Filmmakers Website Resource Guide
When it comes to resources, the internet is amazing. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of websites these days that are invaluable to the independent film producer. It would take an entire book to give you all of them and there are new ones added constantly. So here are a few to get you started. I’ve included a real variety, from industry related organizations that you can join, to amazing sites that feature current informational articles and fund raising opportunities to sites that focus on movie reviews and what is happening globally.
About.com – Covers independent film around the world.
AFM – The American Film Market is scheduled in November in Los Angeles; its focus is on independent films.
Assistantdirectors.com – Resource for assistant directors. Features directories of international production companies, productions services, jobs, workshops, resumes, movie reviews, and forums.
Babelgum.com – Short film competition.
Baselineintel.com – Industry articles, movie reviews, movie costs, television reporting, and media analysis.
Bluegel Media – Offers website templates for download.
California Lawyers for the Arts – Free legal services and advice.
Cinefinance – A completion bond company.
Cinematography.com – Forum for technical aspects of filmmaking. News, resources, job postings.
Crackle.com – Watch movies and TV shows for free online.
Crewster.com – Network of film, television, and commercial crews. Posts job listings and information on new shows and films.
Digital Video Expo – Training, exposition, and networking events, covering all aspects of the HD content creation industry.
Doculink – A forum for documentary filmmakers with monthly meetings in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Done Deal Pro – Tracks script, book, treatment, and options. Subscribers are able to search the database by title, writer, representation, company, genre, or date.
Doddle – Mobile application that allows production guides to be read on your phone.
Entertainment Economy Institute (EEI) – In-depth information and data about the entertainment industry.
Entertainment Weekly – Music, TV, Movie News.
Film Emporium – Full-service brokerage specializing in entertainment and production insurance; also offers film stock, video tape, digital media, and hard drives.
Film Independent – Resources, screenings, programs, and LA film festival.
Film Finances – A completion bond company.
Film Permits Unlimited – Los Angeles–based permit coordination services.
Film & Television Action Committee – Focused on issues of runaway film production.
Film This Production Services – Los Angeles–based location service that helps provide filming permits.
Film Vision – Resources for the independent film producer.
Filmmaker’s Alliance – Trainings, seminars, screenings, and writer’s workshops.
Filmmaking.net – Resources and community for indie filmmakers.
Filmproposals.com – Film proposals and information on financing.
Filmtools – Film supplies.
Filmunderground.com – Helps match film producers with private investors.
Filmventure.com – Film fund-raising source
Foundation Center – Provides information on foundation grants
Google Groups – Resource for projects seeking investment, as well as investors seeking projects.
www.groups.google.com/group/filmproposals-forums?hl=en
Hollywood Production Center – Provides office rental space for films in preproduction and postproduction.
IMDB.com – The Internet Movie Database. Resource to search movie titles, actors and watch trailers.
IMDBPro – A database of industry professionals, agents info, company directory, industry news, and more.
Independent Cinema Expo – A Las Vegas based informational seminar for Indie producers.
Independent Film and Television Alliance – Worldwide trade association.
Independent Filmmaker’s Alliance – Resources and information for the independent filmmaker.
Independent Feature Project – Through workshops, seminars, conferences, mentorships, and Filmmaker magazine, IFP schools its members in the art, technology, and business of independent filmmaking.
Independent Television Service – Funds, presents, and promotes documentaries on public TV.
Indieclub.com – Networking site, message boards and local groups.
Indie Film Page – Networking forum for the independent filmmaker.
IndieGoGo – Funding, promotion and self-distribution opportunities.
Indie-Pictures – Direct to DVD distribution company.
IndieProducer.net – Networking resource.
Indie Scene – Marketing information and industry updates.
Indieshortfilms.net – Short film competition.
Infolist.com – Industry opportunities, events and information.
Inktip.com – Networking source for writers and producers.
International Film Guarantors – Completion bond company.
iofilm.co.uk – Information on films and filmmaking.
Kickstarter.com – Fundraising platform for all types of creative projects.
Kodak’s Information Server – Products, releases, policies, order prints online.
LA411.com – Independent film crew and vendors.
Library of Moving Images, Inc. – Has film clips from 1870s to present.
Masterguide.com – A great resource that lists film markets, TV market, exhibitions, and trade shows.
Maxfilmpro.com – Production resources, location scout, production activity and daily news.
Millimeter – The professional resource for production and post.
Motion Picture, TV, and Theatre Directory – Independent film crew and vendors.
Movie Magic Budgeting – Film Budgeting software.
www.entertainmentpartners.com/Content/Products/Budgeting.aspx
Movie Magic Scheduling – Film Scheduling software.
www.entertainmentpartners.com/Content/Products/Scheduling.aspx
Movie Maven List – Review of foreign and indie films.
Movie Plan – Informational software on business plans and funding.
Planet Shark Productions – A full-service Los Angeles–based film and video production company specializing in social media. They also provide forums for job listings, casting calls, events, resumes, loglines, and more.
www.planetsharkproductions.com
Producer’s Guild of America – Non-profit organization representing the interests of motion picture and Television producers.
Production-central.org – A filmmaker’s community, vendor discounts and benefit organizations.
Production Hub – “Where production meets the Internet.” Production resource directory, classifieds, equipment, news, jobs, events, and services.
Production-Tube.com – A social network for the industry.
REEL Ladies – A Los Angeles–based organization that offers events, workshops, and networking opportunities for women.
Reel Women – Provides support and networking opportunities for women in film and related industries.
SAG Indie – Resources across the United States to help with your low-budget production, including contracts, casting, local organizations, workshops, and interviews.
Science & Entertainment Exchange – Resource for experts/consultants in science, engineering, health, and other areas.
www.scienceandentertainmentexchange.org
Set Wear – Site offers gear for set, gloves, bags, and the like.
Shooting People – United Kingdom–based online network for low-budget filmmakers with New York branch and newsletters.
Shoots.com – The international production crew resource: post messages and find jobs, cast talent, film festival information, and other information.
ShortFilmsWanted.com – Opportunities for makers of short films.
Studio Systems, Inc. – Script log program: logs script submissions and project drafts; in Hollywood, program tracks film developments and breaking news, studio system program offers searches of television and film information.
Sundance Institute – Provides year-round creative and financial support for the development of original stories for the screen and stage. Includes information on the Sundance Film Festival and Film Forward Programs.
Tape List – Platform for filmmakers, distribution, and exhibitors to find distribution.
The Independent – Workshops, resources, and advocacy for the independent filmmaker.
Urban Filmmaker’s – A nonprofit organization that supports all types of independent media.
Webmovie.com – Search engine of resources for production services, facilities, stock footage, post-production, music, educational resources, animation, visual FX and more.
Withoutabox.com – An online application submission service for film festivals.
Women Helping Women – Provides opportunities and connections in the entertainment industry.
Women in the Director’s Chair – Organization providing support for female directors.
Women In Film (WIF) – Provides events, mentoring, screenings, and other supports. There are WIF chapters in numerous cities and countries.
Women Make Movies – A multicultural distribution service.
Women’s Image Network – Hosts seminars, screenings, and special events with the aim of empowering women; hosts the WIN La Femme Film Festival.