Our October Filmmaking Stuff Mastermind was packed with creative updates, film development wins, and industry strategy.
Hosted by Jason Brubaker and Tom Malloy, the session celebrated Jason’s birthday while showcasing the collaborative energy that defines our producer community.
From AI-assisted production to AFM preparation and indie distribution breakthroughs, members shared major momentum and two-week goals to keep everyone accountable.
🔥 Key Topics Covered
This month’s meeting focused on AI in filmmaking, script rewrites, pitch preparation for AFM, and grassroots marketing for indie projects.
Tom and Jason emphasized tight pitch delivery, improving story hooks, and the importance of community feedback. Members also exchanged insights on leveraging new tools like ChatGPT Pro, iPhone cinematography, and Scriptation Pro for better creative workflow.
Other recurring themes:
- Using AI prompts for previsualization and storytelling
- Building production partnerships and LLC structures
- Refining marketing strategy for social engagement
- Staying mentally tough during long development phases
đź› Action Items by Member
Jean – Rewriting her period film based on consultant notes; outlining a new low-budget “backyard blockbuster” using iPhone cinematography and AI. Two-week goal: finish the first draft and advance AI integration.
Antonio – Continuing work on the fifth draft of his feature; aims to have it ready for external feedback within the month.
Angelia – Attended a director’s symposium and reconnected with her mentor. Sold her first bundle of coloring books and won six months of Scriptation Pro. Goals: finalize her art showcase, follow up with new contacts, and prep for her coloring book launch.
Marvin – Preparing for the Hollywood Film Festival near SoFi Stadium and possibly joining a panel. Encouraged others to attend and network.
Sid – Building his film’s financial plan and connecting with a line producer. Will email Jason and Tom for input. Two-week goal: finalize budget clarity.
Dominic – Developing a horror anthology feature inspired by Twilight Zone and Tales from the Darkside. Shooting first self-financed segment in October.
Elizabeth – Announced new LLC “New Trick Productions.” Updating poster and one-sheet for Kate Hugo: Murder After Mayhem before AFM. Will miss the next meeting due to a cruise trip celebrating her husband’s birthday.
Deirdre – Refining social content for Mama Pirate Film; discussed challenges with algorithm reach and plans to experiment with story-driven posts. Also pursuing streamer and studio outreach for distribution and casting.
Brian – Producing a film in Florida with Jesse Kove and Joseph Milson attached; raising the final $100K. Jason and Tom discussed possible connections through Tom’s network.
Adem – Focusing on persistence and momentum; two-week goal is to “bulldoze” a new concept and share it before next meeting.
Z Talent Management – Shared gratitude for group accountability and mindset support; navigating a near-miss project and focusing on positive momentum.
Joseph N. – Awaiting responses from major talent managers including Nick Cage’s and Mel Gibson’s reps; evaluating project scale and realism of casting.
Walt – Offered support and joined the closing birthday wishes for Jason, contributing to community engagement.
đź’ˇ Top Takeaways
- AI is transforming filmmaking — from script prompts to iPhone production, members are experimenting with hybrid workflows to stay ahead of industry shifts.
- Clarity beats guessing — Jason reminded members that having a real budget number creates leverage in investor conversations.
- Pitching remains essential — even if not attending AFM, every filmmaker benefits from refining their logline, hook, and story proof points.
- Community accountability works — consistent updates and shared progress help overcome creative isolation and build industry resilience.
🎯 What’s Next
Tom and Jason encouraged members to come prepared with updated pitches, visuals, and market angles leading into AFM.
Monthly members can join the pitch masterclass a discounted rate or upgrade to yearly to access the full program.
Additionally, new forum software and community features are being tested to improve member connection and resource sharing beyond Facebook.
🙌 Final Thought
As Jason put it best:
“This business is built on community. The best birthday for me is just being here, celebrating progress with all of you.”
Every filmmaker in this mastermind is building something real — one draft, one pitch, one connection at a time. Keep showing up, keep creating, and keep the momentum rolling into AFM season.