Our latest Movie Producer Mastermind call brought together filmmakers from across the globe to share updates, swap strategies, and encourage each other in the daily grind of making movies happen. From CRM strategies for fundraising to navigating AFM prep, film festivals, and even podcast launches, this session was packed with practical insights and real-world stories.
🔥 Key Topics Covered
In this week’s mastermind, members dove deep into:
- CRM and Relationship Building – Marvin and Clayton shared insights on Salesforce, Nutshell, and how filmmakers can use CRMs to track investors, donors, and contacts. Jason dropped a reminder about the classic “McKay 66” relationship-building checklist. (For more on building investor relationships, see the Bankroll Certification Course)
- Film Financing Resources – Cornelia discussed Ted Hope’s list of 200 film financiers and how she’s using ChatGPT to categorize and research them.
- Editing and Distribution – Krista weighed options for re-cutting a short to improve festival odds, while Bill shared his negotiation wins with a distributor (cutting a 10-year term down to 7). (Get distribution strategies inside the Sell Your Movie System)
- Festival Highlights – Multiple members had films premiering at Soho, Santa Barbara, Atlanta, and Cincinnati, showing the diverse reach of the group.
- AI Tools & Coverage – The group compared notes on Largo AI, Black List coverage, and new tools like Captions.ai for fixing audio. Consensus: helpful for experiments, but not a replacement for human readers or producers yet.
- Podcasting & Content Strategy – Deirdre explored launching a podcast tied to her script, sparking advice on batching episodes, consistency, and using short-form content for traction.
- Persistence & Health – Jean and Marisol reminded everyone that filmmaking is a long game, requiring resilience, persistence, and sometimes prioritizing health to keep moving forward.
đź› Action Items by Member
Marvin – Exploring CRM integrations, prepping for Santa Barbara Film Festival, sharing tech stack with group.
Cornelia – Refining investor database from Ted Hope’s list, working with Eric Stoltz on script revisions.
Krista – Considering re-editing her short (trim from 14 to 8–10 minutes), analyzing feature script for budget savings.
Angelia – Entered two fellowships, prepping a new short with her DP, refining adult coloring book side project.
Bill – Finishing animated short, attending Cincinnati Film Festival for table read, wrapping up distribution negotiations.
Clayton – Seeking line producers, updating poster/deck, weighing Largo AI usefulness, getting script coverage resources.
Deirdre – Sent script to Netflix contact, prepping positioning brief, exploring podcast launch with consistent episodes.
Elizabeth – Editing rough cut, adapting sci-fi novel Angelman Rising, prepping for AFM with new production company launch.
Jean – Developing “backyard blockbuster” concept, finalizing outline for thriller and period film rewrite, incorporating company.
Lisa – Following producer leads connected to her script, local screenings in January, continuing networking momentum.
Marisol – Resuming script progress while balancing health challenges, aiming for October writing milestone.
Nathan – Updating script and business plan, planning AFM meetings, creating Bigfoot-style TikTok/Instagram content experiment.
Renee – Wrapping post-production on Extra Blessings short, prepping feature Granny Has a Gambling Problem for financing.
đź’ˇ Top Takeaways
The mastermind reinforced that:
- Relationships are currency in film producing — from investor CRM tracking to festival networking.
- Persistence beats perfection — filmmakers who keep moving, even with setbacks, create momentum.
- AI is a tool, not a savior — use it to accelerate research and polish, but human judgment still wins.
- Short-form content matters — whether TikTok, podcasts, or re-cut shorts, fresh content builds visibility and credibility.
- Health and mindset fuel the work — Tom’s “Ant Theory” reminded us to stay solution-oriented, while members shared the importance of affirmations, rest, and resilience.
🎯 What’s Next
Looking ahead:
- Members are actively prepping for AFM 2025, with Jason and Tom planning a Pitch Intensive in October. (Perfect timing for Movie Meeting Mastery and the AFM Roadmap)
- Several films are premiering this fall, giving the group momentum and industry visibility.
- Continued focus on fundraising, packaging, and relationship building will set the stage for stronger Q4 project launches.
🙌 Final Thought
Every mastermind proves the same thing: filmmaking is a team sport. Whether you’re re-cutting a short, chasing a Netflix contact, or negotiating a distribution deal, progress happens when you stay connected, share resources, and take consistent action. As Jason closed the meeting:
👉 “Take action, grab a camera, and make your movie now.”