So, you want to learn more about how to make movies? Here, we look at five free online resources for filmmakers that will help get your work financed, produced and distributed without spending a dime. By gaining exposure and knowledge, you will hopefully have an easier time finding investors, actors and collaborators who will help you realize your cinematic vision.
As a filmmaker of 20 years, I have found these sources extremely helpful in navigating the world of moviemaking and understanding the journey from an initial idea to a finished product. Through my work with Tongal, I have had the good fortune to work with companies such as LEGO, Weight Watchers and PayPal, and in many of these projects I have consulted the online platforms listed below for advice and guidance.
FilmCourage was established in 2009 by Karen Worden and David Branin, and features videos, podcasts and articles about all aspects of moviemaking. Their in-depth, long-form interviews with individuals working in the entertainment industry provide viewers with practical advice on how to establish a film career and produce projects. Their content has been shared in Filmmaker Magazine, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, The Wrap, Entertainment Weekly, MSN Movies and Business Insider. Guests of FilmCourage include directors, producers, screenwriters and actors who possess all different types of expertise.
My favorite interviews include those with producer Jeff Deverett, who discusses the relationship between making and marketing a film, and filmmaker Mark Harris, who outlines how to distribute independently produced work. As FilmCourage is donation-based, it is entirely free to access and its content can be viewed either on their YouTube channel or on their website.
Founded by writer/director Ryan Koo, No Film School is based on the simple principle that you do not need to attend college or university in order to make movies. This website features a ton of fascinating articles related to cinema ranging from historical analysis to product reviews.
I particularly enjoyed reading Jason Hellerman’s piece on screenwriting terminology and listening to writer/director GG Hawkin’s podcast concerning the role that money plays in the industry. Ultimately, this online platform successfully bridges the gap between film theory and production and offers users an in-depth understanding of the business.
BloodList was created in 2009 to promote unproduced screenplays and television pilots from the horror and thriller genres. They hold an annual competition aptly titled “Fresh Blood” which is free to enter and allows both amateur and veteran screenwriters the opportunity to compete and have their work assessed by professionals in the film industry.
If you are lucky enough to be selected for this competition, BloodList will work tirelessly to promote your script in the hopes of getting it made. The titles they have helped produce in the past include The Babysitter (2017), The Monster (2016), The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016) and Summer of 84 (2018).
FilmFreeway is a database that allows you to upload your film and instantly submit it to thousands of festivals all over the globe (many of them for free!). Additionally, users also have the option to attach posters, promotional images, a director’s biography, press material and subtitles (for international festivals). Using their search categories, you can seek out venues based on genre, location and submission cost.
The website also includes a “Deals” section where you can get limited time discounts on entry fees for certain festivals. Once your film has been selected, FilmFreeway will notify you and allow you to correspond with the festival organizers as well as leave feedback based on your experience.
Script Revolution was founded by CJ Walley, a writer/producer who wished to create a free online forum where writers would be able to publish their work in order to have it viewed by industry professionals. This website was inspired by Walley’s desire to prove that a script’s value should be based solely on its artistic merit and ability to attract public interest. Writers may also upload mock posters they have produced for their scripts in order to increase the buzz around their project.
Furthermore, you can show your love and support for other people’s work on this forum by liking it and thereby increasing its ranking. Script Revolution boasts a lengthy list of members who have sold or optioned their work to filmmakers via their website, and you can see some of these success stories here.
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