When MicroFilmmaker Magazine was first founded in 2005, our goal was to create a resource that would contain all the secrets and advice about filmmaking that one would normally acquire after going to film school, but do it in a way that was free of charge and would specifically target how to do the most accessible form of filmmaking: micro-budget filmmaking.
After over five years, MFM has successfully accumulated a massive amount of training and teaching specifically related to almost every area of filmmaking from a staggering array of filmmakers, from micro-budget to Indiewood to Hollywood. As such, we are now ready to begin unveiling our long awaited MicroFilmmaker Academy, where we will provide an organized and systematic way for new and experienced filmmakers to train and improve their filmmaking at each step of the process, from Script writing to Preproduction to Fundraising to Production to Post to Distribution and Marketing. (And, when we're done with that, we'll devote a section to Real Life Filmmaking Case Studies, to help you learn from the good and bad of other filmmakers!)
These are all articles that I've hand picked over the years as editor, for their information and clarity.
With that said, here are some explanations to questions that will likely arise:
1) Because they are written by different filmmakers, you will notice some (or even a lot of) overlapping information. Pay especial attention to these overlapping areas, because if they're so important that multiple filmmakers have stressed them, you can be sure that they really are things you need to concentrate on! Additionally, pay attention to who is writing the advice, because, for example, when a filmmaker gives suggestions for script writing that are virtually identical to advice a production facility that receives scripts gives, you know you have some important things to watch out for!
2) Because they are written by different filmmakers, you will also notice some conflicting opinions. Everyone has their own unique perspective on the different elements of filmmaking, so some disagreements will arise, but you should easily be able to make your own decisions when there are disagreements!
3) Although we aim to target micro-budget filmmaking, not all of the writers in our curriculum are low-budget filmmakers. However, their articles are still extremely important for low-budget filmmakers to read.
4) Each person's writing style is different, sometimes extremely so. Some will be extremely warm and encouraging and other's may be more like crusty old men who seem bent on discouraging you from making films. In the latter case, just think of someone like Yoda who's challenging you to step up to the plate! If they can be brutally honest with you, you'll have a much better chance of making it in filmmaking, whether it be as a scriptwriter, a producer, a director, or all three! (One of my favorite profs when I was in Media school gave me the most atrocious grades, but I looked up to him and was inspired by him because I knew he wouldn't reward mediocrity and encouraged me to be better than I was.)
5) Some of these articles are targeted extracts from books that we've reprinted with permission. If you wish to read the books associated with the article, the author and book information is included as a footnote on the last page!
6) Not all of the segments are up yet. This is because we will be rolling out new segments every few months until the Academy Information is complete.
Hopefully this proves to be a beneficial section for each and every one of our readers!
(Click the Forward Arrow To Continue to the Academy!)
