There are many resources available for filmmakers to learn about the industry, develop their skills, or help produce their projects. Each organization can offer their own programs targeted toward a goal that filmmakers are aiming to achieve. With the many different organizations in Alberta, some people can get overwhelmed with the number of options and they can’t find what they are looking for. In this article, I would like to share some knowledge about what film organizations can do to help specifically, then dive into which organizations in Alberta provide those resources.
For those who are just beginning their journey in film and aren’t going to film school, learning the skills can be intimidating. Luckily, there are organizations who offer workshops for skill development. These workshops can be help over a single day, a weekend, or longer. It gives people the opportunity to learn a skill, while also networking with others in the same boat.
Skills that beginner filmmakers could seek are: screenwriting – learning about story structure, character development, and telling a cohesive story; producing – organization and planning skills, how to get an idea from paper to reality; pitching – an important skill for those trying to sell their idea and secure funding; directing – learning how to lead, how to use every element together to tell a story; lighting and camera – production focused, technical skills; and editing – how to solve puzzles of a story, bringing everything together, detail oriented. Being knowledgeable in each department will bring you closer toward your goal of getting or project made.
After training your filmmaking skills, with the help of film organizations you can attend networking opportunities to meet and connect with other filmmakers. This step is very important because a big part of filmmaking is getting yourself in the circles and groups. You need to meet people for opportunities to arise, which sounds like a daunting task because it can be hard for some people to put themselves out there. The important thing to remember is that everyone is there for the same reason you are. When you’ve realized that, networking can be easier as people are hoping to meet others. Once you’ve attended some events and met some new people, your circle is slowly growing.
Now, you have an idea, you have the skills to create the idea, and you have a team around you. The last thing you need is funding. Luckily, film organizations can provide that too! There are many funding and grant programs out there, some targeted towards specific types of projects, whether its feature films, short films, experimental, etc. while others can be targeted towards groups of people such as underrepresented communities. Look around and see which programs apply to you and your project. Then, your pitch training comes into play, and you sell your idea. If all goes well, you have everything you need to bring your project to life.
Lastly, it’s time to talk about which film organizations in Alberta can help with these steps. For training and workshops, Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA) provides a great program called Producer Power-Up, all about producing projects and knowledge about budgeting, financing and distribution. Alberta Media Arts Alliance Society (AMAAS) offers programs for grant-writing mentorship. Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta (FAVA) offers programs that focus on the technical skills such as Video Lab, participants enter the course with an idea for a film and are educated on every aspect of filmmaking. Screenwriting, budgeting, scheduling, cinematography, directing, lighting, sound, editing, etc. Over the course of 10 weeks, students will make their film.
As for grants, the Government of Alberta provides a script development fund. Edmonton Arts Council, Edmonton Screen, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Telefilm, and Canada Media Fund all offer production funds. Each have their own intake periods and deadlines, so make sure to do some research and plan which to apply for. Now that you have all the resources at your disposal, your filmmaking journey begins!