General Suggestions - All Filmmakers
MAKING A START…
The following links and pages offer a basic guide to the support and funding networks serving the feature film, television and online media communities. The information is intended for both entry-level filmmakers and those from other fields with a passion for a subject they want to translate into a film or media project.
JOIN AN INDUSTRY GROUP:
Industry Groups are a great way to meet filmmakers. Their websites are a mine of information and their staff can help with quick advice. Some offer reduced membership fees for emerging filmmakers and also helpful services, like discounted rates for script assessments. If you go into production, you may need to deal with them anyway.
Here is a selection of the major industry groups:
Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA)
Australian Director's Guild (ADG)
Australian Writers' Guild (AWG)
Special Interest Group in Computer Graphics & Interactive Techniques
Australia Cinematographer Society
Australian Guild of Screen Composers
Australian Screen Editors Guild
Australian Production Design Guild
Game Developers Association of Australia
International Game Developer Association
OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT
The Australian Film Radio and Television has a of range public events that offer stimulating background on filmmakers and significant productions. See their news and events below.
Women in Film and Television offers support and public events to women filmmakers.
Women in Film & Television NSW (WIFT)
POPCORN Taxi is a series of screenings and public events deigned to foster discussion among filmmakers. Attending is an easy way to join the discussion with the wider media community.
OTHER WAYS TO GET ‘OUT THERE.’
VOLUNTEER AT A FILM FESTIVAL
Festivals are always in need of extra help, and it's a great way to meet people in the industry.
The Sydney Film Festival has a great volunteer program as done Queer Screen.
Networking online.
It is easy to join the creative professional networking site - The Loop
CROWD SOURCED FINANCING
This can be a great way for emerging filmmakers to find support for their projects. All types of production from low budget feature films to web sites have had their projects partly financed this way. Put your project online and get the international community to help you fund it.
Here is a site that offers a fuller explanation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crowdfunding
Here is a sample list of websites that support crowd sourced financing:
CHECK THE GUIDELINES FOR FUNDING AT THESE ORGANISATIONS
Information & Cultural Exchange
Documentary Australia Foundation
APPROACH A LOCAL BUSINESS FOR SPONSORSHIP
In exchange for providing a sponsorship toward a portion of the expenses for the film, you could offer to somehow include a local business in the film and also add their name/logo to the credits.
Most businesses would be happy to have a film crew at their location, as long as you don't get in the way, as cameras usually draw the attention of prospective customers. It might be a café, or a clothing store, or a car dealership, or a pub. There is an endless list of possibilities...just look in the phone book or have a walk around your neighbourhood for some ideas.
APPROACH A CORPORATION FOR SPONSORSHIP
Screen NSW does not endorse any specific companies. You will need to do your own research to determine if a company's sponsorship guidelines are appropriate for your purposes.
APPROACH A COMMUNITY ORGANISATION OR LOCAL COUNCIL FOR A GRANT OR MATCHED FUNDING
CREATE A FACEBOOK/WEBPAGE/TEASER/BLOG and post it online to generate interest.
Watch these Ted Talks on multiplatform potential:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9SlVedmnw4&feature=player_embedded
Jeff Gomez, CEO of Starlight Runner Entertainment, a New York-based digital production company, is a pioneer of transmedia storytelling and an expert at incubating new entertainment franchises, strategic planning and production for cross-platform implementation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhqWyhMGRLg
Dan Hon is a senior member of the Wieden + Kennedy London creative department, specialising in games, play and new ways of storytelling. In 2007 Dan founded with his brother Adrian, Six to Start, an award winning entertainment production company.
A list of Australian cross platform developers can be found on this website Christy's Corner of the Universe
Try this link from Screen Australia about – “thinking outside the box office.” http://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/marketing/seminars_forums/default.aspx
Lists of companies can be found at the following association websites:
Check out the following sites if you live outside Sydney. While all regional offices offer advice, some also run workshops for emerging filmmakers:
Copyright is important for protecting your project. For details about just what it actually is see this link from Wikipedia.
You can find comprehensive information at the Australian Copyright Council. Check out the ‘Information Sheets’ section here.