As one person, I cannot handle everything (as much as I would like to think I can). So here, I’ll provide you with links to helpful places where a person can get equipment or talent or random things along those lines. I’ll also give a list of books that I have or that I have read that could help. Yay product placement!
amazon.com – In this day and age, Amazon is essential to getting things we want. I mean, sure, you could go to the store, but there are some things that you can’t find at Wal-Mart. I ordered a boom and mic kit from here and was really happy. So definitely use Amazon.
B&H Photo Video – This site is devoted to film and video products. They have quite a few things ranging from camera bodies to lenses and tripods. I use this mostly to get prices and to look things up. I tried to order the boom and mic kit mentioned above, and it was over a month before I just cancelled the order. So tread carefully, but highly recommended.
Journey Ed – Are you a student or teacher who would like to get that awesome program that will make your filmmaking life easier? Scared of the $8000 price tag? Be afraid no longer! JourneyEd is a life saver for you (and me as the brother of a student). You can get things at an incredible discount. Again, you have to be a student or teacher or know one of them to get the discount.
The Screenwriter’s Bible – If you want to be a screenwriter, this book is a must have. I mean that. MUST HAVE. I don’t think there’s a day of writing that I don’t pick this up and reference something in it. With this book, David Trottier does the same thing that I’m basically going to imitate. Except he doesn’t go as much into the production aspect. So you could do yourself a favor and buy this book because it is absolutely essential. Or listen to me give you the basics and relay that information to you.
Film Directing Shot by Shot – Another useful book, especially if you (like me) are interested in directing. This book uses a lot of examples from other movies, including Citizen Kane, Empire of the Sun, and The Birds, do demonstrate shot composition as well as set ups for the camera and how to make the most out of every shot. It’s fairly straightforward. Also, some of you may be too young to know any of those movies, which is a real disappointment. Go out. Watch them. Now.
From Reel to Deal – This book is a bit tough to find in stores. I had to order mine online (see Amazon link above). Even so, this is another one of those books that is really useful. It gives great advice on the whole process. Just like me. Except the author is a professional. Anyway, every section of this book ends with little entries of useful sites or books or festivals and things like that. Plus, Dov Simens goes into a very good description of how to get the best deal for your film without getting taken advantage of.
So You Wanna Make A Movie 