You’ve probably heard the saying, “It’s not about what you know, it’s who you know.”
In film, that’s often true. But what people rarely talk about is how isolating that can feel, especially when you don’t come from connections or film school or have anyone in your circle who’s done this before.
You’ve got a story that matters. Maybe you’ve got a script, or even a rough cut. But the next steps? That’s where things start to get confusing and overwhelming: budgets, pitch materials, production planning, legal documents, distribution.
It’s not that you’re not willing to learn, but it can be tough to know where to start or who to trust.
That’s the space Gotoma was built to fill.
We’re a collective of producing partners based in New York with deep experience in film and television. We’ve developed projects across genres and platforms, worked in writers' rooms and on location, and guided stories from napkin notes to global distribution.
And we remember what it was like to be new…
…To feel stuck with a vision that mattered so much to us but felt too big to pull off.
…Wishing we had someone to guide us who actually cared.
So we became that someone for you.
Gotoma doesn’t just help you get to the finish line, we help you grow into the filmmaker you’re already becoming.
Whether you’re 21 or 41, living in Atlanta, Brooklyn or LA, shooting scenes on your phone on your days off, trying to balance rent, personal relationships, and your creative goals. Maybe you’ve watched a hundred behind-the-scenes documentaries, and you know the space behind the camera is where you need to be.
That’s where we come in.
We don’t just hand you a guide and wish you luck. We sit with you, ask questions, and listen. We help you build something solid, not only the film but the foundation beneath it.
Our support is personal, one on one, and thoughtful. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter solutions. Every story is different, and every filmmaker has a unique voice.
Whether it’s your first short or your third feature, we’re here to protect what makes your project yours – and make sure it’s done well.
Let’s say you’re working on a personal, character-driven film, the kind that might not scream “blockbuster” but says something honest and impactful.
You’ve got your script, maybe even done a few table reads, but now you’re stuck.
With Gotoma, we help you turn that script into a plan. How many shoot days will you need? What kind of locations will actually work? How do you schedule around your cast’s availability and your real-life budget?
We walk you through it.
We help you build a budget that speaks clearly and confidently to potential funders. We review your pitch deck, help you tighten your schedule, offer support with post-production planning and legal questions so nothing gets missed. For example you want to ensure you have a clean chain of title to be able to sell the film to a distributor.
But our goal isn’t to overwhelm you with industry jargon but to help you stay in control.
And the best part? You never have to choose between keeping your creative integrity and presenting yourself professionally. We believe in both and we make space for both.
We’re especially drawn to stories rooted in truth: personal documentaries, social justice narratives, intimate films that feel more like confessions than content.
If that’s the kind of work you’re making, we want to work with you.
We’re passionate about supporting filmmakers who are telling stories that often get overlooked, stories about identity, family, community, mental health, justice, grief, survival, joy.
Our principal consultant Gautam Singhani was proud to help produce the acclaimed documentary Black As U R, directed by Michael Rice, discussing the lack of attention paid to crimes against the Black queer community. We don’t just talk about diversity, we build it into everything we do. Supporting new voices isn’t meant as an act of charity – it’s an act of necessity.
We all know the media world moves fast, attention spans are short, expectations are high, and there’s pressure to package your project in the most “clickable” way possible…
But that doesn’t mean you need to compromise.
You just need a plan.
That’s what we help you create: a strategy that respects your story and shows the people you’re pitching to that you’re not just a dreamer, you’re a doer, someone who has the heart and the structure to back it up.
We’ve helped filmmakers land on major platforms. We’ve helped others break into their first film festival. We’ve helped some simply finish a project they thought they’d never get through.
It’s not always going to look glamorous, but seeing the finished project is always worth it.
Let’s be real, filmmaking is hard.
It takes grit, creativity, flexibility, and a whole lot of patience.
But with the right people beside you, it doesn’t have to feel impossible.
We want to be in your corner when the edits get messy, when funding falls through, when you’re not sure if you should even keep going.
And we want to celebrate with you when you premiere your first film, sign your first deal, or finish a project you thought might stay in your drafts forever.
We’re not here for the highlight reel. We’re here for all of it.
And while every project is different, here are three simple steps that can help you start moving forward right now.
1. Write your logline and test it out loud
Boiling your film down to one sentence isn’t just a writing exercise, it acts like a litmus test for your idea. Can you describe your story in a way that makes someone lean in and want to know more? Try saying it to a friend who knows nothing about film. If they get it, you’re on the right track. If they don’t, refine until they do.
2. Build a rough top sheet not a full budget
A top sheet is the bird’s-eye view of your costs: crew, cast, locations, gear, post. Don’t get lost in the weeds yet, start with categories. Ask yourself: What’s essential? What could be scaled? What could be deferred? This single page will not only guide your planning but also give funders confidence you’ve thought things through.
3. Define your non-negotiables and your flex points
Pick one or two creative truths that must stay intact for your film to feel authentic. Then list areas where you can compromise. Example: maybe your interview subject is non-negotiable, but your shooting format could flex. This balance makes you clear in your vision and adaptable when budget or logistics push back.
If you’ve written your logline, drafted a top sheet, or identified your non-negotiables and still feel stuck — that’s where we come in. Whether it’s a story that won’t leave you alone, a project on pause, or a dream you’ve been afraid to chase, let’s talk.
Visit gotoma.co to learn more.
Tell us what you’re working on, what you’re concerned about, or what you hope to make. No pressure and no pitch deck required.
Let’s start with a conversation.
Because sometimes the thing standing between you and the next step isn’t skill or money or connections.
Sometimes it’s just someone saying, "I believe you can do this. Let’s figure it out together."
There are a lot of companies out there that talk about supporting creatives. What’s rare is finding people who actually show up, people who take the time to learn your voice, understand your vision, and give you real tools to bring it to life.
That’s what we do at Gotoma.
We’re here to help you finish, to help you grow and build a creative life that feels honest and sustainable.
Your story is already powerful. Let's help it reach the people who need to hear it.
Gotoma. Real stories. Real strategy. Real support.
