5 websites that might become your new best friend (if you’re into filmmaking)

By Chloe Burrell

If 'filmmaker’ is your answer to, ‘What do you want to be when you’re older?’, but that’s as far as you’ve got and you're feeling a little stuck, I think I have the answer to all your problems (or at least this one).

I have collected a list of 5 beautiful, beautiful websites that have helped and inspired me as a budding filmmaker in this past year or so. Some of these will also apply to anyone who is thinking of taking up any media career, so stick around even if you aren’t destined to be the next best director!

1. GoThinkBig (www.gothinkbig.co.uk)

I discovered this beauty in a magazine. Their whole idea is to provide young people with somewhere to find ideas, advice and support concerning getting a job in the media industry - and they know it’s tough. They have endless lists of work experience and opportunities, articles on how to do well in interviews, how to prepare for your careers, upcoming schemes for young people, and every single thing in between. You can take a live practice interview, learn how to code, have your CV evaluated...I could be here all day. Just promise to have a look, because it could really be your life saver.

2. NoFilmSchool (www.nofilmschool.com) 

First things first. This website has a free DSLR cinematography guide. Once you push past that excitement (just me?), this website is a great resource created by filmmakers, for filmmakers. It leans towards the interests of technicians with its articles on all the newest and nicest equipment, but also has lots of filmmaking tutorials, interesting interviews with directors and news articles on what’s happening in the film world.

3.Skillset (www.creativeskillset.org)

This is the website for ‘the licensed Sector Skills Council for entertainment media, fashion and textiles, publishing and advertising, marketing and communications.’ Whilst this sounds completely dull, it’s actually an amazing website. It gives you information on all kinds of media industries such as: what the industry is, career profiles, events and opportunities, and most importantly a list of all the Skillset accredited University courses for your subject. If they’re accredited, it means they are recognized as great courses and as a result get extra funding to make them even better, so it’s definitely a crucial list for anyone looking at going to University, or otherwise.

4. My First Job in Film (www.myfirstjobinfilm.co.uk)

Pretty self-explanatory, My First Job is a ‘recruitment platform’ for those looking for a job in film. Whilst this might not be helpful right at this moment, I can really see it being useful once we all finish up our education. It helps you find all kinds of placements from volunteering opportunities to full-time jobs - all you have to do is create a profile for employers. Having signed up out of curiosity, they email you job alerts to suit your preferences and keep you updated with opportunities for your new career!

5. BBC Blast and FilmNetwork (www.bbc.co.uk/blast/225919 & www.bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork)

Granted, I just discovered ‘BBC Blast’ whilst researching for this blog, but I’m glad I stumbled upon it for pages of useful links. It includes seven wonderful programmes that you definitely wouldn’t regret checking out, such as BFI Future Film (BFI’s very own young people oriented organization) and 4Talent (Channel 4’s equivalent). They offer events, workshops and help just for us! 

Finally, I want to turn your attention to BBC’s Film Network - an archive of ‘new British’ short films made by people just like us, be it professional or not. I’ve found some really inspiring (and entertaining) short films on there that have given me fuel for future ideas and projects or even just to cozy up to and watch in an evening. The website, like the others, also includes filmmaking guides, great behind-the-scenes videos for some of the showcased films, and inspirational case studies from people who have already made it in the industry. Worth a look! 

And that’s my list! I wouldn’t prescribe checking them all out at once (two words: information overload) but do check them out when you find yourself with a spare moment, or need a little bit of help with those scary life plans we’re all starting to think about.

Finally, please don’t hesitate to email me any questions or worries you have about film or future related things, I’m always here to help, or point in the right direction!

Chloe's college email is cburrell.27744@farnborough.ac.uk.