mastering strategic silence.

Tune in and transform your pitch skills today!

Ever wondered exactly which indie films distributors are hungry for? In this episode, we dive into the exact movie genres that sell best, why star-power matters more than ever, and the secret to standing out in today's ultra-competitive indie market.

Tune in to find out how to get distributors excited about your next film project!

Thinking about selling your film internationally? In this episode, I break down exactly how to navigate film markets like AFM, EFM, and Cannes, identify ideal distributors, and position your movie to maximize overseas sales.

Tune in and take your indie film global!

In this episode, I talk about how to use AI tools like ChatGPT responsibly in the filmmaking process. From speeding up busywork to breaking creative blocks, you’ll learn what AI can actually do—and where it can’t replace the human touch. Perfect for indie filmmakers looking to boost productivity without sacrificing originality.

In this episode, we dive into how AI is transforming filmmaking—from casting docs to visual effects—and why keeping the “human in the loop” is critical to protecting your creative voice. We cover how to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Veo without giving up authorship, and where to draw the line between helpful and harmful. If you’re navigating the changing landscape of indie film, this is a must-listen.

In this episode, I break down the real reasons so many indie films fail to land distribution. From dropping buyer budgets to unrealistic expectations, this is a no-fluff take on today’s film sales market—and what you need to do to stay ahead.

Keywords: why films fail to sell, film sales strategy, indie film distribution, how to sell your movie, sales agent tips

In this episode, I break down everything indie filmmakers need to know from the 2025 Cannes Film Market. From shrinking mid-budget profitability to the rise of micro-budget films and AI tools, I’m covering the shifts that will impact your next project. Don’t raise a dime in private equity until you hear this.