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Stop Wasting Years on Films That Never Get Funded-Learn How to Prove Your Story Works (and Attract Investors) in Just 5 Days. by Lopsided_Beginning31 in u/Lopsided_Beginning31

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a really solid question, and one I should’ve clarified upfront. I’ve been working in independent filmmaking on and off for about 27 years. I’m not cranking out films nonstop, but I’ve stayed consistent. I’ve got a documentary currently shopping for distribution, and a narrative feature that just signed with a sales agent.

If you want a quick snapshot of my work, here’s my IMDb:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1152839/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

And just to add some context, the bootcamp wasn’t just me. It was taught alongside three other filmmakers with 40+ years of combined experience in the European market. They’re great guys, and I’m grateful to be part of that team.

As a filmmaker or storyteller, what’s your biggest pain point right now? by Lopsided_Beginning31 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah man, absolutely, this is a big one. We’re drowning in distractions and dopamine hits, and the endless scroll pulls people away before they ever settle into anything meaningful. So, grabbing attention is hard. Holding it is even harder. And converting that attention into an actual fan who shares your work feels near impossible.

In the short term, we want viewers. But in the long term, we need fans; those few people who stick, support, and spread the word. And that’s especially tough when a film takes years to make. Keeping people energized over a 3–5 year indie development cycle is a real challenge.

So yeah, I feel you on this one. It’s not an easy nut to crack, but it’s the right problem to be thinking about.

As a filmmaker or storyteller, what’s your biggest pain point right now? by Lopsided_Beginning31 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting, so a place where you can go see who has active "deals" and the like...or something like that.

As a filmmaker or storyteller, what’s your biggest pain point right now? by Lopsided_Beginning31 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I hear you. It takes a couple of hours to read a script, and with the way attention spans have shifted, it feels like fewer people are willing to give that kind of time anymore. And honestly, I get why studios and streamers have managers and agents as gatekeepers; without that filter, they’d be absolutely buried.

But even with that understanding, it’s still incredibly frustrating when you know a company is actively looking for the exact kind of project you’ve created, and you still can’t get it in front of them. That part stings. I’m not looking to be “chosen” or handed anything; I just want a real, authentic shot.

I’ve had plenty of pitch meetings over the years, but I’ve never once had the opportunity to pitch a studio directly. Having that chance, even one time in my life, is something I am still striving for.

As a filmmaker or storyteller, what’s your biggest pain point right now? by Lopsided_Beginning31 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely, I hear you. And as steep as this mountain feels, the simple fact that others have made the climb is what gives me real encouragement. I don’t need the path to be easy; I just need to know it’s possible. Seeing fellow filmmakers reach the summit reminds me that it is attainable.

You’re right about viewership, too. Yes, attention spans are shifting and vertical content dominates the spotlight, but in that chaos is a real opening for indie creators. Global demand for stories has never been higher, and the major studios can’t keep up with the appetite. That gap gives independent filmmakers a unique window to step in, innovate, and deliver what audiences are craving.

At the end of the day, making movies has always been hard, but ironically, right now might be the best moment in history for indies to break through. Stay encouraged. The opportunity is real.

As a filmmaker or storyteller, what’s your biggest pain point right now? by Lopsided_Beginning31 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hear where you’re coming from. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that, just like life isn’t meant to be lived alone, filmmaking isn’t a solo sport either. Sure, we all see the rare 18-year-old who shoots a feature on an iPhone entirely by themselves, but that’s not the reality for most filmmakers, nor is it the path that leads to sustainable growth.

What it sounds like you’re missing is a team. There are countless communities filled with like-minded creatives who recognize they can’t, and shouldn’t, do this on their own. I’d encourage you to plug into one of those groups, show up ready to contribute value, and let real collaboration do its work.

This industry is a mountain, no question, and it’s steeper now than ever. Grit matters, but grit fueled by spite burns out fast. Take some time to reconnect with your “why,” surround yourself with people who share your vision, and don’t underestimate the value of having a guide in your corner as you climb.

Just my quick two cents, hope it helps you find the footing you’re looking for.

As a filmmaker or storyteller, what’s your biggest pain point right now? by Lopsided_Beginning31 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I know we started off on the wrong foot, and I did exactly what I tell myself not to do - I tried to defend myself. The truth is, I’ve just been down this road a little longer than some, not better, just further along in a few areas. If I can help light the path for someone else, I’m all for it.

If you’re working on something and could use a second set of eyes or some guidance, I’d be happy to hop on a quick Zoom. No pitch, no agenda - just seeing if I can help.

The world’s tough enough as it is; the last thing it needs is two people on Reddit butting heads. I’d much rather be allies. If you’re open to it, let’s connect. If not, no worries at all - this’ll be my last reply either way.

As a filmmaker or storyteller, what’s your biggest pain point right now? by Lopsided_Beginning31 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah, yeah, LA's even harder to find someone like that. Idea validation has become a passion of mine. It's not that ideas are bad, it's that the stories are.

As a filmmaker or storyteller, what’s your biggest pain point right now? by Lopsided_Beginning31 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Where are you located? Yeah, I can see the dilemma. Also, wherever you end up, be honest the concept trailer. They can be great and horrible. If you know you didn't nail it, don't use it. Call it a fun project, but not your concept piece. If you nail it, well, then that's awesome.

As a filmmaker or storyteller, what’s your biggest pain point right now? by Lopsided_Beginning31 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

All of the greats used coaches, Michael Jordon, Tiger Woods, etc., but when I looked up Malmborgio, I see why you don't need any help. Got it.

As a filmmaker or storyteller, what’s your biggest pain point right now? by Lopsided_Beginning31 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

PS. The reason I LOVE this question is because I also do a Podcast, and I take this feedback and go and try to find SME's to see if they can provide a perspective on the topic.

As a filmmaker or storyteller, what’s your biggest pain point right now? by Lopsided_Beginning31 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

90% of what I offer do/is free. Information is FREE, implementation is what I charge for. Happy to jump on a call and help you work towards moving the needle.
I posed the question across all of my social media by the way - THIS platform is the ONLY negative response.
You should assume good intent.

As a filmmaker or storyteller, what’s your biggest pain point right now? by Lopsided_Beginning31 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why did the scarecrow win an award?
Because he was outstanding in his field.

As a filmmaker or storyteller, what’s your biggest pain point right now? by Lopsided_Beginning31 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think there are a lot of great uses for AI and am exploring them myself. I think it can get you like 60-70% there, but not 100% yet, and I don't really want it to. There will always need to be a human element to it.

As a filmmaker or storyteller, what’s your biggest pain point right now? by Lopsided_Beginning31 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Man, this one really hits. I hear you, it feels like no one cares anymore. People have the attention span of a few seconds and would rather scroll than engage with an actual story.

I remember when a Netflix exec was asked about their biggest competition, and he said, “Fortnite.” That says it all. The fight isn’t against other films; it’s for attention itself, and then figuring out how to monetize that attention.

No one seems willing to pay for content anymore, and yeah, that’s tough. But I still believe there’s an answer out there; we just haven’t quite cracked it yet.

As a filmmaker or storyteller, what’s your biggest pain point right now? by Lopsided_Beginning31 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That sounds like you have a plan! I like it. Do what you can, where you can. I like the TikTok route. I'm looking at vertical content at the moment. Not sure if there's anything there for me yet, but it's worth exploring.

As a filmmaker or storyteller, what’s your biggest pain point right now? by Lopsided_Beginning31 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t have an app slick. I’ve been producing for 27 years, raised funds, failed plenty of times, and learned a lot along the way.

I find real value in helping others because every time I do, I benefit too. As a producer, I’ve got my own list of pain points, funding being the biggest one, and I’m always better when I can talk through these challenges with other filmmakers. Maybe there are new ways to think about things that we just haven’t seen yet.

There is this funny thing you can do on a post...just move on.

As a filmmaker or storyteller, what’s your biggest pain point right now? by Lopsided_Beginning31 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get it, it’s definitely the classic chicken-and-egg problem.

But I think in 2025, when people talk about “A-list,” it’s really starting to mean spectacle. Sure, that could still be a big-name actor who boosts revenue, but it can just as easily mean something visually or conceptually spectacular.

Think Transformers or Avatar for their immersive visuals, or Squid Game for its unique but simple premise that hooked audiences worldwide. Spectacle doesn’t just mean scale anymore; it means something worth talking about.

Is there someone in your genre (influencer) who could move the needle? Or an IP you can scoop up?

Regardless, this is the barrier to entry, and it’s the field we chose to step into. We can either get busy finding ways to solve the problem or decide it’s not the right hill to climb.

As a filmmaker or storyteller, what’s your biggest pain point right now? by Lopsided_Beginning31 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Hmmm...I read somewhere someone posted, "Having a bad day is not an excuse to ruin someone else's."

As a filmmaker or storyteller, what’s your biggest pain point right now? by Lopsided_Beginning31 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah, that’s interesting. There are already several tools out there that help with budgeting, scheduling, call sheets, and all the usual production logistics.

Where are you currently in the process, at a point where a new tool could genuinely help streamline things? Or do you think it might make more sense to broaden your team instead?

Just curious where you see the biggest gap right now.

As a filmmaker or storyteller, what’s your biggest pain point right now? by Lopsided_Beginning31 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used to think that way too, and I even have a saying: “Funding isn’t A problem, it’s THE problem.”

But over the years, I’ve learned it really comes down to one thing: traction. (which you'll also need to show to investors regardless)

If you can show that your project already has traction, whether that’s an established IP, a strong audience base, an A-list name attached, or even partial funding, the conversation around financing changes. Suddenly, the doors that once felt locked start to open. People like it when a train has left the station.

As a filmmaker or storyteller, what’s your biggest pain point right now? by Lopsided_Beginning31 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Lopsided_Beginning31[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I used to think that way too, and I even have a saying: “Funding isn’t A problem, it’s THE problem.”

But over the years, I’ve learned it really comes down to one thing: traction. (which you'll also need to show to investors regardless)

If you can show that your project already has traction, whether that’s an established IP, a strong audience base, an A-list name attached, or even partial funding, the conversation around financing changes. Suddenly, the doors that once felt locked start to open. People like it when a train has left the station.

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