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No Rules, Just Suggestions...

NO BUDGET FILM RESOURCES
 
** This page includes many valuable resources that I have found for No Budget Filmmakers. It is in no way comprehensive, but it is dynamic.  I will be actively adding to this page on a regular basis, so please BOOKMARK. 
 
This is not an advertising section for vendors--I hand-choose all links based on my own personal experience, recommendations from filmmakers, and other subjective criteria.  If you want to recommend new additions to this page, please email them to me at:  nobudgetfilmschool@earthlink.net

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READ MY BLOG! I am now blogging for Karie Bible's Film Radar site. Check out my various ramblings and insights regarding no-budget films and such:

www.filmradar.com/indie_blog















NEWS & INFORMATION

 


MAGAZINES/TRADE PUBLICATIONS (Print):

 

Daily Variety

(Best source of general film news. If you subscribe to the printed version, you get online access for free.)

http://www.variety.com

 

Filmmaker Magazine

(Best printed source for indie film news, information and coverage. Quarterly magazine.)

http://www.filmmakermagazine.com/

 

MovieMaker

(Their stories are a bit fluffier than Filmmaker's, but still a good resource.)

http://www.moviemaker.com/

 

The Independent

(No longer in print form, but the online site is a still vibrant source for indie film articles, especially regarding documentaries.)

http://www.aivf.org

 

DV Magazine

(My favorite printed source for technical information for indie filmmakers. Definitive articles and reviews on cameras, editing systems, software, hardware, techniques, etc.)

http://www.dv.com/

 

Video Systems

(Another good technical magazine.)

http://videosystems.primediabusiness.com/

 

Millimeter

(Video Systems' sister publication. More film oriented.)

http://videosystems.primediabusiness.com/magazine.asp?magazineid=124&SiteID=15



Videomaker Magazine
(Videomaker's online Video Production Magazine: Camcorder reviews, articles and information on consumer video production. Empowering people to make video that inspires, encourages and equips for success.)
http://www.videomaker.com/

 

 

ONLINE:

 

IndieWire 

(Best source of information on indie film. Subscribe to their free daily email news report.)

http://www.indiewire.com/

 

Daily Variety

(If you can't afford the printed publication, pay for the online version. An incredible resource.)

http://www.variety.com

 

IMDB & IMDB Pro

(Terrific resource. Comprehensive film database. I think IMDB Pro is worth the $90/year. Try the free 2-week trial subscription first.)

http://www.imdb.com/

http://pro.imdb.com/

 

Rotten Tomatoes

(Comprehensive movie review listing)

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/

 

Movie City News

(News, columns and blogs, with great links to other news sources.)

http://www.moviecitynews.com/

 

Self Reliant Film Blog

(Interesting stories and links on all subjects.)

http://www.selfreliantfilm.com 

 

Digital Content Producer

(Terrific online resource for tech-related stories, articles and reports.)

http://www.digitalcontentproducer.com

 

Digital Media Net Newsletter

(Same as above.)

http://www.dmnnewsletter.com/

 

2-pop

(Excellent site for editing & other technical information)

http://www.2-pop.com/

 

Adam Wilt

(Tons of technical information for you hardcore tech-heads.)

http://www.adamwilt.com/index.html

 

HD For Indies

(Like "Snakes On A Plane", the name says it all.)

http://www.hdforindies.com/

 

DVX User

(Resource information for DVX-100 & HVX200 Cameras)

http://www.dvxuser.com

 

Ken Stone

(Final Cut Pro help and training)

http://www.kenstone.net

 

Ripple Training

(FCP, etc. help and training)

http://www.rippletraining.com/

ORGANIZATIONS *

 

* While most of these orgs are based in LA, they all have wonderful web sites that are excellent resources for filmmakers all over the world. 

 

 

Filmmakers Alliance

(If you're an indie filmmaker in LA, you need to be a member of FA. Period.)

http://www.filmmakersalliance.com/

 

Film Independent

(No matter what you call it--IFP/LA, FIND--it's definitely worth the dues, just for the free screenings alone.)

http://www.filmindependent.org/

 

Group 101 

(A great org for getting off your butt and making films.)

http://group101films.com/

 

LA Final Cut Pro Users Group

(More than just FCP, this org represents one of the best values in LA--great monthly meetings, information-packed newsletter, and a web site chock full of information and great deals for its members--all for FREE.)

http://www.lafcpug.org/

 

Digital Cinema Society

(This org is growing and expanding its areas of interest. For tech heads interested in cameras, editing systems, and, oh yeah, digital cinema.)

http://www.digitalcinemasociety.com/

 

Movies By Women

(For all women filmmakers who bemoan the disparity of women directors in Hollywood, this org does something about it.)

http://www.moviesbywomen.com/

 

 

SoCal Film Group

(Filmmaking co-op; encourage practicing your craft; own their own equipment.)

http://www.socalfilm.com/

 

 

BOARDS FOR CREW, EQUIPMENT, NEWS, INFORMATION

 


Craigslist

(One of the great spots to find just about anything for your no-budget feature--crew, props, equipment, etc.)

http://www.craigslist.org/

 

Mandy.com

(One of the best places to find crew.)

http://www.mandy.com/

 

The Production Hub

(A great resource for just about anything you need.)

http://www.ProductionHUB.com/

 

IndieClub.com

(Many valuable resources for networking actors, filmmakers, and crew)

http://www.indieclub.com/

 

LA Producers Yahoo Group

(The great resource for LA-area producers, UPM's, etc. Must qualify to join.)

http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/LAProducer/

 

Filmmaker.com

(General information on a variety of topics.)

http://www.filmmaker.com/

 

The Info List

(Jeff Gund's Email Posting. Great for receiving information on job listings, events, etc., or for posting notices. Subscribe at:

http://www.infolist.com/

 

Reality Crew

(Training for crews of reality shows and relevant links)

http://www.realitycrew.com 

 

Student Filmmakers

(Links, information, boards, resources etc for student filmmakers)

http://www.studentfilmmakers.com 

 

FILM SCREENINGS

 

IN LA:
 

American Cinematheque

http://www.egyptiantheatre.com/

 

UCLA

http://www.cinema.ucla.edu/public/calendar/calendar_f.html

 

LACMA

http://www.lacma.org/

 

The Academy

http://www.oscars.org/events/index.html

 

AFI On Screen

http://www.afi.com/

 

New Beverly Cinema

http://www.michaelwilliams.com/beverlycinema/showtimes.cfm

 

Laemmle Theaters

http://www.laemmle.com/

 

Landmark Theaters

http://www.landmarktheaters.com/

 

Cemetery Screenings

http://www.cinespia.org/

 

Echo Park Film Center

http://www.echoparkfilmcenter.org/

 

Hollywood Mobile Movie

(A unique and fun mobile drive-in theater!)

http://www.hollywoodmobmov.com/

 

Film Radar

(Listing of Revival, repertory, and special film events in LA.)

http://www.filmradar.com/

 

 

ONLINE VIEWING:

 

MySpace

http://signup.myspace.com

 

YouTube.com

http://www.youtube.com/ 

 

eBaum's World

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/

 

iFilm

http://www.ifilm.com

 

Break.com

http://www.break.com/

 

OTHER RESOURCES

 


CASTING:

 

Now Casting   

(Post casting notices for free and view/compare submissions online.) 

http://www.nowcasting.com

 

Breakdown Services  

(Same as above.)

http://www.breakdownexpress.com/

 

Easy Cast

(Same as above.)

http://www.easycasting.com

 

SAGIndie

(Same as above.) 

http://www.sagindie.com/casting.html

 

Craigslist

http://www.craigslist.org/

 

Backstage West

(Publication for placing casting notices. Small fee.)

http://www.backstagewest.com

 

Theater groups

(Theater groups in your area are a great resource for actors, wardrobe, etc.)

http://www.theatermania.com/content/listings.cfm?int_city_id=2

 

 

PRODUCTION INSURANCE:

 

Wildcard Productions

Amanda Sweikow

Wk: (818) 237-5630

mailto:wildcardprod@gmail.com

 

Truman Van Dyke Company

Tracy Ickes

Wk: (323) 883-0012

Fx: (323) 883-0024

Mb: (213) 448-7431

mailto:tracy@tvdco.com

http://www.shorttermproductions.com

 

Frankel & Associates Insurance

Max Gottlieb

Wk: (310) 552-3349

Fx: (310) 552-3349

Mb: (310) 346-0906

mailto:snowmax@comcast.net

 

 

GEAR RENTAL:

 

Castex Rentals

(Good for production equipment and misc. items; some G&E.)

http://www.castexrentals.com

 

Wooden Nickel

(One of the best deals on G&E in town.)

http://www.woodennickellighting.com

 

 

VIDEO TAPE STOCK:

 

VSA

(These guys are out of Nebraska and they're cheap!)

http://www.videoserviceofamerica.com/

 

Edgewise Media Inc.

(The place to go in LA when you've got to pick up some tape quick.)

http://www.edgewise-media.com

 

Media Distributors

http://www.mediadistributors.com 

 

 

WARDROBE:

 

Out of the Closet

(Borrow any clothes for free in return for credit.)

http://www.aidshealth.org/otc/

 

Signature Cleaners

(Will clean any item for $1.75 per.)

11707 Ventura Blvd

Studio CityCA 91604-2616  

(818) 980-3440

 

 

MAKEUP ACADEMIES:

 

Make-up Designory

http://www.mud.edu/

 

Studio Makeup Academy

http://www.studiomakeupacademy.com/

 

Joe Balasko

http://www.joeblasco.com/blascoschools/index.htm

 

 

CRAFT SERVICE:

 

Costco

(Absolutely worth the $45 membership fee.)

http://www.costco.com/

 

Smart & Final

(No membership fee; bulk-buying prices.)

http://www.smartandfinal.com

 

Trader Joes

(Crews love the stuff you get at Trader Joe's.)

http://www.traderjoes.com/

 

 

LOCATION PROTECTION:

 

Cardboard Junkies

(Layout board, bubble wrap, and the expertise to help you protect like a pro.)

http://www.cardboardjunkies.com/home.php

 

 

MUSIC:

 

LicenseMusic.com

(Library music)

http://www.licensemusic.com

 

Free Play Music

(Free music for films & TV.)

http://www.freeplaymusic.com


Royalty Free Music

(Free music and buyout music.)

http://www.royaltyfreemusic.com

 

ASCAP

(Search for rights-holders to songs.)

http://www.ascap.com

 

BMI

(Same as above)

http://www.bmi.com/

 

 

LEGAL:

 

Legal Zoom

(To set up LLC, etc.)

http://www.legalzoom.com 

 

Industry Contracts

(Boiler plate contracts on CD-ROM. WARNING: I have never seen these contracts and can not vouch for their effectiveness. Have a lawyer you trust look over the important ones.)

http://www.industrycontracts.com

 

 

CONSULTING:

 

Peter Broderick 

(Innovative alternative distribution strategies, and more, from one of the smartest guys in the indie film biz.)

http://www.peterbroderick.com



DVD Authoring, Fulfillment, Distribution:

Breakthrough Distribution 

(Soup-to-nuts, these guys can help you with your DVD self-release)

http://www.breakd.com

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

 

Instructables 

(DIY solutions for production and post. Use their search function to find ways to build innovative, affordable do-it-yourself tools. For example, search "camcorder" and you'll find a homemade camera shoulder rest.)

http://www.instructables.com

 

 
















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