FILMMAKER'S RESOURCES

Don’t let your story end on your script’s final page. Invest in your screenplay and give your story life with the help of these excellent film production resources.

Books

• Filmmakers and Financing

  This unique guide teaches you not only how to create a business plan, but also how to avoid common business plan mistakes, so that you can attract and secure an investor. In jargon-free terms, the author leads you through every step. Each chapter concentrates on a different section of the business plan, including the industry, marketing, financing, and distribution. Large format films, new media and shorts are also discussed.
• Shaking The Money Tree

  Warshawski completely demystifies the art of fundraising for independent film and video projects for student, emerging, and seasoned media makers. Shaking the Money Tree covers all the bases: private foundation and government grants, individuals, houseparties, and new alternative methods involving the Internet and social networking.
• The Guerrilla Filmmaker’s Handbook

  covers every aspect of filmmaking, from how to get into the business, how to make your film, how to sell it to Hollywood Studio executives and distributors and how to survive it, and go on to make another! Learn what pitfalls to avoid and what opportunities should not be missed. Expert advice comes from Steven Soderbergh's crew, Universal and Fox Studios executives, top lawyers, top agents and managers, post-production gurus, distributors and film festival coordinators among others.
• From Reel to Deal

  So, how is this book any different from the other 942 book on the shelf? Simple, pick it up and you'll actually understand how to make your first film...and that's the truth. No theory, no rah-rah speeches, no cute stories, no ego, no name-dropping...just straight, easy-to-follow and wonderfully detailed directions. Simple, again: It's almost like painting by numbers. You supply the talent; Dov supplies the information. He'll guide you step-by-step from conceiving the idea to writing the script to finding some investors...from buying film stock to hiring actors, crew, and musicians...from shooting the film to paying the lab...from editing scenes to striking a print...from attending festivals to negotiating deals. No frills, no filler. Before you know it, it's done.
• Raindance Producer’s Lab: Lo-to-No Budget Filmmaking

  Author Elliot Grove has worked on hundreds of low-budget indie movies, teaches filmmaking classes, and runs the Raindance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in Europe. His detailed film production handbook delivers a wealth of creative and technical expertise, and the accompanying CD-rom provides sample budgets, publicity plans, trailers, and interviews. Refreshingly clear, no-nonsense filmmaking tips and tricks of the trade to help you make your movie.
• The Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide

  Mark Steven Bosko has been promoting and distributing indie movies for over ten years, and he has packed all that experience into this one essential handbook. Using dozens of savvy techniques and real-world examples, he shows you how to land a distribution deal, get free media coverage, stage a low-cost premiere, and sell your movie to video chains and over the internet. It’s like having a highly-paid marketing guru right at your side!
• The Complete Movie Marketing Handbook

  Mark Steven Bosko has been promoting and distributing indie movies for over ten years, and he has packed all that experience into this one essential handbook. Using dozens of savvy techniques and real-world examples, he shows you how to land a distribution deal, get free media coverage, stage a low-cost premiere, and sell your movie to video chains and over the internet. It’s like having a highly-paid marketing guru right at your side!
• The Insider’s Guide to Independent Film Distribution

  A comprehensive distribution manual for independent film producers. Stacey Parks has helped scores of hungry filmmakers get distribution deals for their indie movies, and she knows how frustrating the whole process can be. Let her show you how, with a few little-known secrets, you can take control of your film career. Learn how to sell your movie to a studio or video distributor or distribute it yourself.

• Software

  Movieplan Business Plans

  In order to raise the funds to create a movie, the first thing you need is a business plan. Since 1995, the award-winning, critically acclaimed MoviePlan software has helped hundreds of filmmakers and production companies create the documents necessary to raise money for their indie film production projects. These editable text files virtually write your film’s Investment Memorandum for you. Just add your project details.
• Showbiz Contracts

  Attorney Mark Litwak’s collection of over 60 fill-in-the-blank industry contracts is an invaluable resource to help you make and sell your movie. Whether you choose to complete one of these contracts yourself or send it to your attorney, this software will pay for itself the first time you use it. Forms include: Literary Submission, Option and Sales Agreements, Collaboration Agreements, Employment Agreements, Distribution and Financing Agreements, and many more, along with a detailed glossary of terms.
• Movie Forms Pro Interactive

  A complete package of film, video, HD, DV and commercial production forms on an easy-to-use CD-rom. Contains many new and redesigned forms, releases, storyboards, signage, and much more. Originally created for Hollywood professionals, this software supports all phases of film production – from pre-production through post – and can be customized to fit your project’s needs. Just add your company logo, letterhead, movie title or graphic.

• Classes

  The Actions/Cut Filmmaking Seminar

  One of the most acclaimed filmmaking seminars in the industry, now available as a 3-DVD collection, complete with detailed production workbooks. Working writer/director Guy Magar, presently on contract to Miramax Films, designed this inside look at the film business from A to Z, with an in-depth, audio-visual study of the skills, tools, and industry trade secrets you need to help you create a movie.
• Maneuvering Film Festivals

  There are over 3,000 film festivals around the world. How do you navigate your way through them all? In this online course, industry pros Rona Edwards and Monika Skerbelis provide valuable tips and resources to help you get the most out of the film festivals and sell your movie. Topics covered include: targeting festivals and submitting your film, financial considerations, creating a promotional plan, marketing yourself and your film, and making the festival circuit