Top Ten Websites for Indie Filmmakers
The internet is a confusing cesspool of misinformation, clutter and worst of all, choice. Or, to be precise, too much of it.
As an indie filmmaker, searching for resources can be an overwhelming experience. It is depressingly easy to get lost in the torrents of blog pages, tutorials, websites and advice forums. However, if you know where to look, the internet quickly shape shifts into an invaluable resource.
This is where Reveal come in…
Here are ten fantastic websites for independent filmmakers, old and new alike. Pick which ones are relevant to you and don’t be afraid to comment below with your own treasured resources. We wholeheartedly hope that this list makes your life just a tad easier.
All filmmakers are aware of the immense amount of time and preparation that goes into the making of just a few minutes of footage. The key to a successful shoot is organisation. Although, with a large cast and crew, ensuring effective management can be a difficult feat. With Studio Binder, managing a production has never been easier.
It’s the answer to every filmmaker’s prayer.
This device allows you to create and monitor customisable call sheets, shooting schedules, script breakdowns, shot lists and storyboards, which are all stored in the same place and can be easily transferred to other members of the production team. By using this tool to manage your production workflow, your film is guaranteed to be an organisational success.
2. IndieTalk
IndieTalk is the perfect haven for filmmakers everywhere. It provides a platform for filmmakers to discuss and exchange a range of ideas, advice and industry hacks. There’s a huge amount of information available on all areas of filmmaking from Screenwriting and Cinematography, all the way to Sound and Post Production. The best thing about it? The forums give first-rate advice on how to fix production problems without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking for advice on post-production, Art of the Guillotine is the site to visit. As a revolutionary online community for film editors, this is a great place for editors to find resources, connect with one another and swap techniques.
4.Incompetech
Producers everywhere know and share the universal struggle of acquiring a music license for their film. It is always expensive and there never seems to be an end to the perpetual cascade of legal contracts. Incompetech works to alleviate this needless stress. The website contains a mammoth database of high quality, free to use music, which are easily searchable by genre.
Yes, Christmas has come early for all indie filmmakers.
5. Mandy.com
If you need to crew and cast your new film, Mandy has got your back. Whether you need to find actors, cinematographers, producers - this website has it all.
6. Videvo
Although there are many stock photo sites on the internet, Videvo is the reigning champion in providing high quality archive footage and motion graphics. Are you a filmmaker on a tight budget? No matter. The footage is completely free.
7. ZapSplat
Can you not afford a gaffer artist to create sound effects for your indie? Fear not. ZapSplat have got you covered with their gargantuan library of sound effects. Hopefully, they will perfectly fit your needs and save you a lot of time (and effort!).
Collaboration is at the heart of this platform. Shooting People is a dynamic community full of talented independent filmmakers, who use the website to connect and collaborate on features, shorts, web series (and much more!). Since 1998, this site has exploded in popularity and now with a network of thousands of indie filmmakers, supports the casting and crewing of over 200 films every week. If you want to get your project off the ground, this is a great place to start.
9. Film Riot
There are thousands of tutorial sites out there. Some are useful. Some are, sadly not. It’s easy to get sucked into a vortex scrolling through the never-ending tabs up on your screen. Film Riot, however, is the only tab you’ll need to open. Hosted by the wonderfully whimsical, Ryan Connolly, this tutorial site manages to offer educational and informative videos with a comical twist. Ranging from advice on how to cast your film, to how to use CGI, Film Riot has it all. If you want to spice up your day, then click on this site and enter Ryan’s risible realm of DIY filmmaking tips.
10. IndieWire
As a heaving hub of filmmakers and cinephiles, Indiewire has something for everyone. Whether you’re an indie film lover who wants to discover the latest information on films and festivals or a filmmaker who wants to broaden their knowledge on production and distribution, IndieWire will no doubt soon become your second home.
Written by Katie O’Toole