General filmmaking tips

TOC

1. "Write>Produce>Direct>Film"
2. "FilmmakerIQ"
3. "Indie Filmmaking: 35 Tips From Experts"
4. "Film Independent"
5. "Digital Filmmaking Secrets"
6. "Indie Toolkit"
7. "Filmmaker's Library"
8. "Find a Meetup Group near you"
9. "Non-profit organizations for filmmakers and film fans."
10. "Independent film"
11. "How are Hollywood films made?"
12. "filmmaking.net"
13. "The network dedicated to filmmakers and film fans alike."
14. "50 Best Websites for Moviemakers 2009"
15. "Guest Blog: 5 must read books for the passionate independent filmmaker"
16. "30 Quintessential Books for Independent Filmmakers"
17. "The Ten Commandments of Filmmaking"
18. "How to Make a Movie - wikiHow"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

• #1 "Write>Produce>Direct>Film"
  (via http://www.raindance.co.uk/site/)
  

  "The very first Raindance event was in April 1992 when we hosted a film seminar with the Hollywood maverick, Dov Simens.
  
  Since 1993 the Raindance Film Festival has annually uncovered the hottest new filmmakers to hit the cinematic scene. Some Raindance-premiered hits are Pulp Fiction, Memento, the Blair Witch Project, Ghost World and Love Exposure.
  
  In 1998 Raindance launched the British Independent Film Awards – a yearly industry event attended by the upper ranks of the UK moviemaking establishment. The BIFAs are now regarded as one of the penultimate awards in the world film calendar. Honours have included Ben Kingsley, Harvey Weinstein, Richard Curtis, and helped launch countless films including 2008’s Slumdog Millionaire."

  read more
  (source: http://www.raindance.co.uk/site/raindance-history-of-londons-independent-film-festival)
  up
  
  
• #2 "FilmmakerIQ"
  (via http://filmmakeriq.com)
  

  "FilmmakerIQ.com is a website for filmmakers created by filmmakers.

  We’re a community built around the idea that information and knowledge is your single most powerful filmmaking tool.

  Whether your interests lie in feature filmmaking, video production, television, screenwriting, or any aspect of the production process, you’ll find FilmmakerIQ.com a great place to network, share knowledge and get motivated with other seasoned and inspiring filmmakers. Our members come from all around the globe from various different fields and backgrounds.

  Whether you’re an accomplished filmmaker, a first timer, or just a fan of the process, we invite you to become a member, meet new friends, ask questions, give advice, discuss your projects and have fun leaning while growing your Filmmaker I.Q."

  read more
  (source: http://filmmakeriq.com/about/)
  up
  
  
• #3 "Indie Filmmaking: 35 Tips From Experts"
  (via http://www.deadline.com)
  

  1. Change the title of your indie film to begin with an “A” or a number to get higher placement on iTunes.
  
  2. “Experiment and try new ways of getting your indie film out there.”
  
  3. Clark Hallren, Managing Director of the Entertainment Industries Group for JP Morgan Securities warned, “Guys it’s tough. Phenomenal events that statistically cannot happen did happen: we’re at an interesting point in the business.”

  read more
  (source: http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/indie-filmmaking-35-tips-from-experts/)
  up
  
  
• #4 "Film Independent"
  (via http://www.filmindependent.org/)
  

  "Our Mission
  At Film Independent our mission is to champion the cause of independent film and support a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision.
  
  Who We Are Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent’s Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff, and constituents, is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry professional, or a film lover."

  read more
  (source: http://www.filmindependent.org/about/)
  up
  
  
• #5 "Digital Filmmaking Secrets"
  (via http://2learnfilm.com)
  

  "The success of The Blair Witch Project shows that video is indeed a viable medium for feature film making. The amazing thing about this movie is that it was shot on Hi-8 (a low level video format), rather than state-of-the-art digital video (DV)."

  read more
  (source: http://2learnfilm.com/)
  up
  
  
• #6 "Indie Toolkit"
  (via http://www.sf360.org)
  Different helpful articles on independent film making.
  * Ask the Documentary Doctor
  * Avoiding Disaster
  * Beyond Words
  * Fear-Free Fundraising
  * First-person
  * Gearhead
  * Manual of Self-Reliance
  * The 6th Screen
  * The Edit Room
  read more
  (source: http://www.sf360.org/indie-toolkit)
  up
  
  
• #7 "Filmmaker's Library"
  (via http://www.ifp.org)
  

  "An online resource center for articles, interviews, and other answers from seasoned filmmakers and veteran industry executives on how to write, finance, produce, and distribute your movie."

  read more
  (source: http://www.ifp.org/filmmakerlib/)
  up
  
  
• #8 "Find a Meetup Group near you"
  (via http://www.meetup.com)
  Find people with the same interests like you. Example here: indie film in the USA.
  read more
  (source: http://www.meetup.com/find/?keywords=Indie+Film&country=us&locationPickerRef=0&dbCo=&dbOutsideUsLink=&zip=&submitButton=Search&op=search)
  up
  
  
• #9 "Non-profit organizations for filmmakers and film fans."
  (via http://worldfilm.about.com)
  

  "-American Film Institute
  Founded in 1967, the AFI is dedicated to advancing and preserving the art of the moving image.
  -Association of Independent Feature Film Producers
  A non-profit organization.
  -Association of Independent Video and Filmmakers
  Advocacy, salons, classifieds, and a print magazine from the national service organization for independent media.
  -Center for Independent Documentary
  A private non-profit organization that collaborates with independent producers in the production of documentaries. Find out about membership, news and events, and how to submit your own proposal.
  -Directors Guild of America
  The ultimate organization for directors. The Directors Guild of America represents more than 10,000 members working in U.S. cities and abroad. Their creative work is represented in theatrical, industrial, educational and documentary films.
  ..."

  read more
  (source: http://worldfilm.about.com/od/organizations/Organizations.htm)
  up
  
  
• #10 "Independent film"
  (via http://www.wikipedia.org)
  

  "An independent film, or indie film, is a film that is produced outside of any major film studio."

  read more
  (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_filmmaking)
  up
  
  
• #11 "How are Hollywood films made?"
  (via http://www.learner.org)
  

  "Looking through the lens of a camera as actors bring to life a writer's story, the filmmaker is also peering into a world of imagination. The director, producer, actors, screenwriter, and film editor are all essential players in the journey from concept to finished film. In this remarkable process, thousands of small details—and often hundreds of people—come together to create a Hollywood film."

  read more
  (source: http://www.learner.org/interactives/cinema/)
  up
  
  
• #12 "filmmaking.net"
  (via http://www.filmmaking.net/)
  

  "Founded in 1994, filmmaking.net is one of the oldest filmmaking resources on the Internet. The site provides reference and a community for new and independent filmmakers around the world."

  read more
  (source: http://www.filmmaking.net/)
  up
  
  
• #13 "The network dedicated to filmmakers and film fans alike."
  (via http://www.indymogul.com)
  

  "Indy Mogul is the network dedicated to film fanatics and aspiring auteurs alike. Our shows are focused on DIY filmmaking, cheap special effects, movie reviews and conversations with high profile filmmakers and special guests. Send us your comments and requests, submit your films, and become an Indy Mogul.
  Watch. Comment. Submit."

  read more
  (source: http://www.indymogul.com/backyardfx)
  up
  
  
• #14 "50 Best Websites for Moviemakers 2009"
  (via http://www.moviemaker.com)
  

  "The Internet offers moviemakers a unique opportunity for sharing their work with the world. But distribution is not the only way the Web can assist aspiring and seasoned auteurs alike."

  read more
  (source: http://www.moviemaker.com/producing/article/50_best_websites_for_moviemakers_2009_20090610/)
  up
  
  
• #15 "Guest Blog: 5 must read books for the passionate independent filmmaker"
  (via http://allaboutindiefilmmaking.blogspot.com)
  

  "As you make your professional journey through the film industry, you will encounter both challenges and uncertainty that might leave you feeling hopeless and discouraged."

  read more
  (source: http://allaboutindiefilmmaking.blogspot.com/2009/08/guest-blog-5-must-read-books-for.html)
  up
  
  
• #16 "30 Quintessential Books for Independent Filmmakers"
  (via http://www.independent-magazine.org)
  

  "Ever wonder what, exactly, independent filmmakers – both aspiring and established – should be reading? Look no further than The Independent's 30 Quintessential Books for Independent Filmmakers. Here, we list the top must-owns, including Independent Feature Film Production, The Filmmaker's Handbook, Sidney Lumet's Making Movies, and From Reel to Deal. The list is broken down into the following categories:
  
  * Direct from the Masters
  * From the Go-Getters Who Made It
  * The Nuts and Bolts: From Directing Actors to Navigating the Legal Terrain
  * The Eye Has It: Cinematography, Lighting & Editing
  * Film School in a Book: Overviews of Filmmaking
  * Now What? After Your Film Is Made, From Marketing to Distribution
  ..."

  read more
  (source: http://www.independent-magazine.org/magazine/2009/10/bestbooks)
  up
  
• #17 "The Ten Commandments of Filmmaking"
  (via http://www.actioncutprint.com)
  

  "I have learned many things during my career in the film industry, but one of the most valuable lessons I have learned was to remain human at all costs. And by this I mean to treat others as you would like to be treated yourself.
  (...)
  C1) It's only a movie - no one gets hurt.
  (...)
  C2) Ask lots of questions - never assume anything.
  (...)
  C3) There are no rules in filmmaking - only sins!
  (...)
  C4) Listen to the people who know more than you do.
  (...)
  C5) You have to EARN respect - not demand it.
  (...)
  C6) Don't abuse your power - use "Power Through" not "Power Over."
  (...)
  C7) Don't be afraid to change your mind.
  (...)
  C8) A healthy Ego is necessary - self importance is unnecessary.
  (...)
  C9) Have a sense of humour - learn to laugh at yourself.
  (...)
  C10) Take 10 at lunch – and change your socks and shoes.
  ..."

  read more
  (source: http://www.actioncutprint.com/10filmcommandments-fdt.html)
  up
  
• #18 "How to Make a Movie - wikiHow"
  (via http://www.wikihow.com)
  

  "Do you like making movies but can't seem get the job quite right? Do you get frustrated at working hard and using precious time, only to find that your movies are totally bogus? Here are a few helpful tips on how to make a spectacular film by working on your editing, camera movements, story line, characters, scenes, and more. "

  read more
  (source: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Movie)
  up