Where and how do I find filmmakers?

Need a filmmaker for your project but not sure where to start? It can be daunting reaching out to people who work in a different industry to you; Where should you look? What should you ask for? Who do you trust? Our guide will make it easier for you to find filmmakers.

If you’re looking for a filmmaker to work with, the most obvious places to start are YouTube and Vimeo – the kings of online video distribution. Both platforms kind of do the same thing, but they’re very different.

We all know how YouTube works but, don’t be put off by the cat videos, there’s a bounty of fantastic filmmakers to be found just below the surface. Use their search tool to find the kind of videos that filmmakers will be uploading, then get in touch with them.

For example, try searching for a short film, music video, independent film, etc. There will be loads of results, so be patient and persevere, and you could find a gem.

Vimeo is the home of independent filmmakers and therefore much easier than YouTube to find great quality content. Almost every member is a film professional in one way or another. Use the same searching tactic outlined above and you’ll find some great results.

Another way of finding content uploaded by filmmakers is to search for a showreel (sometimes called a demo reel). Showreels give you a flavor of what the filmmaker can do.

Take a look at this showreel from filmmaker Eben McCue on Twine for an example.

So once you’ve found someone you like on either Vimeo or YouTube, what next?

Try reaching out to them and asking if they’d like to get involved with your project. Unfortunately, YouTube doesn’t have a messaging system so there’s no way to contact people through the platform but try Googling their name instead.

Chances are, if they have a presence on YouTube, they’ll be on other services like Twitter or Facebook that you can reach them through. Vimeo has a dedicated messaging service, all you need is an account to start a conversation with someone.

There are loads of freelance job sites where you can hire filmmakers to work for you. Some examples are Upwork, 5iver, and Thumbtack. They’re all slightly different, but usually, you submit your project brief, then filmmakers will pitch in to complete your project. You need to have a budget for these services.

Don’t forget meetups and clubs in your local area. Filmmakers are social and collaborative folks, so If you’re lucky enough to live in a large town or city there are probably filmmaker meetups happening.

Find out when they are and go down and talk to people to see if they’d be interested in working for you. That way you get to meet them face to face. Try searching Facebook, Twitter, or Meetups for events near you.

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