How-To

Crowd Funding 101: How to Maximize Your Online Campaign

erin — Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Big Players and What Differentiates Them

Tips on Securing Broadcast on National Public Television

erin — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Getting my first documentary, The Teachings of Jon, broadcast nationally on public television felt like walking through a minefield, blindfolded. As a recipient of a completion funds grant from Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), I was fortunate to have the best mentors to guide me through the process.

Are Pitch Sessions the New Black?

erin — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Pitch sessions are becoming the go-to attraction at film festivals and conferences. How are filmmakers and expert panelists making the most of these meetings?

After attending a few sessions firsthand, The Independent asked film professionals for their input on how to maximize the pitch opportunity. Turns out the answers aren’t so simple. We spoke with:

Securing Distribution with Netflix

KatieO — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600

By Michelle L. Martin and Katie O'Connell

Doc Doctor's Story Strategies: Looking for the Perfect Producer? Keep Looking!

erin — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600

Myth #7

“I’ll go on with the film when I find the right producer.” Keep looking!

The myth in all its glory

Maximizing Film Exhibition Quality at Festivals

KatieO — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600

Many filmmakers forget that there are plenty of final touches to be made after the last edit is approved and digital formatting requirements are met for festival submissions. Even after festival acceptances flood your in-box, there are ways to maintain creative control over your film's exhibition.

How an Innovative Web Doc Secured Traditional Distribution

courtney — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Prison Valley, a multimedia prison reform project, tells the tale of Fremont County, Colorado: a tiny patch of the Southwest packed with 13 prisons and a local economy that revolves around the incarceration of 7,735 people—many of whom are the county’s own residents.

From Journalist to Documentarian – Five Tips for a Better Documentary

cristina — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600

Two-time Emmy Award winner June Cross has written, produced, or edited about a dozen documentaries in a career that spans more than three decades. She is also an associate professor of Journalism at Columbia University, where she teaches graduate-level courses in reporting and documentary film.

Production Insurance for Filmmakers: Understanding the Basics

Nikki — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 04:57:28 -0500

Production insurance is probably one of the most important things a filmmaker needs to take into consideration before shooting the project. Why get insurance for your project? Essentially, there are three reasons: Legal, Contractual and Asset Protection.

How Filmmakers Can Beat the Recession

Nikki — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:02:06 -0500

As the recession continues to cast a shadow on the American economy, Hollywood studios are emerging as one of the few success stories. Audiences seeking an entertaining reprieve from layoffs and pay cuts are bringing theaters increased ticket sales and revenue and giving the film industry a "recession proof" reputation.