FAN FILMS >>

Fan or "tribute" films are one way to get the attention of people in the industry.  You won't make any money doing this sort of thing for a number of reasons (copyright etc.)  But if you do well like the folks who produced a recent Star Wars sequel, then you may just recoup your investment if and when you get hired as a result of your fan film.

Panic Struck Productions got the approval by Lucas Film to do a Star Wars fan film.  This production looks expensive - that is to say, the CG and FX art is great looking.  Check it out for free, if you don't care for the acting or the story, well then consider that it's a free show -- "Revelations."  

Archive.org has unofficial Star Trek movies, if you dare!

PROTECT YOUR WORK >>

I think the WGA is a great service.  Currently you don't have to be a member to register your screenplay, it takes just a few moments to upload your script via the web, and it's only $20. Also, they accept written works like outlines, treatments, and poems that are not in proper script form.  (When I am concerned about protecting my stories, I am less concerned about script-format, and more concerned about an effective, quick method to register my proof of authorship.)  Online WGA registration.

If you feel the need to register your written work with the copyright office, it's still reasonably priced ($35 online or $45 paper,) and it may take a few months for your registration to be complete.  In my experience, they dated my registration according to the day that they received my work in the mail - not when they approved my paperwork months later.  Hint: I use their online search engine to find examples of submittals.  I've found the phraseology used is what their research agents are comfortable with, and this gets my work processed relatively fast.  Search copyright.gov.

RECON, A MODEL FOR SUCCESS >>

Canadian filmmakers "Movie Seals Productions" have been successful with their (3) Recon films. They started with a 30-minute demo movie and then expanded it to a feature film.  The first Recon sold well, and so they made two more sequels.  These are relatively low budget films that are distributed Internationally.  I love their marketing and their use of certain elements in their films, such as Kaiju-style monsters and zombies.  Currently you can rent the first Recon DVD via Redbox for a buck (I wouldn't pay much more!)

If you can appreciate their production model, and if you can write a good feature film script that incorporates popular monsters like vampires, zombies, or aliens, then contact me and we'll talk about making a low budget film.  

This information will be updated and more resources will be added - we welcome your input!

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