The Filmmaking Stuff Podcast

Private Equity Investors: The Real Key to Indie Film Financing

What is a private equity investor, and why are they the ultimate key to financing your indie film? In this episode, I explain the difference between equity investors and other types of funding like soft money, tax credits, and loans. You’ll learn why private equity is about more than money—it’s about giving someone an exciting experience they can’t get anywhere else, and how to make your project irresistible to the right investor.

What Is a Minimum Guarantee in Film Distribution?

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.

The Three Things That Sell Your Film at Any Market

🎬 What Sales Agents Really Want When You Pitch Your FilmPitching 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.

The Investor Waterfall: What Smart Filmmakers Use to Raise Money

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.

Why Your Film’s One-Pager Might Be Costing You Deals

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.

The Psychology of Film Investors: What Really Closes the Deal

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.

How to Sell Your Completed Indie Film (Without Getting Burned)

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.

Indie filmmakers—don’t sign that distribution deal until you hear this.

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.

How to Pitch Your Movie in 60 Seconds Using AI

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.

How to Budget an Indie Film: What to Spend On (and What to Skip)

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.

How to Get Your Movie on Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu

In this episode, discover how to get your independent film onto major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and Apple TV. Learn the critical differences between self-distribution versus working with a focused sales agent, why active marketing can significantly increase your film’s revenue, and insider insights into the current challenges and opportunities within digital film distribution.
Essential listening for filmmakers serious about maximizing exposure and profit.

How to Pitch Your Movie to Investors in 2025!

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!

What are Movie Distributors Looking for?

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!

Selling Your Film Internationally? Here’s Exactly How!

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!

How Filmmakers Can Use AI Without Losing Creative Control

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.

AI in Filmmaking – Use It Without Losing Control

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.

Why Films Fail to Sell (and What You Can Do About It)

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

Cannes Marché du Film 2025 Recap: Why Micro-Budget Films Are Winning

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.

What’s a real micro-budget? And can you actually make a great movie for under $50K?

In this episode, we break down the myths around “micro-budget filmmaking” and how to shoot a real, marketable feature that looks like a million bucks—without spending it. We talk production value, tech tools, and why most people are doing it wrong.
Perfect for indie filmmakers, first-timers, and anyone serious about building a career in film.

How to Work With a Sales Agent Without Getting Burned

In this episode, I break down how filmmakers can avoid bad deals with distributors or sales agents—by doing smarter research, knowing what red flags to look for, and understanding what “getting burned” actually means in today’s film market.