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Website Review: Film Help

I saw a screening of Greg Pak's sci-fi chronicle Robot Stories in New York a few years ago. He's a talented filmmaker, and a generous one, giving back to the indie film community in form of the website called FilmHelp.

FilmHelp has a simple layout and odd color scheme (baby pink?) but contains a wealth of information on topics such as Festivals and Distribution (includes many PR tips), Pre-Production, Production, Post-Production.

Pak's short and sweet Manifesto boils down his philosophy:

1. Help thy neighbor
Without the advice and experience of others, I could never have made any of my films. Hence FilmHelp, my attempt to spread some good karma -- giving back by sharing the pointers I've picked up over the years. May we all continue to give and take, share information, become better filmmakers.

2. Be specific
Vague platitudes foster complacency. Specific, detailed information engenders reflection and action. FilmHelp will strive to base articles and pointers on real life experience, grounded in references to actual productions.

3. Demand rigor
The MiniDV revolution makes it possible for almost anyone to make a film. But making good films requires much more than mere mastery of technical elements. FilmHelp hopes to challenge all of us to become the best storytellers we can be, always striving to improve our craft and our films.

Check it out.

[Via Filmmaking For The Poor]

About J. Ott

John Ott is a writer, filmmaker and futurist. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.