How AVOD Filmmaking on YouTube Is Changing the Game
A lot of filmmakers are still thinking the old way—make a movie, put it on TVOD, hope people pay to rent it. But …
Film Producing
At Filmmaking Stuff, we are dedicated to providing filmmaking articles related to production, production equipment (cameras, lighting, audio), film scheduling, budgeting, casting and directing. From time to time, we will also include articles from guest filmmakers. We have provided the following ideas and filmmaking tips so that you can take action and make your movie.
When Things Fall Apart, Let It Play Out
I want to start with a simple idea that has helped me a lot over the years: when things fall apart, you don’t …
How to Write the Right Pitch Email to a Film Distributor (Without Making the Usual Mistakes)
When you’re reaching out with a pitch email to a film distributor, you have one goal: get the acquisitions person to actually click …
What Is a Real Film Package (and Why Most Filmmakers Get It Wrong)
If you’ve ever tried to get a movie off the ground, you’ve probably heard the phrase film package. And I can tell you …
What Sales Agents Want in Your Finished Film
If you’re wondering what sales agents look for in a finished film, you’re not alone. Markets are always right around the corner. And …
Producer vs Executive Producer: What Film Credits Really Mean
It amazes me how many people working in this business don’t actually understand how film credits work. Especially when it comes to the …
What Film Festivals Actually Help Sell Your Movie
What film festivals actually improve the odds of selling your movie? If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I’ve said again …
Film Deliverables: What Distributors Really Want
When you finally sign a deal with a sales agent or distributor, you’ll get hit with a list of film deliverables. And sometimes, …
Should You Work for Free on Film Sets?
If you’re starting out in the film industry, you’ve probably asked yourself if you should work for free on film sets? It’s a …
The Truth About Minimum Guarantees in Film Distribution
When you’re making a movie, one of the big terms you’ll hear tossed around is minimum guarantees in film distribution. At first, it …
What Sales Agents Do at Film Markets: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
A lot of filmmakers don’t fully understand what sales agents do at film markets like AFM, Cannes, or the Berlin EFM. I hear …
3 Pitch Deck Mistakes That Can Cost You Film Investors
When it comes to raising money for your film, the pitch deck is often the first thing a potential investor sees. It’s the …
How to Pick the Right First Feature Film
If you’re a filmmaker wondering how to pick your first feature film, let me share a little truth with you: your first feature …
The 3 Things Every Film Investor Wants
Over the years, I’ve pitched all kinds of film investors. Some deals ended up with money in the bank, and some didn’t. That’s …
How to Get Your Indie Film Into a Major Film Festival
If you’ve ever dreamed of getting your indie film into Sundance, Toronto, Cannes, or South by Southwest, you already know it can feel …
How to Choose the Right Film Festivals for Your Indie Film (Without Wasting Money)
Don’t Waste Money on the Wrong Film Festivals Let’s talk about something that costs indie filmmakers thousands every year submitting to film festivals …
Understanding Minimum Guarantees (MGs) in Film Distribution
If you’re trying to get a sales agent or distributor to pick up your indie film, you’ve probably heard the term minimum guarantee, …
Understanding the Film Investor Waterfall: How Money Flows Back to Your Investors
If you’re raising money for your movie, there’s one thing you absolutely need to have in your business plan—the film investor waterfall. It’s …
What to Look for in a Film Distribution Agreement (Before You Sign)
So, you got the movie made. That alone is an incredible achievement—congrats. Now you’ve landed a film distribution agreement. Maybe it came from …
How to Budget an Indie Film: What to Spend On and What to Skip
When you’re making an independent film, budgeting an indie film is one of the trickiest parts. Trust me — you want to make …
How to Work With a Sales Agent Without Getting Burned
If you’ve been making movies long enough, you’ve definitely heard the horror stories—someone got “burned” by a sales agent or distributor. But let’s …
Warning: Is Your Film Production Budget A Liability Or Insanity?
Creating a realistic film production budget is vitally important in prepping your movie. But if you’re looking to attract investors, allocating the money …
Who Else Wants a Film Production Checklist?
As a filmmaker, one of the toughest parts about making a movie is knowing where to start. The following film production checklist will give you an overview of the low budget, independent filmmaking process.
Get a Movie Made: 5 Things You Need To Know
In this filmmaking article, film finance expert Tom Malloy shares tactics on how to get a movie made, with the 5 essential strategies you need to succeed.
Make a Micro-Budget Blockbuster
Let’s clear something up right out of the gate: Micro-budget filmmaking does not mean $800,000. I can’t tell you how many times someone’s …
What Filmmakers Need to Know About the Cannes Film Market 2025
I just got back from the Cannes Film Market 2025 (also known as the Marché du Film), and I want to share some …
Filmmaking Success Mindset
Getting your filmmaking work noticed requires persistence, tenacity, and an unyielding ability to overcome obstacles and keep going—especially when the path seems impossible …
How to Build a Film Career Without Living in LA or NYC
If you’ve ever wondered how to build a film career without living in LA or NYC, you’re not alone. A lot of people …
AI is Disrupting VFX – Are You Ready for It?
Let’s talk about AI in visual effects—because if you’re a filmmaker right now, you need to keep your eye on this evolving trend. …
Why Kneecap Is One of the Best Movies
If there’s one movie that really stood out to me, it’s Kneecap. And honestly, I think it might just be the best movie …