How To's

By Susan Kouguell

This month, script consultant and writer Susan Kouguell explains when you need an agent and how you go about finding one. Email screenwriter@newenglandfilm.com to have your question answered in next month's issue.

By Susan Kouguell

In this first installment, professional script consultant Susan Kouguell answers a new writer's most common question: how to break into Hollywood. Email your questions to screenwriter@newenglandfilm.com.

By Jared M. Gordon

"Everyone wants to direct," sure, but how does a director think? Here's a bit of advice on interpreting the theme of your story and offering direction to your actors.

By Jared M. Gordon

Permits? Insurance? Do you really need them? Yes. Sort of.

By Jared M. Gordon

Award-winning documentary filmmaker Sean Flynn discusses the fine art of concise pitching to documentary funding sources.

By Mike Sullivan

Senior editor Arnie Harchik explains how he integrates 500 hours of studio, location, animated, and audio footage to create one season of WGBH’s Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman.

By Kerry O’Donnell

Brian Pickard of Penobscot Films in Vermont has invented an innovative method of fundraising for his film Slayers: pay and have a say.

By Ariella Gogol

Boston Casting’s Julie Arvedon offers insight on how to audition, when to give up, and the best way to become a reality TV star.

By Carly Pifer

Two area filmmakers reveal that the closets of your actors and friends combined with recycled wear from cheap vintage shops can satisfy your costume needs -- even on the tightest budget!

By Angela Peri

Boston Casting’s founder, Angela Peri, shares 10 pieces of advice when auditioning for reality shows.

By April Gardner

April Gardner reports on six of the the latest online tactics local filmmakers are using to attract money and audiences to their indie projects.

By Karsten Hatch

A former staffer at Framingham Public Access offers tips for maximizing the production potential of local cable access stations.

By Matthew Giordano

Matthew Giordano describes how his documentary-in-progress For Boston shows Boston’s brighter side, inspiring him to lead by example and give back to the community.

By Michael Jones

When considering how to design an effective movie poster, photographer Michael Jones suggests taking a close look at the classics.

By David Willis

A production assistant’s survival guide to finding and keeping film work in New England.

By Mere LaTour

Last month, Mere LaTour explained the benefits of story analysis. This month, she details what happens when a script receives "coverage."

By Lynn Tryba

A wealth of tips on how to raise funds for your film from a recent workshop with industry consultant Morrie Warshawski.

By Kate Fitzgerald

In the second of a two-part series on adaptation, Kate Fitzgerald provides information about negotiating rights from the point of view of a filmmaker and a writer. (Last month, she offered advice on how to shape a screenplay based on a book.)

By Mike Sullivan

New technologies allow filmmakers to manage projects, from preproduction through post, without seeing the whites of their collaborators’ eyes.

By Raúl daSilva

Volunteer actors give of themselves in more ways than one. Raul daSilva offers some helpful advice for first-time and student filmmakers as they begin the process of learning production etiquette.

By Kate Fitzgerald

In the first of a two-part series on adaptation, Kate Fitzgerald offers advice on how to shape a screenplay based on a book. Next month she'll describe how to secure the rights.

By Raúl daSilva

The desire to be in charge of a film or television set must be matched with a purposeful attention to detail, especially for projects set back a few decades, explains industry veteran Raúl daSilva.

By Kate Fitzgerald

If you're someone who can make a budget, stay calm under pressure, is diplomatic, and doesn’t need sleep, then being a line producer might just be your dream job, says Chris Stinson. This month the NH native has four short films screening at the New Hampshire Film Festival.

By Marc Maurino Marc Maurino recounts tips and foibles while making films outside of a major production hub. His Berkshire-made short, All in the Game, screens as a work-in-progress this month at the Berkshire Filmmakers Showcase.

By Sarah Stedwick

Kristin Palker, a recent grad of the Berklee film scoring program, sheds light on the process of composition and how indie filmmakers can get a signature DIY sound.

By Michele Meek In this second piece, writer/director Michele Meek takes readers through editing, scoring, obtaining music rights, submitting to festivals, and finally, screening her film.  The result, Red Sneakers screens this month at the Rhode Island International Film Festival.

By Michele Meek NewEnglandFilm.com Publisher Michele Meek brings readers behind-the-scenes of her short film Red Sneakers with some advice on writing, casting and directing a short film.

By Garret C. Maynard In part II of a two-part series, Garret C. Maynard offers tips for making your film in partnership with a corporate expatriate who has also helped finance it.

By Steve Gay Some practical advice.

By Nikki Chase Three-time Oscar winner, Thelma Schoonmaker, shares tricks of the trade, how to break into "the business" and what it's really like to work with Marty.