The Filmmaking Stuff Podcast

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, and cultural trends. Learn why trying to appeal to everyone often backfires, how targeting a specific audience can dramatically improve your film’s chances, and why even successful movies are sometimes just lightning in a bottle. A must-listen for independent filmmakers looking to package smarter and market better.

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 example, and real investor expectations. You’ll learn how to present hypothetical returns in a realistic 30–70% range, why projections can hurt your pitch, and how to explain an investor waterfall without overpromising.

Perfect for filmmakers raising money, building business plans, or pitching private equity for independent films.

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 rights, and platform-specific licenses like TVOD, SVOD, AVOD, FAST, and theatrical. If you’re working with distributors, sales agents, or heading to a film market, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and protect your 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 creation. Learn why speaking positively about 2026 isn’t fluff, how optimism becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, and what filmmakers can do right now to help shift momentum back toward production, distribution, and growth.

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 believing you can hit a goal is the real key to success. A practical, no-nonsense approach to making 2026 a year of real progress.