I’m always afraid every time I start something new.

I need coffee. Coffee will help me start. Maybe a muffin. Banana nut. Mmmm..

I’m paraphrasing from Adaptation but it’s true. We create all these mental blocks and “necessities” and we CONVINCE ourselves we need to do “more research, more information” before we start that screenplay.  In reality, we don’t need help for that. We just need to do it.

But what do you do when you actually need help? What resources are there, in terms of getting crew, learning how to shoot cheaply, or how to sell your film?

Below are few places to get you going so you can put that shiny new DSLR to good use.  Be sure to include your favorite sites in the comments below, and I’ll add them into this list with a credit to you.

 

 

Mandy

For casting and other requirements to fill in the people in the filmmaking process try Mandy.com. It’s pretty much the premiere place to go to if you need to staff crew or cast. I’ve found many hard working, non-union, diamond in the roughs here who just needed somewhere to show off their talent. Post it and they’ll come.

DSLR Guide

When I need some video proof on something I go to DSLR Guide on Youtube. It’s pretty where you want to be if it comes to walkthroughs or things of the like. Most of them are dense 5 minute videos of what you need to know. It doesn’t waste any of your time with filler.

Meetup

Now maybe you have a script. Maybe you want to find some like minded people to get it off the ground. Gotta network right? After all, filmmaking is an art form that requires more than one person. Whether you are looking for a director, writer, producer or just someone to pal around with Meetup.com is a good source for finding networking events going on in the Toronto area.

MyGolio

What if you need something a bit more specific? What if what you need is someone say in the art department or some sort of script supervisor? The place to head to is MyGolio.com. You’ll find anything from Art Directors to Sound Designers to that guy who does the clappy slaty thing. (A slate, it’s called. Thanks, Google)

No Film School

Is there a better way to learn what to do then studying from others? I don’t think. At Nofilmschool.com, you can browse and learn all sort of interesting techniques for you to get the exact tone across that you want.

Ontario National Film Board

If you’re the type that likes training and workshops, the NFB has all sorts of goodies for those of you who are looking to educated. While you’re there you can check what your fellow Toronto filmmakers have been up too by checking out their huge archive of films, shorts and all sorts of programming to get your creative juices flowing.

TIFF Film Reference Library

As the blurb on the page says, the FRL is the largest collection in the world of Canadian film and film-related materials. For all you screenwriters out there, I can’t imagine a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon the reading through the screenplays of my favorite films. Unless you have a girlfriend. In which case you should go spend time with her. I’ll go back to being sad now.

 

And there you have it. Some places to start after you’ve already started. The hardest part is always choosing to take that first step and now you know where to go if you take it.

Or is it the second step? Whatever…

What are some places you like to check out? Keep it film related you naughty boy.

Include your favorite sites and why you LOVE them, in the comments below, and I’ll add them into this list with a credit to you.