Free and cheap resources for filmmakers

There is a ton of resources for filmmakers to learn from and there is a ton of things we can get that are free and very cheap.  I am going to Share with you some of the free stuff I acquired over the years and It was all useful to me as an aspiring filmmaker.



"KODAK's Cinematographer's Field Guide:"

This used to be a free publication, but I guess now its not.  I am sure if you went to Kodak in hollywood and in person and asked them for this stuff they will give it to you freely.  They also have a bunch of detailed brochures about there stocks they can give you as well.

http://motion.kodak.com/US/en/motion/Publications/Cinematographers_Field_Guide/index.htm

http://motion.kodak.com/motion/uploadedFiles/H-2_Cinematographers_Field_Guide_6-09.pdf

If you want there an "incamera" mag you can subscribe here.

http://motion.kodak.com/US/en/motion/Publications/In_Camera/InCamera_Magazine_Subscription/index.htm

If you are a student that wants some discounts on film you can always call Gail Sanchez

her number is 1-323-468-2110

She is really good with students she gave me a great deal for my films.  Kodak is famous for establishing great reputations early on with filmmakers and cinematographers allike.  They get a lot of there business from filmmaker's word of mouth, just like my self, because of there excellent ability to help out starting filmmakers and cinematographers.   Regardless of the competition, that is Fujifilm, and the different look there stocks create, they still get a loyal filmmaker following.  I can't deny my loyalness to kodak because of there generosity.

Fujifilm is not a bad company its just different.  Don't get me wrong I love there film stock allot because of its surreal look.  Kodak's stock is more natural and has a good visual reproduction of the world.

In any case Fujifilm still has free stuff that has helped me immensely when studding film.

For a subscription to Exposure Magazine go here:

http://business.fujifilm.co.uk/motion/subscription.html

http://business.fujifilm.co.uk/motion/exposuremag.html

Fujifilm also has there version of the cinematographers manual.

http://www.fujifilm.com/products/motion_picture/products/pdf/fujifilm_motion_picture_film_manual.pdf

I think if you went to Fujifilm they could give you a hard copy for free.  They also have a ton of detailed brochures of there stocks too.

If you want a Free Fujifilm demo reel you can get it here.  Its an awesome pice displaying what the stocks can do and profesional cinematographers explane there techniques in the demo.  Kodak has a demo of there stocks, but you have to go visit kodak or call them up to see if you can get a free copy of there demo reel.  While your at it ask them if they have any other free dvds or publications they can give you.  Just tell them you are new to filmmaking and that you are a student.

http://www.fujifilmusa.com/products/motion_picture_film/demo_reel/order/index.do

"American society of cinematographers"  also has a magazine and while it may not be free it does have a free digital archive for those who want to read the back issues.  If you have the money I say subscribe to the magazine.  Some of the best cinematographers got allot of knowledge from this magazine.   The only negative side to the magazine is that most of the articles are about films that have used kodak as the filmstock.  But still its a pretty comprehensive magazine.

http://www.theasc.com/ac_magazine/archive.php


There are a ton of free magazines out there but I am only going to name a select few good ones that you can get a lot of info from.

"Millimeter magazine:"

Millimeter is a good balanced magazine featuring both film and digital and has a lot of new tech gear being featured in it.  The mag probably focuses more on the digital side but its the only one that I know of that does not do all Digital video talk.  

http://subscribe.millimeter.com/subscribe.cfm

"Post magazine:"

Post is really a mag for vfx people, but there is no reason why filmmakers should not be in the loop of the FX industry.

http://www.omeda.com/cgi-win/post.cgi?mode=main

This is also another great vfx resource that is not free, but awesome nonetheless this magizene is called cinefx.  

http://www.cinefex.com/

you can see all the back issues here 

http://www.cinefex.com/back_issues.html

The only reason why I mention Cinefx is because every thing about this mag is so awesome and if you ever get a chance to read it, its almost like a piece of art in itself.  Its just a sold visual FX magazine. 

"Creativity Magazine:"

Creativity is a free magazine, but it is also a paid subscription as well.  I like this mag because it has a lot of good advice for people in the industry not just movie makers.  It talks about jobs, trends and tips.

http://creativity-online.com/register


Once you start subscribing to these free magazines you will find that there are other free mags out there with just as much valuable information.

Here is another resourceful tip one of the biggest events in the world to go to for new visual technology is the national association of broadcasters.  The NAB is open every year and tho it may not be free if you are going to school for filmmaking you might be able to ask some one like a professer who got free tickets to the NAB to give you one.  Its an awesome event to go to. I havent been but someday I plan to.

http://www.nab.org/

Another event to go to that is not free but you can still mingle with the players in hollywood is at the American film market.  If you go, try not to embarrass your self there.  This is a fantastic place for networking so sit in the patio have some lunch and try starting a conversation with the big players.  Remember these are just people and they are all sharks one way or another, but still its not a bad place to network and exchange business cards at.  So have fun there, relax and mingle.  You never know who you might meet.  You might even get an opportunity to get a job.  who knows.  The American film market is also a place to sell films.  so if you make an indi flick show it off there you never know who might want buy it.  people are known to getting a check in hand before leaving the event so find out how to display your film there.  Also If you do have the money I highly recommend getting your self a pass.  Its worth its wight in gold.  Its kinda like gold mining there.

http://www.afma.com/

I am sure there are more great resources to dab into these are a few to start with and I am sure over time you will get some killer new leads for free and cheap stuff down the road based off of the info here.

Next time I will blog about free and cheap filmmaking tips to getting those productions done under $1000 using film or digital as a medium.  

By
Robert Sawin