Filmmaking 101
All contributors in Filmmaking 101
Prequel to a Screenplay: Before Writing Begins
By: Kathleen Klein
Before a script is written, there are some vital first steps necessary to smooth the transition from what's in a writer's head to what appears on the big screen. more...
Funding Your Film Through Investors
By: Heidi Griffin
Personal or corporate investors can help you get the money you need for your film. Learn who to approach, how to win them over and proper ettiquette for collecting funds. more...
By: Heidi Griffin
Learn the various ways of securing money to fund your Independent film and how to go about them. Includes links to resources on grants, fundraisers and securing investors more...
Four Common Mistakes First-Time Filmmakers Make
By: Jeff Lanctot
Lots of things can go wrong during the production of an indie film, but by avoiding these common 'landmines,' an independent filmmaker can tip the odds in their favor. more...
Planning Your Independent Movie Post Production
By: Jeff Lanctot
Careful scheduling at every stage of movie production can mean the difference between being on-time and on-budget, or missing deadlines that can cost a production dearly. more...
Film Finance for Independent Filmmakers
By: Jeff Lanctot
Unless an indie filmmaker plans on financing their movie themselves, eventually they will need the help of film business pros to help them find investors for their film. more...
D.I.Y. Distribution Methods for Your Indie Film
By: Jeff Lanctot
You don't have to play along with Hollywood to get your independent movie seen. Here's how you can make an end-run around the big-boys to make your film profitable. more...
Guerrilla Marketing for Independent Filmmakers
By: Jeff Lanctot
Traditional distribution isn't the only way to get your independent movie seen. The indie film marketing world is growing every day, and your indie film can take part! more...
Three Methods for Getting Your Movie Distributed
By: Jeff Lanctot
Hollywood is in the film marketing business. This article will explore traditional distribution methods and will give you the knowledge you need to get your movie seen. more...
How to Employ Guns on the Set of Your Movie
By: Jeff Lanctot
Using guns on your set doesn't have to be dangerous or expensive. Here are some alternatives that will give you the shots you need, without compromising actor safety. more...
Using Storyboards to Demonstrate Scene Action
By: Jeff Lanctot
Storyboards can help to quickly convey what a director wants a scene to look like. You don't need to be a sketch artist in order to get your point across! more...
Getting Shots in a Moving Car on an Indie Budget
By: Jeff Lanctot
You don't have to spend thousands of dollars renting flat-bed trucks and specialized camera equipment in order to get great shots inside a vehicle. more...
Understanding Your Protagonist and Antagonist
By: Jeff Lanctot
A story is only as strong as the main characters in the story. If your characters can't hold an audiences attention, then you may need to understand their roles better. more...
Using the Three-Act Structure Effectively
By: Jeff Lanctot
Writing is about merging art with craft. Learning about the 3-act structure that most movies are based on is the first step to mastering the craft of screenwriting. more...
All contributing articles in Filmmaking 101 (general)
