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Making your movie is one part of the process. How are you going to get it out into the world? Tom Malloy breaks down the five core pillars of independent film: producers, investors and financiers, sales agents, distributors, and exhibitors and streamers. Learn who does what, how international film sales and domestic distribution connect, and why those relationships matter when you’re building a plan to revenue.

What if you already have the life you’re working toward? In this episode, I take a break from film financing and distribution to share the Mexican Fisherman Story. It’s a simple, inspiring reminder to think about what success means to you, enjoy time with your family, and appreciate what you have—because it may be exactly what you want.

Your indie film isn’t automatically worth what you spent making it. In this episode, I break down how the marketplace actually determines an indie film’s value—and why cast, genre, audience, festival exposure, buzz, timing, and buyer demand can matter far more than your production budget. I also explain why filmmakers need to understand what buyers are actually paying so they can work backward, determine a realistic market value, and build the right production budget from the beginning.

Why doesn't a $20 million movie that grosses $30 million at the box office automatically make a $10 million profit? Because that's not how theatrical movie economics work. In this episode, I break down the real numbers behind a theatrical release, including production budgets, P&A and advertising costs, the exhibitor's share of box-office revenue, and why filmmakers need to look beyond the headline gross when determining whether a movie actually made money. Using a simple $20 million film as an example, I'll show you how quickly the economics change once you account for marketing and the theaters' cut.

In filmmaking, things fall through all the time—financing disappears, actors drop out, deals change, and rejection comes with the territory. In this episode, I explain my Ant Theory and how I’ve used it throughout my filmmaking career: instead of sitting around thinking about what went wrong, figure out what you need to do next and take action. It’s a simple approach to persistence, handling rejection, overcoming filmmaking setbacks, and continuing to move toward your goal.

What does a $5.99 indie film rental actually earn the filmmaker? In this episode, I break down the economics of TVOD and show where the money goes after the streaming platform and distributor take their percentages. We also look at investor recoupment, how a small indie film might calculate its potential rental revenue, and why filmmakers should work backwards from realistic distribution revenue when setting a movie's budget. If you're financing, producing, or distributing an independent movie, understanding the economics of VOD can help you make much smarter decisions before production begins.

What makes a film investor say yes to an indie movie? In this episode, I break down the things investors look at when evaluating a film investment, including the screenplay, budget, genre, cast and attachments, artwork, and film business plan. I also explain the “invisible factors” filmmakers can’t control—and why your best move is to keep strengthening the parts of your movie package that you can.

What business decisions should an indie film producer make before day one on set? In this episode, we break down the big-picture decisions that can determine whether your movie has a real shot in the marketplace—from the script and budget to genre, audience, cast, tax incentives, distribution, and your path to revenue. Because producing a successful indie film isn't just about making the movie. It's about having a plan for what happens when the movie is finished.

Can you tell if an indie film will sell in the first five minutes? In this episode, Tom Malloy explains the key signals distributors and sales agents look for during a pitch—from your hook and artwork to your trailer and marketing plan. Learn how to present your project like a professional and dramatically improve your chances of getting meetings, offers, and distribution.

Will AI replace filmmakers? In this episode of Hollywood Business Explained, I break down why I believe AI will become one of the biggest tools filmmakers have—not their replacement. We look at past technology shifts, where AI stands today, and what independent filmmakers should really be preparing for as the industry evolves.

What makes a distributor say "yes" to an indie film? In this episode of Hollywood Business Explained, Tom Malloy breaks down the real acquisition process and the three things distributors often evaluate before they ever watch your movie: your artwork, your pitch, and your trailer. Learn how to make a stronger first impression, avoid common mistakes, and increase your chances of landing a distribution deal.

How does the money actually flow through an independent film? In this episode of the Filmmaking Stuff Podcast, Tom Malloy explains the economics of filmmaking, including production budgets, above-the-line and below-the-line costs, sales agent fees, investor recoupment, and profit waterfalls. If you want to better understand the business side of making movies, this episode provides a practical, real-world overview every filmmaker should know.

Do movie stars still sell movies? In this episode, Tom Malloy explains how distributors and international buyers really evaluate cast value, why only a small percentage of actors actually move the needle, and how filmmakers can avoid overpaying for talent that doesn't increase sales. Learn the practical process sales agents use to estimate an actor's true market value before you cast your next film.

Can a $100,000 indie film make money? In this episode, I break down the realities of today's micro-budget film business, why distribution matters as much as production, and what separates profitable indie films from the ones that never earn their investment back. If you're planning a low-budget feature, this episode will help you make smarter decisions before you roll the camera.

In this episode, Tom Malloy breaks down some of the biggest myths and realities of raising money for movies. From whether a great script can raise financing to the truth about film festivals, wealthy investors, and chasing the success of breakout indie hits, you'll learn what actually matters when trying to get a film funded. A practical, no-nonsense look at film financing from someone who has spent decades raising money and producing independent films.