Industry News
In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
British Columbia Associations
Creative BC | B.C. Film Commission and B.C. Film + Media combined to form Creative BC, an agency responsible for promoting the development of creative industries in British Columbia. Check out their current industry research for a real-time overview of BC’s creative industries, including motion pictures, book publishing, and interactive media. Take a look at the eight regional film commissions they’re associated with; depending on where you film, these organizations can serve you with local knowledge about the industry.
Cineworks | Cineworks is an artist-run independent filmmakers society for BC filmmakers. Check out their events and workshop calendars for upcoming sessions in BC.
Directors Guild of British Columbia | The Directors Guild of Canada site features a directory of member directors working in Canada. They have myriad resources for training and professional development, as well as an overview to getting started in the filmmaking and motion picture industry as a director.
BC Council of Film Unions | The purpose of the BCBFU is to “enter into collective agreements and obtain certifications”. They represent three member unions of film industry workers, including cinematographers.
Motion Picture Production Industry Association of BC | MPPIA members work together to inform, educate, develop and market new initiatives that ensure BC’s motion picture industry flourishes as part of British Columbia’s vibrant, environmentally conscious, knowledge-based economy. Members can make use of their Market Intelligence gateway.
Canadian Associations
Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA) | The CMPA (formerly Canadian Film and Television Production Association), represents the interests of screen-based media companies engaged in the production and distribution of English-language television programs, feature films, and new media content in all regions of Canada.
Documentary Organization of Canada | The Documentary Organization of Canada is the collective voice of independent Canadian documentary creators and the nation’s premier organization for documentary advocacy. They have produced several excellent reports, including Understanding the Impacts of C-19 on Canada’s Documentary Industry.
Reel Canada | Reel Canada is devoted to the promotion of Canadian film. They have several resources for aspiring filmmakers and actors, including workshops that expose youth to opportunities in film, and career resources to help them find a job near their location.
Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television, and Radio Artists | ACTRA is the national union of professional performers working in recorded media in Canada, representing the interests of over 28,000 workers.
International Associations
Independent Film Alliance | Interested in filming competitions? IFA regularly has information on festivals and competitions for filmmakers.
IATSE | IATSE is a US-based union of film workers. Their publications trace recent developments in film legislation, including collective agreements and rates for film industry workers.
World Film Society | WFS dedicates itself to the betterment of the global film industry through measures such as identifying and guiding young talent, attracting investors to the industry, and making communication easier among organizations.
International Emerging Film Talent Association | IEFTA is a Monaco-based organization that organizes, finances, and promotes film festivals, exhibitions, and educational events. Take a look at their existing global collaborations and initiatives including “Refugee Voices”, the telling of refugee stories.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Playback - Canada's Broadcast and Production Journal | Their daily newsletter features the breaking film & TV stories of the day.
Filmmaker Magazine | Check out their website for regular free content, includes news, opinions and analysis of the independent filmmaking business. Their print magazine is published 4 times per year.
Independent Magazine | “Obsessed with independent film since 1976”, Independent Magazine supports the global community of independent, grassroots, and activist media-makers through coverage of their work online in interviews, reviews, and critical essays.
Bright Wall/Dark Room | BWDR is an independent online film journal dedicated to exploring the relationship between film “and the business of being alive”. Their critical coverage is rich and cast, and a great resource or interesting read for budding filmmakers, particularly those interested in artistic cinema.
INDIEWRAP | INDIEWRAP promotes the artists who are the future of independent cinema, covering all aspects of filmmaking including production, distribution, exhibition and criticism.
Indie Cinema | Online journal Indie Cinema promotes talented filmmakers and individuals through independent film review news, filmmaking advice, and essays on cinematographical sleights-of-hand.
Hollywood North Magazine | Hollywood North provides commentary on and from the Canadian film world. Read about cinema in production, legislation designed to bring more film to BC, and general announcements on Canadian film work.
Consultant & Other Websites
Marina Cordoni Entertainment | MCE provides strategic planning services for all entertainment professionals, including funding, financing, distribution, accounting, project management, marketing and release campaigns.
Baker Tilly Canada | Baker Tilly provides film consulting services tailored to the unique challenges of the film industry, boasting a team with over a decade of experience working on these issues. Some of their specialties include the challenges of a shift to digital distribution.
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
- Film
- Television
- Animation
- Film and Television Directors
- Film and Television Producers
- Cinematographers and Directors of Photography
- Screenwriters
Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre | This free resource created by the Vancouver Public Library is an online and in-person resource that helps newcomers to Canada find information to get a job, explore different careers or start a business.
Blogs & Podcasts
Blogs
National Film Board Blog | A frequently updated blog that encompasses all things film in Canada. A good place to get an overview of trends in Canadian film.
Dare Dreamer FM | An American blog covering the business side of creative professions. Includes specific information about the TV and film industry.
Get Reel Movies | Get Reel Movies blogs reviews and reactions to the latest movies premiering at film festivals as well as both studio and independent films. Their latest reads are a series of interviews from directors premiering films at SXSW 2023 that will surely be of great interest to filmmaking professionals.
Canadian Filmology | Canadian Filmology is a blog “committed to untangling the webs of the Canadian film industry.” They fulfill this mission by curating an open online platform for Canadian film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike to dispense information, endless resources, and access to a network and community of like-minded individuals.
Film Independent | Film Independent’s blog covers a variety of topics interesting to aspiring filmmakers and film professionals. Recent articles have included an interview with Daniels, directors of Oscar winner Everything Everywhere All At Once, on creating community on set, and interview with Mandy Walker, cinematographer of Elvis, on recreating and reimagining early rock on screen.
Podcasts
Off Camera | Sam Jones brings his love of the longform conversational interview to interviews with artists and craftsmen about their creative processes, experiences, and influences. As he says, the best conversations happen Off Camera.
Indie Film Hustle | Indie Film Hustle aims to help independent filmmakers level up their game and visibility in the industry. Host Alex Ferrari’s long years of experience in the industry bring a realistic perspective to getting a movie produced and distributed. Past guests have included Oliver Stone, Jon Erwin, and Jay Chandrasehkar.
The A24 Podcast | A24’s podcast brings together boundless conversations from filmmakers and actors, and a wide array of diverse perspectives on the inspirations and struggles behind some of the biggest films. Guests have included Sadie Sink and Finn Wolfhard, talking about being the youngest person in a room, and Ramy Youssef and Mahershala Ali on relatable characters in unrelatable worlds.
The Business | A weekly podcast featuring lively banter about entertainment industry news and in-depth interviews with directors, producers, writers and actors, this podcast is great for anyone into film industry banter.
The Film Riot Podcast | Featuring conversations with talented filmmakers, VFX experts, stunt actors, cinematographers, editors, and screenwriters, the Film Riot Podcast explores the process, art, and lifestyle of filmmaking.
The No Film School Podcast | This is a podcast about how to build a career in filmmaking (without spending a fortune on film school!) No Film School gets down to the nitty gritty with working pros, giving behind-the-scenes looks at or information on filming techniques.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.