Filmmaker Resources
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Festival Information-
All Festival announcements are listed on our festival page. This page should be
consulted when considering where to submit films for screening.
General Filmmaker Resource Sites
Film Schools
Documentary Distributors
Filmmaker Resource Listings
Production Companies
General Filmmaker Resources
New England Film
- The ultimate filmmaker resource. Site includes numerous articles
on all aspects of filmmaking,
current news, as well as discussion
forums.
How to Fund Your
Film by Robert C. DiGregorio, Jr.
IndieWIRE- The best source for comprehensive
independent film news.
A Digital
Doc-Making Case Study, Bennett Miller's "The Cruise" by Eugene
Hernandez
Great Article for those filmmakers who are considering going digital.
D.I.Y.
Distribution - Part I by Doug Wolen
Film finished?, consider distributing it yourself.
Cinematography.com
- A must visit for documentary filmmakers. Contains extensive information on all
matters relating to cameras and filmmaking.
Documentary
Film Production Companies - This list contains over 200 production companies from the
library at U.C. Berkeley.
PBS Resources for
Independent Filmmakers- Collection of PBS film submission guidelines, and other
filmmaker resource links.
Independent Television Service (ITVS) - Established by
Congress, the ITVS is charged with providing funds and resources for independent
filmmakers that are doing work which is deemed risky and addresses the needs of
underserved audiences. A considerable amount of funding is provided, so visit the
site regularly and consider subscribing to their email updates to stay informed.
IDFA
Monthly - Cover international documentary filmmaking with extensive articles on
filmmakers and projects worldwide, including the U.S.. All articles are archived and
searchable.
International Documentary Association- A
non-profit group devoted exclusively to raising public awareness of documentaries and
documentarians. The IDA also publishes the periodical International Documentary.
Bright Lights Film Journal - Long a fixture
of academic film studies, this journal, with its unique focus on film as propaganda is now
available online, and its content should not be missed. Conveniently, their coverage of documentary film
is indexed for easy access.
Documenter - An
Australian on-line journal of documentary film. They have done several issues, so their archive definitely deserves a
look.
Docos.com - A site with
a variety of information on documentary films, including a mailing list of current
news. Good coverage of Europe.
Independent Film Project
(IFP) - The IFP is a not-for-profit service organization dedicated to providing
resources and avenues of communication for those in the independent film industry and
those with an interest in it. The organization is most effective in creating a
system which facilitates communication between filmmakers. The IFP has regional
representation in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis and New York, but would like to continue
to expand to other areas with local programs.
D-Word -
Site run by Doug Block, that cover his films, but also acts as a worldwide virtual
community and resource site for documentary filmmakers.
Wildlife-Films.com - Extensive information
provided for all aspects of wildlife films and filmmakers.
Film Schools
AFI Online
Hollywood Film Institute Cyberspace Film School
Center for Digital Imaging and Sound
Center for Documentary Studies (Duke University)
Cyber Film School
The Documentary Institute
(University of Florida)
Gulf Islands Film and Television
School
Film and TV Connection
NYU School of Continuing Education
Film School Confidential
Stanford
Program in Documentary Studies
Vancouver Film School
Documentary
Distributors
*** Case study
of distributing documentaries via home video. ***
Bullfrog
Films - Bullfrog Films is the nation's leading US environmental video
publisher, with more than 600 titles in the areas of environmental and social sciences,
genetics, economics, Asian studies, marine biology and environmental ethics. Bullfrog also
publishes internationally acclaimed videos from Rhombus Media on music, composers, and
performing arts.
Fanlight
Productions - Fanlight Productions was founded by independent filmmakers to
ensure that their productions, and those who use them, would receive the individualized
attention they need and deserve. Fanlight has been distributing independent
documentaries and educational films on healthcare, aging, mental health, disabilities,
ethics, family and gender issues for more than 18 years. Fanlight's more than 200
titles have received some of the most prestigious awards in the field, including Oscars,
Apples, and the duPont-Columbia Silver Baton for broadcast journalism.
First Run / Icarus
Films - A leading distributor of documentary film and video. They carry 700
films and videos, with mostly independent productions.
Additional Resources:
Video
University List of Video and Films Distributors
Docos.com International Distributors List
Filmmaker Resource Listings
National Video
Resources (NVR) - A not-for-profit organization established in 1990 by the
Rockefeller Foundation. Their goal is to assist in increasing the public's awareness of
and access to independently produced media & film and video as well as motion media
delivered through the new digital technologies.
NVR believes these works, documentaries as well as
narrative, experimental and educational films and videos, provide important visions of
diversity and individual expression that contribute unique perspectives to our culture.
These works can create a powerful, shared experience among those who view them and often
lead to reflection, discussion and action.
NVR designs and implements projects that help enable
individuals and organizations such as public libraries, colleges and universities, and
other non-profits to acquire and use independent film and video. NVR also commissions and
publishes research on issues of concern to independent media makers, distributors,
educators, activists and individuals.
*** Case study of distributing documentaries
via home video. ***
MediaRights.org
- MediaRights.org is creating an on-line community of activists, media makers,
and filmmakers by providing a site for the exchange of ideas and resources. Media
professionals can draw on the experiences of frontline activists and discover stories
often overlooked in mainstream media. Activists can further their campaigns by teaming up
with filmmakers to make advocacy videos or publicize their work. Educators and activists
can locate videos and films from the sites database of social issue documentaries to use
in classrooms and communities. If you're a filmmaker and would like to add your
social issue film to their database by clicking here.
Docuclub - Based in New York City
since 1995, DocuClub offers filmmakers a safe environment to screen their
works-in-progress, known as In-the-Works, to a group of industry professionals and lovers
of the form. Gathering at the Museum of Modern Art's screening room since 1997,
In-the-Works offers critical feedback to filmmakers before they lock picture; an
opportunity for networking; and the ability to track films at an early stage of
development. Looking to the future, DocuClub plans to help other filmmakers start
satellite clubs, by either creating chapters in their own regions of the country, or by
helping to incorporate the DocuClub model into existing film screening series. Make sure
you check out the bottom of the main page at www.docuclub.org
, because that is were they hide the navigation bar which leads to a wealth of information
that should not be missed. For more information, please contact us at [email protected]
Film and
TV Connection - A movie and broadcast industry educational program. Students
train on-site at their worldwide member network of over 15,000 major film studios and
video production houses, radio and TV stations.
VideoFarm.com
- is a Web community bringing together media professionals
and video enthusiasts from around the world. They offer members
access to JavuNetwork(tm), a revolutionary online multimedia editor
and management product (like avid and adobe, but online), video hosting
services, and community forums for the discussion and broadcasting their
work. A great resource for those considering showing or editing their films over the
internet.
Mark Litwak is a veteran entertainment
attorney who has written a number of books on the movie industry and business of
filmmaking. On his site he offers a number of excellent excerpts from his book including Breaking into Showbiz, Self-defense for Filmmakers, and Dealmaking Tips for Film and Television:
The Acquisition/Distribution Agreement. If you enjoy the articles be sure to
learn more by purchasing some of his books.
VeniGraphics, Inc.
specializes in short run video sleeves (quantities as small as 5) and high quality, low
price design. A great opportunity for independent filmmakers who need a resource for
packaging in small numbers. VeriGraphics is located just outside Minneapolis in Minnesota,
USA. Call them Toll Free (877) 836-4439
Lawana Enterprises
- Indie Film/Video and Graphics Artist - Vicki Lawana D'Angelo PO Box 1982
Burbank, CA 91507-1982 [email protected]
A Story
Untold Productions producers of multi-cultural documentary films and reality
videos. 5255 Blakeslee Ave. #3 North Hollywood, CA 91601 (818) 753-8059 [email protected]
Ag Films, Inc.owns an Aaton XTR Prod camera package that it uses to shoot and
they also rent it out to productions companies. They are willing to shoot
documentaries. Contact: Jay Silver,phone (718) 383
1325 fax (718) 383 1325 pager/vm (800) 358 6035, 203 N. Henry St. #3 Brooklyn, NY 11222
Studio Depot
produces and sells lighting and power equipment designed to satisfy the needs of the
motion picture, television, video and photographic industries.
D. Nightingale & Associates
offers courses, seminars, educational books, and much more for those interested in all
aspects of film and television. Based out of Canada, but with several excellent articles
on getting distribution regardless of location.
Documentary Production Companies
Arcwelder Films
Big Mouth Productions
InnerCity Films - Independent documentary
productions in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Production Companies (General)
Alliance
Releasing
Animbase
Arctic Design & Supply
Company
Artatak Films
Bangor Films
Black Bear Productions
Bonesfilm
The Bridge Studios
Brithaus
California Newsreel
Cali Z Productions
Castleway
Centropolis Entertainment
Charlotte Film and Video
Chargeurs
Claddagh Films Limited
CNI Cinema
Command Pictures INC.
Concentric Media
Coyote Pass Productions
D & S Video
Productions
Davenport Films
David Kearse Productions
DC Productions & Avalanche Film Company
Delta-9/Eden Matrix
Diatheke Eirene LTD
Digital Alley
Digital Extreme Online
Digital Magik Post
East Side Film Company
Edit Art
Edward R. Pressman Films
Emulsion Films
eXposure
Film House Productions
Gabriel G. Mostert International Film Productions
Gemini Productions
Genuine Buck Film
Globe Film Company
Grand Central Studios
Graphic Programs
Guerilla Films
Gulliver Films Productions
Haley Productions
Iber Film Production
Icelandic Film Corporation
Iguana Films
Imagex Productions
Independent Feature Project/West
The Independent Filmmakers Studio
In the Park Productions
International Documentary Association
Kestrel Productions
Kingman Films International
Kinopravada Productions
La Femina Moving Pictures
Lenswork Productions
Light House Film and TV
Living Spirits Pictures
Lunatic Fringe Productions
Mandrake Production
Matrixx Entertainment
Media Cube
Mellow Mood Productions
Mentorn Films
Michael Wiese Productions
Millennium Films/Production Specialties
Mojave Production Services
Moriah Films
Muse of Fire Productions
New Media Entertainment
Nichol Moon Entertainment
Null Set Productions
Outsider
Productions
Pacific Title Digital
Panther City Films
Planet X Studios
Random Foo Pictures
Red Menace Publishing
View Askew Productions
WARPED Productions |
