By Imara Ikhumen
This is a list of resources that can assist people who do not have professional training or a large budget but are looking to get into the film industry whether that be as a writer, director, cinematographer, or something else. None of these companies are affiliated with me in any way, but I have used them all at one point or another and found them to be exceptionally helpful. The best part is that all of these resources can be accessed from home!
The Black List
The Black List is a website where any writer can post their spec, show, or feature length screenplay to be voted on and rated by film executives. Scripts are evaluated and awarded annually, giving aspiring writers an opportunity to get their work seen from wherever they are. It is not free, but it is a valuable resource. In the past, multiple Oscar-winning films have been featured including Juno, The King’s Speech, Argo, and Slumdog Millionaire.
Screenwriting competitions
Another resource for screenwriters, screenwriting competitions are a great way to get your work out there and possibly get jobs while skipping the process of getting an agent. Final Draft has the aptly named Big Break Screenwriting Competition. The biggest prize for that is $10,000. Some of these competitions like the Warner Bros Writer’s Workshop will ask you to submit a resume, a spec, and a personal statement for a chance to become a staff member on a Warner Brothers produced show. Disney and Nickelodeon also have similar programs annually. There are many more competitions and fellowship options to explore. One website that makes a list of some of the best ones offered every year is Script Reader Pro.
Studio Binder
Studio Binder is an insane resource. They release weekly video essays and lessons for independent filmmakers. In addition, they share production resources and templates to help you organize and elevate your production from pre to post. You can follow them on Youtube to see their weekly video, sign up for newsletters to see what’s being discussed, and use the tools on their website for free. They have so many ways to help an aspiring filmmaker grow that it actually almost seems unfair that it’s free. If you want to upgrade and use the workspace with a team, that is the only part that you have to pay for, however, the unpaid version is more than enough for a beginning filmmaker.
Clubhouse
Clubhouse is an unsuspecting resource. It is a new form of social media that involves only audio. Users can join groups and meet for discussions like a huge group call. It is an invite only platform, but it is free, so once you’ve gotten your invite, you’re in! There are groups for all different types of arts including filmmaking. Members can meet to talk about films/film theory, or they can silently listen in on rooms that serve to be educational. I have sat in on auditions, listened to people get feedback on their writing, and even listened to creators give tutorials on how to direct actors. Clubhouse is a wonderful resource to make quick but close connections because of the intimate nature of essentially being on the phone with other users for hours. Whether you want to learn by listening, but receiving direct feedback, or by making connections with mentors, Clubhouse is actually a solid way to go.
Skillshare
I’m sure most people have seen ads for Skillshare on Youtube either in or inbetween videos. But if you haven’t actually tried it, you could be missing out. Skillshare does exactly what its name suggests: shares skills. It is not solely a filmmaking resource. You can learn a vast variety of skills on the website. It is one good place to take classes on editing, color correction, and cinematography. There are not as many classes relating to production or pre-production, but it is quite easy to acquire a trial for Skillshare, so if you have something to learn, you have nothing to lose by signing up and trying it out.
Masterclass
So Masterclass is pretty expensive. BUT, it makes sense that it would be expensive to learn from the best of the best. Masterclass is like Skillshare, except the teachers are the literal masters of their respective fields. Masterclass holds classes from Spike Lee, Shonda Rhimes, Issa Rae, Samuel L. Jackson, and Ron Howard. With the lessons that all of these people have to teach, any person can boost their craft immensely.
Kanopy
Kanopy is a lesser known streaming service that caters heavily to classic and international cinema. Kanopy is a great place to start to expand your horizons as a film viewer, which will consequently, expand your horizons as a filmmaker. If that is not your style of learning though, Kanopy also has categories of film-related courses. Some of these courses are related to filmmaking, such as, “Sound for Film and Television” or “Lighting for Film and Television”, while others are collections of classic films and documentaries that Kanopy has curated because they are worth studying.
YouTube
Youtube may seem like an obvious resource, but sometimes people give up on it because it can be too overwhelming to find all the information that you need. One way to alleviate this problem is to look for channels to follow and ask yourself if those content creators are doing what you want to be doing. Does their content look/sound clean and professional? Does it look the way you want yours to look? Youtube is also great for DIYing. Any piece of equipment that you want but cannot afford can probably be DIYed if you have the time and patience. Don’t assume that you can’t execute one of your ideas because you can’t afford it. With some research and time, you will probably be able to get help accomplishing it on Youtube.
D4Darious is a really helpful and creative person.
Creative Tech Lab is a small but good channel for people using Final Cut or even iMovie.
Armando Ferreira makes fun tech reviews and tutorials.
Brandon Washington also makes tech reviews, comparison videos, and good tutorials with a very calming voice.
