Long time readers of this blog will know that my main interest here is in discussing how modern independent filmmakers can make a living making films.

My observation back in the late-1980s/early-1990s was that corporate videos were how to do it and I’ve been working on how best to develop and grow my filmmaking career in that sector ever since.

“Luck happens when preparation meets opportunity”

This is my favourite quotation.  It gives you a formula or equation for success.  What it effectively says is that to improve your luck, you need to increase your preparation, increase your opportunity, or preferably do both.

Actors, crew and director Brian Barnes prepare for a take on the set of ‘The Redeeming’

Now, the thing that strikes me in this modern world where everyone and her dog is blogging about filmmaking is that the vast majority of indie filmmakers’ sites only focus on the preparation side of this equation.

You see articles on what camera to use, how best to light this scene, gear comparisons, etc.

These ideas will make you a better filmmaker, but they won’t help you to develop the opportunities to put these craft skills into practice.

You really need to concentrate on the opportunity side of the equation, because opportunity trumps preparation in its effectiveness to generate luck.

“When the student is ready…”

Brian Barnes teaching actor Ryan Wichert all he knows about filmmaking on the set of ‘The Redeeming’

There are very few sites on the whole internet that concentrate on helping filmmakers to develop their opportunities.

Naturally, the main thrust of this site is on the opportunity side of the equation.

Below, I have also collected together for you all the other sites that work on the same side of the equation.

These guys really know what the future of independent filmmaking will be and who you need to become to succeed.

I recommend that you follow these sites:-

Scott McMahon and his site Film Trooper

Chris Esper and his vlog on The Filmmaker’s Journey

Jason Brubaker and his site Filmmaking Stuff

Shmuley Hoffman and his site EntreFilmmaker

If there’s another site that you feel I have missed, do drop me a line and I’ll update this list.