Getting Started
The DV Shop has a table at the front of the store where film and video freelancers can leave their business cards or fliers to promote services, training, film screenings, networking events, etc. If you can't make it down to the shop during business hours feel free to mail us your material or leave it in our mailbox outside the store.
If you're just starting out and you want to learn the basics about various aspects of filmmaking whether it's writing, directing, cinematography or performing, there are a number of excellent resources available online. You can also pick up a few books to get you started. Find an overview of the basic low budget filmmaking equipment you may need here. You can also post ads to buy or sell used video equipment, computers, cameras, etc. at the TO Film Message Board.
Probably the best way to learn is by doing. If you're interesting in filmmaking you can volunteer to work on low-budget productions to gain experience, resume credits and make contacts that could lead to future gigs.
If you're interested in working the film industry in Toronto you can pick up a copy of one of the trades like Playback Magazine, Canadian Screenwriter Magazine or Montage and read up on what's happening locally and across the country. You can also check out the Toronto Film and Video Forum Message Board to read postings online or by email.
Other places to look for job listings:
Craigslist
Mandy.com
Media
Job Search Canada
Now Magazine
Playback Careers
CreativeJobs.ca
Media Arts Centres, Co-ops, Collectives
Joining a co-op gives you access to services, training and equipment rentals.
Charles Street Video
Artist-run centre in Toronto. Great facility, very accessible.
Interaccess
Electronic media arts centre offering offer production facilities
and exhibition opportunities.
LIFT
Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto.
Mercer Union
Artist-run centre including the Back Gallery equipped with a
drop-ceiling for screenings.
Trinity Square Video
Provides access to subsidized video production.
Pleasure Dome
Exhibition collective dedicated to the presentation of experimental
film and video.
Film Festivals
Toronto Film Festivals
Online portal of Film Festivals in Toronto.
Filmmaking Resources
Filmmaking Tools
Resources for directing, editing, festivals, etc.
Freebies For Filmmakers
Free software, production templates, music, eBooks, guides, etc.
From The Desk of DV Dude
Almost as much fun as being there.
Super8Porter
Resources for Toronto filmmakers.
Networking, Clubs & Users Groups
If you're trying to get started in the film business it's not a bad idea to check out these groups:
CICA
Canadian Independent Camera Association.
The Canadian Society of Cinematographers supports a full agenda of training, education, and dissemination of the latest in technical and product information.
FilmThrill.ca
Hosting regular social and networking events.
Avid Toronto Editors
Organization of film and video editors, managers, Avid engineers
and Avid system owners.
Raindance Toronto
Check out their film networking events.
Toronto Film Industry Network is a Facebook group.
Toronto Film Scene is an online magazine
Toronto Filmmakers on Vimeo.
Toronto Final Cut Pro Users Group meets monthly, to view informative presentations, showcase work, partake in discussions and generally network with others.
Toronto Animated Image Society offers workshops, seminars, etc.
Toronto Film Industry Meetup Group has over 800 members meeting once a month.
Toronto Filmmakers Club is a new group. Send them an email via their website for more information on meetings etc.
Toronto Filmmaking For YouTube is a MeetUp Group.
Toronto Indie Short Film Stories movie and network group has over 100 members and meets once a month.
Toronto Short Film Project meets every Wed night at 8pm.
Twitter is a hotbed for Toronto's filmmaking community.
Women In Film & Television Toronto hosts a number of film-related events, seminars, etc.
DOC is a very active association for documentary filmmakers in Canada.
The Gate - Toronto-based online entertainment magazine.
Toronto Film Scene - Online community for Toronto filmmakers.
Word is Toronto's essential one-stop guide to music, urban culture, entertainment and news.
Training/Education
Booker Design
Video production, multi-media and web design.
Edit
Extreme
Customized video editing training, one-on-one, personalized by your
area of interest.
Film Schools
in Canada
Listings by province.
Raindance Toronto
Resources and filmmaking classes.
Writing
Madscreenwriter
Resources for screenwriters.
Misc.
Swap Sity
An interesting site where you can swap items or skills or services.
Great place to find unusual stuff. Some video services on offer. Cameras,
electronics, props, wardrobe, etc.
