Another powerful session with the Movie Producer Mastermind.
We had updates from members pushing projects forward, live discussions about raising capital, new distribution insights, and a lively debate on how AI is reshaping writing and film production.
🔥 Key Topics Covered
This week’s conversation spanned everything from writing breakthroughs and casting wins to distribution negotiations and raising money with high-net-worth individuals.
AI tools were a hot topic, with members weighing in on how to use them responsibly while keeping creativity intact.
We also dove into how AVOD platforms like Tubi actually pay, plus strategies for networking at festivals and securing investor meetings.
đź› Action Items by Member
- Sid – Preparing to go out for development funds, focusing on “failing forward” mindset.
- Angelia – Rewrote opening pages after discovering a new location; goal to finish script updates by next Wednesday.
- Bill – Completed short film in time for festival deadline; negotiating distribution (aiming for better than 50/50 split).
- Nathan – Finalizing script for coverage with Riley; next goal is developing a business plan for fundraising.
- Chris – Launching a podcast tied to his wrestling film; prepping microbudget feature Things Are Tough All Over for FilmHub distribution.
- Jean – Developing a “matrix” blending Hero’s Journey, character arcs, and AI tools for stronger scripts; submitting projects to Telefilm Canada.
- Jeryl – Writing Jewish romantic comedy, aiming to complete before MIPCOM; secured meeting with Israeli streamer.
- Krista – Returning after hiatus, getting back into momentum with her feature.
- Lisa – Connected with actor Gary Farmer at Santa Fe Indian Market; handed him a physical script copy.
- Marisol – Tightening second draft of horror feature A Strange Girl; aiming for third draft by October 31.
- Marvin – Tracking KPIs for wine documentary; analyzing Tubi dashboard and investor reporting.
- Ron – Locked 90% of financing for Brawler; entering pre-production.
- Zadrina & Mark (Z) – Building slate of 11 films; tightening Christmas movie budget in Prescott, AZ to prep for investor talks.
- Antonio – Completed fourth draft; next step is character development for draft five.
- Joseph – Actively networking at festivals; shifting to direct outreach to high-net-worth individuals for financing.
đź’ˇ Top Takeaways
- Always carry a script copy. Lisa’s story of handing Gary Farmer a physical script shows the power of being prepared.
- Respect from investors comes from ambition. As Jason put it, high-net-worth individuals respect filmmakers bold enough to get in front of them.
- Content is king. Technology evolves, but strong stories still determine success.
- Distribution requires vigilance. Several members highlighted the importance of clear deal terms, fair splits, and transparency in reporting.
- AI is a tool, not a crutch. Members stressed using AI to speed up process or spark ideas, but keeping the human creative vision front and center.
💡 Producers’ Corner: Quick Tips for Filmmakers
- Carry a script copy – Handing over a physical script can open doors faster than sending a link.
- Know your distribution anchors – Aim for 80/20 or 75/25 splits. A 50/50 offer is usually a red flag.
- Respect comes from initiative – High-net-worth individuals respect ambition. Getting in front of them is half the battle.
- AI is a co-pilot – Use tools like WriterDuet AI, MidJourney, or N8N to accelerate ideas and workflows — but keep the story yours.
đź“š Resources Mentioned in the Mastermind
- 🎓 Find Film Investors Course – for filmmakers approaching high-net-worth individuals.
- 🎓 Backyard Blockbuster Course – for microbudget filmmakers prepping for distribution.
- 🎧 Tom Malloy’s Podcast – short, actionable episodes like “How to Sound Smart With Distributors.”
- 🎥 FilmHub – distribution aggregator for platforms like Tubi and Prime.
- đź“ś IMSDb (Internet Movie Script Database) – free screenplay resource.
🔍 How Tubi Pays Filmmakers (AVOD Explained)
Several members discussed Tubi’s AVOD model and how ad revenue is reported. Here are the key points:
- Ad Impressions = Revenue – Tubi pays based on ads served during your film, not on minutes streamed.
- CPM (Cost per Thousand Impressions) – Rates vary, sometimes $4–$6 per 1,000 ad views.
- Distributors Take a Cut – If you use an aggregator or distributor, payments pass through them before reaching you.
- Investor Reporting – Filmmakers stressed the need for dashboards and clear reporting to keep investors confident.
👉 If you’re new to AVOD, think of it like YouTube: advertisers pay, Tubi takes a cut, and you get what’s left after your distributor’s fees.
đź’° Film Financing Tips from the Mastermind
- Go direct to high-net-worth individuals – They respect ambition and often invest for legacy or experience, not just ROI.
- Leverage warm networks – Fraternities, alumni groups, or business associations can be untapped investor pools.
- Frame your ask properly – Investors who already have strong cash flow from other businesses are more open to risk in film.
🤖 AI in Filmmaking: Insights from Members
AI sparked one of the liveliest discussions of the session:
- Writing Support – Members use AI for beat sheets, loglines, and character arcs — but stressed that human creativity must lead.
- New Tools – WriterDuet AI, MidJourney (visuals), and N8N (automation) were mentioned.
- Copyright Concerns – Members discussed how AI-assisted writing may affect copyright claims and awards eligibility.
Bottom line: AI is powerful when used as a partner, but it shouldn’t replace your own storytelling voice.
🎠Events and Film Markets to Watch
- AFM (Nov 11–16, 2025, Los Angeles) – Largest U.S. film market for indie producers.
- MIPCOM (October, Cannes) – Key for global TV and streaming deals.
- PAFA (Prescott, AZ Film Alliance) – Local networking hub for Arizona filmmakers.
✨ Quote of the Week
“Closed mouths don’t get fed.” – Angelia shared this one
🎯 What’s Next
Over the next two weeks, members are focused on:
- Completing new drafts and sending scripts out for coverage.
- Finalizing budgets and investor decks.
- Scheduling meetings for MIPCOM and AFM.
- Continuing to refine distribution knowledge — especially around AVOD monetization and investor reporting.
🙌 Final Thought
The theme this week was momentum. Whether it was rewriting an opening scene, closing a financing deal, or handing a script to an A-list actor, members showed that consistent forward motion keeps projects alive. Pair that with the right knowledge — from AI tools to investor strategies — and filmmakers in this group are proving that real progress comes from showing up, sharing, and executing.
As one member put it: dream big, but always focus on the next step.