Episode 194: Top 5 Filmmaking Business Tips w/ Joe Amodei

Join hosts Christian and Jason as they dive deep into the ever-changing world of filmmaking with seasoned filmmaker, Joe Amodei. With over 20 years of firsthand experience and a passion for film history, Joe shares invaluable insights on the business side of filmmaking in this thought-provoking episode.

Discover the Top 5 things every filmmaker needs to know to succeed in this dynamic industry. From mastering the distribution business by staying updated with trade publications, to immersing yourself in diverse movies from all eras to learn from the masters, Joe’s advice is practical and eye-opening.

Understand how film marketing in the digital era has changed as traditional print media is no longer dominant. Learn how to effectively promote your film using social media and other modern strategies to get the word out and attract audiences.

Joe explains that as a filmmaker, you’re not just an artist, you’re also a businessperson. Setting clear objectives for your film, whether to gain exposure, make money, or reach a wide audience will enhance your workflow.

If you’re a filmmaker looking to thrive in today’s ever-evolving landscape, this episode is a must-listen. Gain valuable insights from Joe Amodei’s wealth of experience and elevate your understanding of the multifaceted world of filmmaking. Get ready to be inspired, educated, and motivated to take your film career to new heights.

Time Codes

0:00 – Jason introduces Joe

1:08 – Transformation of the film industry over the years

2:07 – How Joe has seen the film industry change over the last 20 years.

8:22 – Renting movies vs owning movies

9:18 – Christian shares a VHS story

13:20 – How did Netflix react to the streaming revolution?

19:20 – Knowing the business of business

25:18 – Advertising your film to your audience

28:48 – The 4 Top Trades to read

29:41 – Christian parallels the film industry with the acting industry – understand your market

30:41 – Top 5 Things: 1. Learn the distribution business as best you can, get every trade and read them. (Listen to the episode to hear which ones!)

33:18 – 2. Watch movies, all kinds, all the time from all ages, learn the masters.

35:35 – 3. Educate yourself on film marketing, and how in a no print world, you can get the word out about your film, learn social media.

37:25 – Christian shares a real life scenario

42:14 – 4. Determine your objective with your film. Have people see it? Make money? Exposure? Determine your objective before you even start, and make a plan to achieve it.

44:57 – 5. When you make a film you’re opening a business. You must understand the basic principles of business in order to achieve your goals.

50:19 – DocuView Déjà Vu

Joe: Fire of Love, 2022, 98 mins, IMDB: Fire of Love (2022) – IMDb

Christian: Sr., 2022, 89 mins, IMDB: Sr. (2022) – IMDb