Low Budget, Big Vision: Strategies for Independent Filmmakers
Great filmmaking isn’t defined by budget but by creativity, resourcefulness, clarity of vision and, of course, a great script. Many acclaimed and commercially successful films have been made for a fraction of what they appear to cost on screen. Accomplished independent producers are joined by leading financing and sales executives to explore the mindset, methods, and smart use of resources that turn challenges into creative breakthroughs – proving that bold ideas and sharp execution can deliver extraordinary results, regardless of financial limitations.
Moderator:
Chris Gore, Publisher, FILM THREAT
Panelist:
Tom Malloy, Producer/President, Glass House Distribution
Martine Melloul, Producer, Kali Pictures
Paul Bales, Partner/Chief Operating Officer, The Asylum
Rich Botto, CEO, Stage 32
Cecilia Brush, Head of Sales & Distribution, Raven Banner
Speakers
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Chris GorePublisher, Film ThreatChris Gore is a comedian and writer who was a regular on G4TV’s Attack of the Show. He is also the founder of Film Threat, the author of several movie books including the Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide, writer/producer of the feature comedy My Big Fat Independent Movie.
Chris has appeared as a film expert on MSNBC, E!, CNN, Reelz Channel and has also hosted shows on FX, Starz, IFC as well as G4TV’s Attack of the Show.
As an author, Chris has written “The 50 Greatest Movies Never Made” (St. Martin’s Press) and “The Complete DVD Book” (Michael Wiese Publications). His book “The Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide” (Random House) is considered the bible of the industry and is required reading at film school.
His stories have appeared in magazines, online and trades such as The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Video Business, Total Movie, Spin, Details, Men’s Health, ChinaShopMag.com, WaywardNerd.com and Playboy.com.
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Tom MalloyProducer/President, Glass House DistributionTom Malloy has spent over two decades as a trailblazing multi-hyphenate in film—actor, writer, producer, and now director. He has raised millions for indie films, produced 28 titles, written and sold 25 screenplays, and starred in many projects.
His credits include After All (2025), McVeigh (Tribeca 2024), Dark Night of the Soul (2023), Ask Me to Dance (2021, directed by Malloy), Lansky (2020), Love N’ Dancing, The Alphabet Killer, and The Attic. Through his company Trick Candle Productions, Malloy has developed acclaimed indies like Trauma Therapy, #Screamers, Hero of the Underworld, and Fair Haven.
In 2016, he co-founded Glass House Distribution, now a leading international sales and distribution company with over 200 titles, multiple Emmy wins, and presence at AFM, EFM, and Cannes.
Malloy also authored the bestselling film finance book Bankroll and co-founded FilmMakingStuffHQ, a premier training platform for filmmakers.
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Richard BottoCEO, Stage 32Richard “RB” Botto is the visionary behind Stage 32, the largest online platform and marketplace launched in 2011 to democratize the entertainment industry. With over 1.3 million creatives and professionals worldwide, Stage 32 offers unparalleled networking, training, and direct access to industry opportunities, bypassing traditional gatekeepers. RB is also a producer whose credits include the Sundance-award-winning Another Happy Day, What Lies Ahead starring Rumer Willis and Emma Dumont, Rain Beau’s End with Ed Asner and Sean Young, and executive producer roles on projects like Alix (Catalyst Studios), After All starring Erika Christensen. He has also helped incubate films such as Chick Fight with Malin Akerman and Alec Baldwin, Neighborhood Watch with Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Jack Quaid through Stage 32.
As a WGA screenwriter, RB has an original television series set up at a mini-major studio with an A-list showrunner from Apple attached, as well as feature film scripts set up at production companies. His acting career spans theater in New York to starring alongside Academy Award nominated actress Abigail Breslin in A Good Fight. RB’s #1 best-selling book, Crowdsourcing For Filmmakers: Indie Film and the Power of the Crowd (Routledge), has earned over 100 5-star reviews. A sought-after speaker, he has shared his expertise at global events like Cannes, Tribeca, SXSW, and the American Film Market.
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Cecilia BrushHead of Sales & Distribution, Raven Banner EntertainmentCecilia Brush is Head of Sales and Distribution at Raven Banner Entertainment, a leading Canadian company specializing in bold, genre-driven films. With over 10 years of experience in the film industry, Cecilia has built a reputation for her sharp market instincts, strategic sales approach, multilingual fluency, and deep passion for boundary-pushing storytelling. She oversees the global distribution of horror, thriller, and cult films, and is known for championing emerging talent and connecting distinctive films with international audiences. Cecilia is excited to be sharing insights on international film sales, creative development, and the evolving landscape of independent cinema.
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Paul BalesChief Operating Officer, The AsylumSince 2006, Paul Bales has been the Chief Operating Officer and Partner at The Asylum, a production and distribution company based in Burbank, California.
The Asylum finances, produces and releases 25 films per year through its direct pipeline to the nation’s top streamers and its network of international partners. Since its founding in 1997, The Asylum has released more than 500 films and built a library of over 300 original productions, including top-rated series’ for Syfy and Netflix, and, the Sharknado franchise.
Prior to joining The Asylum, Bales was National Director of SAGIndie, the Screen Actors Guild outreach program for independent producers.
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Martine MelloulProducer, Kali PicturesMartine Melloul, originally from France, was the Executive Vice President of the fashion house BCBG MAX AZRIA before dedicating herself to her passion for entertainment. She went on to establish her own production company, Kali Pictures, in Los Angeles. Melloul co-produces documentaries for Orange Studios and Arte in France and has produced several independent films, including “BEYOND THE SKY,” “BREAKING AND EXITING,” “THE MEAN ONE” and ‘SCREAMBOAT’. The latter was released globally in theaters in April 2025 and achieved considerable success.