In this episode of the Filmmaking Stuff podcast, host Tom Malloy explains the often misunderstood process of screenwriting. Dispelling the myth that a screenplay is ready after the first draft, Malloy tells new screenwriters that industry executives demand polished scripts reflecting professional standards. The first completion of your screenplay is just the ... Show More
Jan 29
EFM Berlin: Where Serious Filmmakers Make Real Deals
Thinking about attending the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin? In this episode, I break down how EFM compares to Cannes and AFM, why it’s considered the most professional film market, and why filmmakers with finished projects and real credits get the most value from it. If yo ... Show More
3m 28s
Jan 27
Rethinking Film Distribution Windows
Film distribution windowing is changing fast. In this episode, Tom Malloy breaks down modern release windows — theatrical, transactional VOD, subscription streaming, and AVOD — and explains why the old rules don’t always apply anymore. Using real-world examples like Netflix films ... Show More
3m 36s
Jan 20
What Makes a Film Marketable?
What makes a film marketable in today’s crowded film marketplace? In this episode, we break down the real factors that determine whether a movie sells — from cast and genre to niche audiences, timing, and cultural trends. Learn why trying to appeal to everyone often backfires, ho ... Show More
3m 28s
Dec 2022
Going Right From Film School Shorts to a First Feature
Today we speak to Matthew Gentile and Matt Allen about the process of filming and editing the film, American Murderer. Matthew met Matt in film school, and invited him to collaborate on his first feature film. American Murderer is now available on Amazon Prime.
In this episode, ... Show More
44m 18s
Jun 2024
Choosing Your Next Project & Immediate Next Steps
There's no better feeling than completing a project you’ve been working on for, what feels like, forever. On one hand, you’re relieved but you're also anxious to figure out what to work on next. How do you decide what your new project will be, and what is the most efficient strat ... Show More
43m 14s
Mar 2020
2 | Turning Ideas Into Screenplays
We all hear it: "I've got this great idea for a movie," or, "they should totally make that into a movie," but why do so few people take the next step and actually write the script? Well, today, Pixar alum Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna answer that question, getting into all the n ... Show More
38m 54s
Apr 2020
6 | Mastering Structure In Your Screenplay: Part I
Writers dread the idea of feeling confined by a structure, but what they don't realize, is that structure is one of the greatest gifts that they can be given as a writer. Structure = story, and the best films ever made know how to "play within the rules." Today, we go over those ... Show More
39m 8s
Mar 2020
3 | What Actually Is THEME In Your Screenplay?
Theme is the essence of good storytelling, but what does it actually mean, and how does it play into screenwriting? Meg and Lorien deep dive today, and answer your questions, here on The Screenwriting Life!
Welcome to The Screenwriting Life. Join us as professional screenwriters, ... Show More
45m 57s
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">"Personally, I think writing is bleeding. It's blood magic. It's very hard to do," says writer/director Jade Halley Bartlett of the new Southern gothic romance, </span><em><span data-preserver-spaces= "true">Miller's Girl.</span></em></p> <p> ... Show More
