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You in the director's chair
If you have a film brewing that simply must be made, Boston offers many opportunities to hone your skills.
Harvard Extension School and Grub Street Writers offer demanding courses in screenwriting.
Already have a screenplay? The Harvard Square Scriptwriters accept serious newcomers into their fold. Their members critique one another's work, and film industry folks give lectures on various themes.
For everything from hands-on production skills to fund-raising, the Boston Film/Video Foundation offers in-depth classes and affordable equipment rentals.
If documentary is your passion, organizations like BF/VF and Women in Film and Video can direct you to an internship.
But the big secret of independent beginnings is public access television, which provides low-cost production classes and free video equipment use. A number of successful independents like Laurel Chiten and Brad Anderson made good use of public access when they were starting out.
Or you can dive right in by volunteering. The Massachusetts Film Office Hotline announces calls for crew, many by underfunded independents who are glad for the free help. As a beginner, you will likely be making 5 a.m. trips for doughnuts and playing gopher, but you'll get a clear view of what it takes to make a narrative film.
Grub Street Writers, various locations. 617-623-8100.
Harvard Extension School 51 Brattle St., Cambridge. 617-495-4024.
Harvard Square Scriptwriters 978-486-8747.
Massachusetts Film Office Hotline 617-973-8800.
Public Access TV Centers Boston, 617-720-2113. Brookline, 617-731-8566. Cambridge, 617-661-6900. Somerville, 617-628-8826. Or call the cable provider in your town.
Women in Film and Video 617-924-9494.
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