Useful Websites for Filmmakers

Below, I have provided a few links that can be utilized by emerging filmmakers wherever they may be. Most have a way to connect to their community of film making constituents. Here is some additional information about them.


The Independent Feature Project, IFP, is the nation's largest non-profit filmmaker organization. IFP membership starts at $35 year and has many benefits. Among them is access to an online database of events, trainings, and publications. At the $100 "Filmmaker" rate, you get entry to many of these live events in your region, and a print version of Filmmaker Magazine (also available in electronic versions). Members get discounts, job listings, free screenings of Spirit Award nominated films (and the right to vote on them), and access to rentals and trainings. Members are also eligible for fiscal sponsorship, which makes them eligible to apply for grants and accept donations via non-profit fund raising.

The International Documentary Association, or IDA, is focused exclusively on documentary film making. One of the greatest benefits is training and eligibility for Academy Award nomination through Doc Weeks, which helps filmmakers meet MPAA guidelines for Oscar qualification. IDA also offers classes, networking, job and opportunity listings, and fiscal sponsorship. Every member gets a subscription to Documentary Magazine. Student membership starts at $45 per year.

Digital Juice is a great resource for editors. Compatible with all major, professional NLE platforms, Digital Juice offers templates and packaged elements (backgrounds, lower thirds, animations) that are bundled and ideal for news, TV, sports, commercials, corporate media, and more. Additionally, they offer royalty-free music with individual tracks and sound effect packages. One of the best things about this product-rich website is the extensive training library that features step-by-step video demonstrations of how to not only use their products, but learn shortcuts, tips, and tricks, in applications like Premiere Pro, Avid, After Effects, Photoshop, FinalCut Pro, and more.

Entertainment Partners offers professional production management tools. Perhaps most widely known and valued are Movie Magic Scheduling and Movie Magic Budgeting. These software programs digitized the sophisticated and detailed script breakdown process. They also created a product for screenwriters, Movie Magic Screenwriter, that actually interfaces with scheduling and budgeting to further simplify the process. Additional products include accounting software specific to the production world.

ITVS is a great site for lovers of public television. ITVS partners with public television stations nation-wide to develop and showcase films that meet the mission of providing diverse programming to under-served markets.  ITVS has grants that are open throughout the year to domestic and international television producers. They offer screenings to the public, and media rich content that attract loyal audiences.

The Internet Movie Database is a well known resource available in a standard and professional version. It lists cast and creative members of successful films. It also has career history for filmmakers, celebrities, and crew. It is enriched with biographies, photos, reports, charts, popularity rankings and more. It is a great tool for those who are packaging and developing films as well as those who just want to stay up to date on news, new releases, and box office reports.

This handful of sites is a great starting point for emerging filmmakers to launch their education and careers. Most filmmakers and movie executives never attended film school, so why be discouraged if CalArts or UCLA turned you down or you don't make the cut for NYU or USC? Many community colleges have courses that will train you on editing platforms and even provide access to equipment. Most cities also have public access television stations that provide access to training and equipment. You can learn a lot online and through crash courses. You will soon find out if you have any talent. Remember the saying "it takes teamwork to make the dream work." With the right  community membership, making movies is possible -even if you don't live in Los Angeles or New York.