Our latest Movie Producer Mastermind brought together filmmakers from every corner of the indie world, including writers, producers, directors, and entrepreneurs who refuse to wait for permission to create.
With AFM just days away, the conversation centered on preparation, connection, and keeping the creative engine running no matter what stage your project is in. This session was a reminder that momentum isn’t magic… it’s made.
🔥 Key Topics Covered
Tom kicked things off by sharing his proven AFM strategy after 22 years of experience at the market.
His advice was simple but powerful: go in with a plan, lead with story, and keep your pitch short, ideally under three minutes. He reminded everyone that great meetings are built on energy, visuals, and confidence far more than lengthy explanations.
Jason added to that by breaking down the relationship-first approach to film marketing… How to use AFM, film festivals, and even smaller events as relationship accelerators instead of transactional sales moments. He encouraged members to see themselves as connectors and to follow up with intention, not desperation.
Bill suggested inviting an IFTA representative to a future mastermind for additional insider insights, sparking interest across the group.
Members also dug into what it really takes to present a film package that gets attention—proof-of-concept shorts, high-quality artwork, and clear financials. The recurring message: professional materials attract professional investors.
The meeting also explored pitch psychology, including how mindset, clarity, and body language can often make or break the opportunity long before the words do.
- Go into AFM with clear objectives and a follow-up system.
- Focus on connection, not transactions.
- Use short-form video and trailers as proof of marketability.
- Be ready for curveballs in meetings—confidence sells.
- Keep creating between events. Don’t let waiting become the default.
đź› Member Highlights & Two-Week Goals
Every member came prepared with updates and goals for the next two weeks, building on the mastermind’s commitment to accountability through community. Here’s a quick look at what everyone’s tackling before the next session:
- Tom – Finalizing his AFM panel materials and leading a series of producer meetups at Sweet 444. His focus: helping members navigate the market with clarity and confidence.
- Jason – Streamlining the mastermind format and sending out a feedback survey to refine time flow and topic order. Also continuing outreach to new producers interested in joining the community.
- Bill – Reaching out to industry contacts about future guest speakers, including IFTA and distribution reps who can demystify international rights deals.
- Brandon – Pushing forward on two sitcoms and a Christmas feature, with cast interest already lined up. His next step: packaging and presentation for AFM meetings.
- Ben – Updating his pitch decks for “The Psychiatrist” and “Sex Side Effects” to use as proof-of-concept pieces for feature funding conversations.
- Rick – Meeting with investors following multiple festival awards, and tightening up his business plan to present stronger ROI potential.
- Deirdre – Refining her Ireland-based co-production model and exploring local tax incentives to attract production partners and investors abroad.
- Elizabeth – Heading into her second AFM, this time focused on mastering follow-up strategy and building stronger long-term relationships rather than quick pitches.
- Marvin – Encouraging a relationship-first mindset while continuing work on his own project development. Also supporting members with insights on production logistics and contracts.
- Mark – Setting a measurable AFM goal: make 25 meaningful new connections, not just collect cards. He plans to follow up and report on outcomes next session.
- Marisol – Using cue cards and structure boards to organize creative ideas and maintain steady writing output. “Less thinking, more doing” is her new mantra.
- Kjanyll – Reminded everyone that “community is the currency of the future,” reinforcing why showing up and serving others ultimately brings bigger returns.
- Jean – Building a new workflow system to manage multiple scripts efficiently and researching blockbuster script structures to level up storytelling.
- Chris – Exporting contacts from Sinando before renewal and organizing a follow-up plan for pitching his next documentary project.
- Zadrina – Partnering with a new line producer and packaging multiple projects, including a documentary and animated feature. She emphasized adaptability: “Think quick in the moment—keep doing it and dance on your feet.”
- Adem – Developing a new feature with a professional cinematographer attached, planning to shoot in February. His immediate goal: finish the script and secure partial funding.
- Angelia – Working on production breakdowns and budgets while preparing to attend AFM for networking and future project exposure.
- John – Newly joined the mastermind and exploring film financing structures, insurance, and legal considerations for indie projects.
- Walt – Collaborating with Marvin on insurance and E&O details while advancing development on his latest screenplay.
- Cornelia – Focused on creative collaboration and AFM prep, joining discussions around female-driven storytelling and cross-platform producing.
đź’ˇ Top Takeaways
The big theme this week was trusting the process. Every producer, whether they’re pitching for the first time or leading a panel at AFM, faces the same creative tension—balancing risk with confidence. Members agreed that consistency, preparation, and genuine relationships win over flashy decks or viral moments every time.
- Persistence beats perfection. Filmmaking rewards those who keep moving, even through uncertainty.
- Relationships are the real ROI. Each connection can compound over years—follow up, don’t fade out.
- Confidence is your currency. The way you carry yourself often sells your vision before your materials do.
- Action over analysis. Jason reminded everyone to grab a camera and film something small this week. “Don’t wait for perfect—just move.”
🎯 What’s Next
With AFM only days away, members are finalizing decks, updating contact lists, and setting connection goals. The next mastermind will focus on market reflections—what worked, what didn’t, and how to leverage new relationships formed at AFM into 2026 production momentum. Jason will also share a new system for tracking contacts, follow-ups, and conversion from introductions to deals.
🙌 Final Thought
As one member put it best, “The currency of the future is community.” Every producer in this group is proof that filmmaking thrives when collaboration replaces competition. Keep showing up, keep building your tribe, and remember—your next big opportunity might start with a single conversation at AFM.