Connecting with indie film groups and meet-ups in London can be a great way to network, collaborate, and learn from fellow filmmakers. These groups offer a variety of benefits and activities, from film screenings to workshops, and collaborations to competitions. By participating in these gatherings, filmmakers can gain valuable insights into different aspects of filmmaking, and become part of a supportive community that exchange ideas and uplift each other on their journeys. So if you're an independent filmmaker looking for feedback, advice, exposure or community, check out these 8 indie film groups that can help you advance your career.
Contents:
- Raindance London Independent Filmmakers Meetup
- Shooting People
- London Film Jam
- London Documentary Network
- Low Budget Filmmaking Meetup
- Kino London
- London Filmmakers Society
- The New Black Film Collective
1. Raindance London Independent Filmmakers Meetup
Raindance is a renowned independent film organisation based in London, known for its role in supporting and promoting independent filmmaking. As part of their mission to nurture and support emerging filmmakers, The Raindance London Independent Filmmakers Meetup offers of a variety of events that include one-to-one mentorships, professional advice, and networking drinks.
One of their most popular events is their monthly Boozin' & Schmoozin' meet-up, open to anyone who makes or loves films. The event provides an opportunity for filmmakers to connect and collaborate. It's free for Raindance Premium and Pro Members, and for everyone else is just £5.
Other types of events offered by The Raindance London Independent Filmmakers Meetup include training days, career surgeries, and pitching competitions.
2. Shooting People
Shooting People is a community of independent filmmakers that connect and collaborate to make feature films, shorts, documentaries, web series, and more. Committed to supporting independent filmmakers, Shooting People lead by the guiding principle that "the best way to get independent films made and out into the world is to learn from others doing it themselves".
Their website offers a range of useful resources to independent filmmakers, including a catalogue of indie filmmaking events, competitions and funding opportunities. You can also search their jobs board for potential opportunities in the filmmaking sphere.
Shooting People host their own awards, the New Shoots: Filmmakers Awards, which gives applicants a chance to win mentorship, industry-standard equipment valued at over £8k, and more. Submissions opened on 01 July 2024.
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3. London Film Jam
London Film Jam is a community of independent filmmakers who meet up to shoot films over the course of one day. This is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people, create something new and learn valuable skills along the way.
The group also hosts 1 MONTH Film Jams, which give filmmakers a chance to collaborate on a short film to be produced across the span of one month. In the past 2 years since the event's inception, it has produced over 20 festival nominations and 5 festival wins.
London Film Jam promotes itself as a way for filmmakers to escape procrastination and make films that they can add to their professional portfolios in a fun and low-pressure environment.
5. London Documentary Network
From coffee chats to workshops, London Documentary Network host a series of events that encourage collaboration, learning, and professional growth among documentary filmmakers.
The group runs a 36-hour filmmaking competition called Doc in a day, where participants will come together to make a documentary film according to a theme set on the day. The films are then presented at a screening event where documentary film professionals give feedback and announce a winner and runner up. The winning teams are given the opportunity to visit Oscar nominated documentary film production company, Spring Films, and pitch an idea to them.
Though no longer active, the London Documentary Network has an archive of insightful podcast episodes for those interested in making documentary films.
6. Low Budget Filmmaking Meetup
The Low Budget Filmmaking Meetup provides a space for aspiring and amateur filmmakers who want to boost their careers in film and create low budget short and feature films. Events ran by the group include job fairs, conferences, workshops, and pitching competitions.
The Low Budget Filmmaking Meetup helps to make the film industry more accessible by providing opportunities for those without funding or fancy contacts. Get expert advice on how to apply for jobs in film, how to pitch to festivals, and all the nitty gritty of film funding strategies - from tax credits to private investors.
If you're a low-budget filmmaker seeking advice, check out our essential guide to micro & low budget filmmaking or these amazing free filming locations in London.
7. Kino London
Kino London describe themselves as "London's indie short film collective", operating on a mission to support all levels of filmmakers, from absolute beginners to career professionals. From short film open mics to The Kino London Short Film Festival, this group offers a range of opportunities to promote your independent films.
Every Monday, Kino London posts their short film of the week, where filmmakers can seek inspiration as well as submit their own projects for a chance to appear.
The Kino London Short Film Festival runs every summer, where selected films are screened in art house cinemas across London. Selected films also get free submission to the Kino Short Film Fund, which gives applicants the chance to apply for up to £5000 + a free camera and lens rental package for their next short film.
8. London Filmmakers Society
London Filmmakers Society is a meet-up group for aspiring and existing filmmakers. Keep your eye out for their free social networking events (the last one was on a boat!), where you can "share your knowledge, mentor those less experienced, or learn from those who know more". No money or qualifications required - all you need is a passion for filmmaking.
Join the society's Facebook group, where members are encouraged to connect and network with other filmmakers. If you're looking for cast or crew for a project you're working on, this can be a great place to scout for talent and find potential collaborators.
The Finchley Film Makers often collaborate with the London Filmmakers Society for talks, workshops, and social events.
9. The New Black Film Collective
The New Black Film Collective is dedicated to supporting and promoting black filmmakers and black cinema. The collective focuses on providing a platform for underrepresented voices, offering resources and events including film screenings, networking events, and workshops.
The group's flagship event, TNB XPO is open to everyone working in film and takes place annually as an opportunity for those in the film industry to connect with and uplift Black cinema.
Individual membership is free, which gives you access to exclusive training, resources, events and content in the Members Only area, as well as a short profile on the organisation's public Directory page, where people can search for you for networking or work opportunities.
That's a wrap!
The film industry can feel vast and daunting, especially when you're just starting out, but indie film groups are a great reminder of the support and community that's available to filmmakers far and wide. And for those lucky enough to live in and around London, this city's bustling film scene offers a wide range of events and opportunities for every niche and purpose (and if you haven't found what you're looking for here, have a browse through Meetup's collection of London film communities).
Whether its through collaborations with other filmmakers, opportunities to showcase films at local festivals, or the encouragement of a community that understands your ambitions, indie film groups give filmmakers the chance to propel their filmmaking careers and have fun whilst doing it.
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