Since I spend a lot of time reading about the filmmaker profession I frequently stumble upon some real gems on the internet. Here are four websites which I find particularly useful and would like to share with you.
www.loftcity.com – Showcase your work online, produce online and win grants
Loft City call themselves the “First online TV & Film Studio”. Essentially it is a great platform from which to showcase your work, in the form of your personal online ‘loft’. You can also use their online virtual studio to edit your work. What is perhaps more interesting is that you can collaborate and produce together with other filmmakers from all over the world. You will be keen to know that they have issued a Call for Production in the areas of ‘New Frontier Video’, ‘Silent Movies’, ‘Viral Ads’, ‘Web & Mobile Miniseries’ and ‘Big City Life Documentaries’. This is your chance to win grants of up to US$ 3000! Hurry, though, because submission deadlines are as soon as March 20th.
www.filmmaking.net – Filmmaker community and essential resources
Filmmaking.net is a well-structured, clean site, full of resources for the new and independent filmmaker. What stands out most on this site is the “Internet Filmmaker’s FAQ” where you can find the answer to practically any question related to filmmaking. The categories range from ‘actors & casting’ to ‘visual effects’. Apart from the FAQ, the site is packed with information including events, festivals, competitions and also the ‘Toolshed’ where you can buy and sell pro equipment.
www.reelseo.com – Video Search Engine Optimization
As many of you might already know, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is currently one of the hot topics on the internet. However, it mainly revolves around the optimization of text content… ReelSEO brings you expert advice on video SEO, a very young area of expertise indeed. If you distribute your work online, this is the best place to learn how to optimize your videos’ visibility.
www.studentfilmmakers.com – Great resources also for pro filmmakers
Although the title mentions student filmmakers, the site actually offers resources and tools useful to professionals too! For example, there is a dedicated filmmakers’ network with which you can meet and chat with other filmmakers and videographers from all over the world, student and pro. If you like to participate in local or national film contests and awards, this is the place to find out where and when they take place. Finally, the forums offer countless practical tips on subjects from lighting to directing to stunt production.
