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  1. Michael

    Industry Strategy How Do Indie Films Actually Make Money in 2026? (Beyond Netflix)

    Adam, I agree. There’s another side to this that I’ve seen quite a few filmmakers struggle with: what if the project is simply too early for a sales agent? A script, a deck and a rough budget can actually be enough to start a conversation. What matters more to me is whether the filmmaker...
  2. Michael

    Industry Insight Clash on Little Pond

    One question I haven’t seen addressed yet is what the €35,000 completion investor would actually receive in return. Would the investment be recouped first, followed by a share of revenues, or would there be some form of participation in the underlying IP? I’m also curious about the economics of...
  3. Michael

    Discussion Backpack — Moroccan Action/Thriller Seeking Producers

    Interesting premise, Hicham. Marrakech could give the film a very distinctive identity. Since you’re looking for producers and potentially international partners, I’d be interested to know how you see BACKPACK positioned internationally. Do you have any comparable films in mind in terms of...
  4. Michael

    Industry Insight Can Indie Filmmakers Afford Virtual Production Without Disney Budgets?

    Another part of the equation may be production certainty. Even if Virtual Production doesn’t reduce the budget on paper, it could still make financial sense if it reduces the risk of losing shooting time to weather, daylight, location availability or company moves. For an indie production with...
  5. Michael

    Looking For Collaboration PROTOCOL – Sci-Fi Psychological Thriller Screenplay Seeking Producer / Option

    You’re very welcome, Ali. Glad I could help. One small piece of advice don’t feel pressured to accept the first option simply because it’s the first. Take the time to look at who’s behind the offer, the terms, and whether they’re genuinely the right partner for the project. And be patient with...
  6. Michael

    Looking For Collaboration PROTOCOL – Sci-Fi Psychological Thriller Screenplay Seeking Producer / Option

    Ali, ECHO PROTOCOL feels like the kind of project where finding the right genre producer could make a real difference. A few companies that may be worth researching are Local Motion Pictures, Alpha Star Productions and Black Mandala. I don’t know them personally, but I know of them through the...
  7. Michael

    Discussion STEVEN: 13x Award-Winning 1975 Contained Horror — Seeking Producer & Financing

    Barry, the $375K version feels much more focused now. One other avenue that might be worth exploring is the genre sales side. I know Raven Banner works extensively with horror and genre films, and Black Mandala is involved in both genre production and international sales. Companies operating in...
  8. Michael

    Discussion STEVEN: 13x Award-Winning 1975 Contained Horror — Seeking Producer & Financing

    Barry, the contained setup and defined budget range are strong selling points for a project like this. I’d probably lead with those when approaching producers and use the awards as supporting validation. Are you looking to package STEVEN with a producer first, or are you already having financing...
  9. Michael

    Industry Spotlight Industry Spotlight: Alexander Pfander – AI, Independent Filmmaking, and the Future of Storytelling

    I think the edit is the real test. You can generate ten beautiful shots, but if they don’t cut together naturally, you don’t have a scene. That’s where filmmaking experience still matters, regardless of the tools you use.
  10. Michael

    Looking For Collaboration Seeking a Lead Producer and Line Producer for ABIEYUWA

    That makes sense, Isla. A strong package gets you through the door, but finding the right producer is probably where the real matchmaking begins just with more PDFs and fewer cocktails. :) How much does a producer’s track record in that specific genre or market matter to you when deciding who...
  11. Michael

    Looking For Collaboration Seeking a Lead Producer and Line Producer for ABIEYUWA

    That could be a valuable connection for the project, Isla. At this stage, having the right materials ready before approaching producers can make a real difference. From your experience, what are the first two or three things you would want to see before deciding a project is ready to put in...
  12. Michael

    Looking For Collaboration Seeking a Lead Producer and Line Producer for ABIEYUWA

    I completely agree. At this stage, I’d focus on building a smaller but very strong core team rather than trying to fill too many positions at once. For a project of this scale, the right Producer and Line Producer should not only understand production, but also be able to realistically assess...
  13. Michael

    Looking For Collaboration Seeking a Lead Producer and Line Producer for ABIEYUWA

    This is a very ambitious project, Ikenna. I like that you’re looking to bring in a Producer and Line Producer at this stage, before expanding the wider production team. With a project of this scale, I’d be interested to know what you see as the biggest challenge right now financing, building...
  14. Michael

    Discussion Why Tax Incentives Are Quietly Deciding Where Productions Go in 2026

    Absolutely, Ikenna. A lot of the most important decisions are made long before production actually begins. From your experience, what part of pre-production do you think is most often underestimated?
  15. Michael

    Major Market North America American Film Market (AFM) 2026 – Deals, Buyers & Distribution

    I completely agree. In my opinion, AFM isn't the kind of market where everything is decided in a single week. It's where conversations begin conversations that can lead to financing agreements, international sales, co-production partnerships, or distribution deals months later. That's why I...
  16. Michael

    Collaboration Seeking Producer for Fantasy Television Series

    Hello Joyce Now that the first season is complete, would you consider sharing a little more about the series? I think many of us would enjoy learning a bit more about the main characters, the overall tone, and what audiences can expect from their journey without giving away any major spoilers...
  17. Michael

    Industry Insight European Co-Production - How to Find International Partners and Funding

    @Samantha I completely agree, especially with your point that the right partner brings much more than financing. One aspect that's often overlooked is credibility. A respected co-producer doesn't just bring financing or production resources. They also bring local market knowledge...
  18. Michael

    Major Market North America TIFF: The Market 2026 – Deals, Buyers & Distribution

    I've been wondering exactly the same thing, and I've been coming across this more and more often lately. I think it would make for an interesting discussion to hear what others have experienced and why this seems to be happening. I also hope we won't end up having to rely on industry news just...
  19. Michael

    Industry Spotlight Peter D. Marshall on Directing, Leadership, and the Craft of Filmmaking

    One of the biggest takeaways for me was your point that directing is about leadership and collaboration, not control. I think that's a lesson every filmmaker can benefit from, whether they're just starting out or have years of experience. Thank you, Peter, for sharing your knowledge and...
  20. Michael

    Question Q&A Screenwriter ✍️ What's the hardest scene you've ever had to write?

    For me, it's usually the scenes where the characters can't say what they're really thinking or feeling. I often rewrite those conversations several times to make the dialogue feel natural while keeping the emotional tension underneath. When those scenes finally work, they're often the most...
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