Before you sign that distribution deal, hit play. In this episode, I break down the three red flags that can wreck your film’s future — unfair splits, crazy-long contract terms, and inflated marketing expenses. Learn how to spot them early, protect your movie, and secure a deal that actually makes sense in today’s marketplace.
Mar 4
Inside Film Markets: The Job of a Sales Agent
What do sales agents really do at film markets like Cannes, AFM, and EFM? In this episode, I explain how sales agents meet buyers, pitch films, and secure distribution deals. You'll also learn why most deals don't happen during the market itself, but in the weeks after buyers rev ... Show More
4m 56s
Feb 5
Most Producers Only Pay $1 for a Script (Here’s Why)
What is an option agreement and how do indie producers legally control a screenplay without buying it upfront? In this episode, Tom breaks down film option agreements, $1 options, term lengths, writer payments, and how rights revert if a movie doesn’t get made. A practical, no-no ... Show More
3m 18s
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
Aug 2024
Want To Make Worldbuilding Movies? ‘Borderlands’ EP Emmy Yu on Development, Production & Why VFX Should Be Onboard ASAP
Producers are involved in every step of creating a film, from development to post-production. The role of a producer is not only to keep everyone on the same page but also to remove barriers so the cast and crew can focus on the creative elements needed to create a fantastic film ... Show More
55m 59s
Oct 2023
Adventures in Indie Filmmaking and Leveraging Famous Faces
How do you handle post set blues? How do you properly adapt something you don’t have the rights for? What can we all learn from Taylor Swift’s recent movie?
In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, and Jason Hellerman discuss:
Shooting an indie film in p ... Show More
56m 59s
Feb 2018
Why You Need to Stop Making Excuses and Make a Short Film
To say that it’s tough to play your short at Sundance is an understatement. In 2018, 69 shorts were picked from 8,740 submissions. While there’s no simple formula on how to make a short film will get into Sundance, programmer Dilcia Barerra told No Film School that there is one i ... Show More
50m 53s
Feb 2024
How To Ensure People Can Watch Your Movie (Hopefully) Forever
There’s a very important lesson can we learn from films like 28 Days Later, which is not available in physical format or on streamer. It’s hard to believe a film starring award-winning talent like Cillian Murphy, who is nominated for an Oscar this year, is not commercially availa ... Show More
55m 55s
Jul 2023
Your Double Strike Questions Answered: Waivers, Indies, Subscriptions and More
As of June 13, SAG joined the writers union and is now on strike. This is the first time, since 1960, that the WGA and SAG have been on strike against the AMPTP. So what is the strike about, why isn’t the DGA also on strike, and can we simultaneously support the strike while also ... Show More
58m 4s
Aug 2025
261 | Clarity, Subtext, and Want vs. Need: Kaz Firpo on Crafting Great Screenplays
JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so In this episode, Meg and Lorien sit down with Kaz Firpo (Marvel’s ETERNALS, RUIN) to talk about the timeless craft lessons that make a great screenplay. From writing scenes that still land without sound, to creating emotional cla ... Show More
1h 18m