Below is a list of free resources for aspiring filmmakers to help build your education, network, upskill and find inspiration:
Learning Platforms
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- Film Riot: Visually engaging tutorials covering cinematography, special effects, and creative short filmmaking.
- Indy Mogul: The kings of DIY filmmaking, showing you how to achieve impressive results on a budget.
- DSLRguide: In-depth camera knowledge, gear reviews, and cinematography tutorials.
- Peter McKinnon: Stunning visuals, cinematography techniques, editing tips, and vlogs from a successful filmmaker.
- Filmmaker IQ: Dives into the history and theory of cinema, explores filmmaking techniques, and analyzes iconic films.
- Lessons from the Screenplay: Analyses the screenwriting techniques behind successful movies.
- This Guy Edits: Explores the art of editing with insightful breakdowns of movie scenes and editing styles.
- Every Frame a Painting: Insightful video essays dissecting cinematography, directing techniques, and visual storytelling.
Industry Insights & Career Advice
- D4Darious: Advice on building a filmmaking career, navigating freelancing, equipment, and client work.
- Mark Bone Cinematography: A working cinematographer shares his set experiences, lighting breakdowns, and insights into the industry.
- Potato Jet: Tips on building a business as a filmmaker, marketing yourself, and making money with your skills.
- Masterclass: While not fully free, platforms like Masterclass often offer individual classes or free trials. Seek out classes by filmmakers you admire.
Podcasts
- The Big Picture: Wide-ranging focus on the film industry, pop culture trends, and the business of Hollywood.
- Filmspotting: In-depth reviews, top-five lists, and insightful discussions on classic films, new releases, and everything in between.
- Scriptnotes: Screenwriting gold from veteran screenwriters John August and Craig Mazin. They break down the nuts and bolts of screenwriting, from concept to finished product.
- Team Deakins: Cinematography legend Roger Deakins and his collaborator James Deakins explore the art and technique of cinematography.
- Off Camera with Sam Jones: Celebrated photographer/director Sam Jones sits down for long-form conversations with directors, actors, and other artists.
- The A24 Podcast: Discussions on the films and creative process behind the acclaimed indie studio A24 (Moonlight, Ladybird, Everything Everywhere All at Once).
- The Director’s Cut: A podcast presented by the Directors Guild of America, featuring conversations with notable film directors.
- The /Filmcast: Film reviews, news, and entertaining discussions from the perspective of dedicated film lovers.
- You Must Remember This: Fascinating deep dives into the forgotten and secret histories of Hollywood’s golden age and beyond.
- Indie Film Hustle: Practical advice on all aspects of independent filmmaking, from development to distribution (and tons of inspiring interviews!)
- The Business: From the Hollywood Reporter, this podcast reveals the business deals and power players shaping the entertainment industry.
- The Treatment: Long-form discussions and analysis of filmmaking from KCRW, hosted by Elvis Mitchell.
- The Town: In-depth discussions about the business and craft of Hollywood filmmaking
- The Ankler: Insider news, analysis, and commentary on the entertainment industry, known for its sharp takes and scoops.
Inspiration & Community
- Reddit: Subreddits like r/filmmakers, r/cinematography, and r/screenwriting are great to ask questions, share work, and connect with others.
- Vimeo: A platform hosting high-quality short films and creative work. A great place to find inspiration and study different styles.
- Film Festivals: Attend festivals (even virtually) to immerse yourself in new and inspiring work, like Sundance, SXSW, Cannes, Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and smaller regional festivals.
- Filmmaker Interviews Look for in-depth interviews with your favourite directors on podcasts and filmmaker-focused websites. Many podcasts on the previous list are great for this!
- Visual Inspiration: Follow cinematography/directing-focused accounts on Instagram, Pinterest, and Behance to get a daily dose of stunning visuals
- Local Filmmaking Groups: Search Facebook and Meetup for filmmaking groups in your area. Connect, collaborate, and attend workshops or screenings together.
- Filmmaking Collectives: Find online filmmaking collectives dedicated to collaboration, support, and feedback. Some are niche-focused (women filmmakers, documentary filmmakers, etc.)
- Social Media: Follow and engage with filmmakers you admire on Twitter, Instagram, etc. Build relationships and seek mentorship when appropriate.
- Film Challenges: Participate in online filmmaking challenges or short film contests for motivation, deadlines, and a sense of community with other participants.
Sound and Music
- Freesound.org: An extensive database of free sound effects under various licenses.
- Incompetech: A website by composer Kevin MacLeod offering royalty-free music for various uses.
- BBC Sound Effects: A selection of sound effects from the BBC’s archives, free to use for personal projects.
But don’t forget, the best way to learn is by doing!