The Filmmaking Stuff Podcast
1) Most Producers Only Pay $1 for a Script (Here’s Why)
What is an option agreement and how do indie producers legally control a screenplay without buying it upfront? In this episode, Tom breaks down film option agreements, $1 options, term lengths, writer...Show More
2) EFM Berlin: Where Serious Filmmakers Make Real Deals
Thinking about attending the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin? In this episode, I break down how EFM compares to Cannes and AFM, why it’s considered the most professional film market, and why film...Show More
3) Rethinking Film Distribution Windows
Film distribution windowing is changing fast. In this episode, Tom Malloy breaks down modern release windows — theatrical, transactional VOD, subscription streaming, and AVOD — and explains why the ol...Show More
4) What Makes a Film Marketable?
What makes a film marketable in today’s crowded film marketplace? In this episode, we break down the real factors that determine whether a movie sells — from cast and genre to niche audiences, timing,...Show More
5) The Right Way to Talk About ROI in Film Financing
Understanding ROI is critical when pitching film investors—but most filmmakers either oversell it or avoid it completely. In this episode, Tom Malloy breaks down film ROI using simple math, a $1M exam...Show More
6) Understanding Film Rights Before You Sign a Distribution Deal
Film rights can make or break your movie’s financial future — and most filmmakers don’t fully understand them. In this episode, we break down domestic vs. international rights, worldwide deals, split ...Show More
7) Putting 2025 Behind Us: Why 2026 Can Be a Turning Point for Film
2025 was rough for a lot of filmmakers—but it’s over. In this episode, Tom Malloy talks about how mindset, language, and belief directly impact the film business, from investor confidence to job creat...Show More
8) Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail—and How to Set Real Goals Instead
Most New Year’s resolutions fail — and that’s not an accident. In this episode, Tom Malloy explains why resolutions don’t work, how setting 10–15 realistic annual goals changes your mindset, and why b...Show More
9) Do Film Festival Laurels Help Sell a Movie?
Do film festival laurels actually help sell a movie? In this episode, filmmaker and distributor Tom Malloy breaks down how official selections impact audiences versus sales agents, why major festivals...Show More
10) When Hiring an Entertainment Lawyer Helps—or Hurts—Your Film Deal
Should filmmakers hire an entertainment lawyer to review a distribution or sales agent agreement? In this episode, Tom explains when legal review helps, when it hurts, and how over-redlining contracts...Show More