The main reason I started this blog is because I feel there is no real go-to website for anyone starting to make web shows, web series or or any kind of web video they want to make. Part of my commitment will be build this list of resources for all web show makers and digital filmmakers to refer to. It will be growing little by little.
I also want to start to add reviews of this different services, and get some videos done to show how each of this services work, their pros, their cons and MORE IMPORTANTLY, to help you create the successful web show you want to create. If there is anything that I don’t have in this list, that you think it’s important, let me know and I will add it. There is so much stuff out there, I am sure I don’t know everything.
Here is the list, I hope you find it useful.
Production tools
- NoFilmSchool.com If you are into super great aesthetics at an affordable price then you most know about DSLR. At NoFilmSchool they have the best DSLR Cinematography guide! And it’s free!! Click here to get it!
Video Hosting/Sharing sites
- YouTube.com We all know it. Not only the most trafficked video site, but also have very strong social features.
- Vimeo.com Great for sharing and hosting. Also build on top of a large community. The site has strong features and a tighter community than youtube. It is mostly for the creators and less for the main stream.
- Blip.tv Great platform for revenue sharing. They are also great for distribution to other video websites.
- Viddler.com I have not used it, but I have taken a look at the demos, and it looks like a very good tool depending on the kind of content and the kind of interaction have or expect to have with your audience.
- …. more are coming. The ones on top are my favorite ones.
Social Networks
- Web Series Network A small social network of people who have already tried in different forms and shapes to make web series, some with immense success. Worth being part of.
- Massify A huge network of filmmakers and people involved in the video industry, not just for web shows but for actually everything to do with audiovisual story telling. you can let everyone know about new project and start collaborations.
- Shooting People A great social resource, mostly in the US and the UK, with around 37K members. It’s premium, meaning you have to pay $45 a year to be part of this community. I use to be part of it, until a few years ago (Shooting people has been around for 12 years!). Besides the typical job board and community features I remember a very good newsletter from them.
Social Media Tools
- HootSuite This is the tool I use to manage almost all of my social networks. From one place I access my personal Facebook and Twitter, and others of my social accounts (including LinkedIn and 4sq). I can schedule posts in any of them from their very awesome iPhone app, and they give me statistics of every link I shorten with their integrated tool. They also have a browser bar (that I really don’t use) that some people find very useful and constantly use it. I just run the add-on’s for my browsers. Check HootSuite here, it’s FREE for up to five social profiles and limited features, and there is a free trial for a Pro Membership. (disclosure: this is an affiliate link.) I really love this guys!
Mailing List Services
- Mail Chimp. A great Email Marketing service! I am learning it myself! I like the fact that the first 2000 subscribers is free with an email limit of 12000 a month. I am honestly still figuring it out. But they actually have a section with videos that will help you understand what you need to do. Even a full set of webinar they have frequently. It’s a good place to start out.
Job Boards
- Craigslist We all know good old Craig’s List. Under gigs and jobs you can find some nice talent to work with you, or actually get hands on and find a gig to learn. Some of this are non paid gigs, but if you don’t have experience is a good way to get to learn a little. Others are fully paid gigs and you will have to compete with some of the best!
- Mandy.com Another great job directory, you can post your resume, your projects, so you can be found or find people to collaborate. Most recently they introduced a feature (that I have not tried yet) for freelancers to post when they are available so producers can consider their schedule when looking to hire someone for a specific job.
More Resources and more descriptions added constantly.