Our September 3rd mastermind meeting brought together movie producers, and world from all over the world. The session was packed with updates on movies in development, post-production breakthroughs, AFM prep, and creative strategies for financing and audience building.
Here are the key topics, action items, and takeaways everyone is focused on.
🔥 Key Topics Covered
From festival submissions to alternative IP revenue streams, this week’s meeting reinforced the importance of persistence and adaptability in filmmaking.
Highlights included:
- AFM strategies, pitching prep, and first-time attendee insights
- Script coverage breakthroughs and outreach to A-list talent
- Indie vs. studio budgeting realities and market value discussions
- Creative funding pathways including wine labels, crowdfunding, and board games
- IP expansion opportunities through novels, comics, and graphic novels
- Building resilience and community support through shared accountability
đź› Action Items by Member
Marvin: Wrapping up taxes, entering films into festivals, and prepping for AFM and a DGA event with Jerry Bruckheimer. Two-week goal: refine pitch and prep for outreach.
Cornelia: Supporting fundraising for Hot Pot and a Swedish horror project, revising Choose a Crowd musical script with Eric Stoltz feedback, and navigating producer alignment on Moose. Two-week goal: deliver revised draft by early October.
Chris: Recorded a new podcast interview with the daughter of pioneering Black women wrestlers; revisited films that inspired his filmmaking journey. Two-week goal: edit and release interview.
Clayton: Developing a disaster thriller, seeking clarity on budget tiers, ROI, and market value. Two-week goal: polish script, explore line producer options, and refine pitch.
Deirdre: Elevated her script to “recommend,” cultivating HNI and streamer contacts, and weighing outreach to Cate Blanchett’s reps. Two-week goal: submit script confidently and pursue rep/financing conversations.
Elizabeth: Managing five projects in post, including Murder After Mayhem. Preparing AFM screener and applying for Arizona tax credits. Two-week goal: finalize adjustments post-screener and CPA audit process.
Howard: New member from Oklahoma, preparing for AFM pitch via Largo AI. Two-week goal: practice live pitch at Oklahoma industry event and refine deck.
Jean: Submitting a French synopsis to Telefilm Canada, restructuring major projects using Pixar-style frameworks, and strengthening Canadian funding relationships. Two-week goal: secure Montreal sponsor producer and submit by Sept 25.
Krista: Reassessing her feature script after a proof of concept run. Two-week goal: rewatch short with fresh eyes, reread feature script, and make objective revision notes.
Lisa: Pursuing Native-led feature, connected with Sterling Harjo, and in talks with producer/distributor with Warner Bros. access. Two-week goal: follow up with packaging and investor introductions.
Ron: In pre-production on Brawler (greenlit with $300K), shopping Broken Hills, consulting on Saw the Light, and preparing to launch a board game projected to reach $1M. Two-week goal: finalize Brawler contracts and launch campaign.
Tom Malloy: Shared AFM wisdom (21 years running), reinforced budget realism tied to sales, and emphasized pitching prep. Two-week goal: finalize curriculum for pitch intensive with Jason.
Jason Brubaker: Moderated session, shared marketing insights, and encouraged members to take bold steps. Two-week goal: announce pitch intensive dates and update curriculum.
Zadrina: Shared insights on practical budgeting (scene breakdowns, production assumptions), and reinforced aligning creative vision with financial reality. Two-week goal: continue refining script budgeting assumptions.
đź’ˇ Top Takeaways
- Preparation for AFM is critical – from polished pitches to networking strategy.
- Budgeting is both art and science – align with sales agent projections, not just line producer estimates.
- IP expansion creates leverage – from Ron’s board game to Cornelia’s musical, alternative formats build audiences and credibility.
- Persistence pays off – Deirdre moving her script to “recommend” status and Elizabeth returning strong after health challenges show resilience is key.
- Community accelerates growth – shared resources, feedback, and accountability keep everyone moving forward.
🎯 What’s Next
In the next two weeks, members committed to:
- Sending scripts and pitches to reps, investors, and AFM contacts
- Finalizing contracts, budgets, and screeners for market deadlines
- Reviewing and revising scripts with objectivity
- Launching or testing alternative IP products for audience building
- Participating in the upcoming Pitch Intensive Workshop with updated curriculum
🙌 Final Thought
This mastermind reinforced what we all know: filmmaking isn’t a solo journey.
It takes collaboration, persistence, and creative problem-solving to move projects forward. Whether it’s attaching talent, locking financing, or building IP outside of film, progress happens one step at a time.
As Terry Garr’s quote reminded us: “You need the hide of a rhinoceros and the spirit of a butterfly to persevere in this business.”
That spirit was on full display in this meeting… and it’s what makes our community so powerful.