Filmmaking During COVID-19
Making a film is a collaborative process. However, in this unprecedented time, we ask that you respect local orders for physical distancing in order to keep yourself, and all Angelenos, safe and healthy.
We also believe that creativity is essential in difficult times. We encourage you to use library resources to explore and make your art–please see below for some recommended books, videos, and online classes related to filmmaking, storytelling, and animation.
We know you’ll create work that reflects our times. Please contact us if we can help in any way.
Tutorials and Videos
Let’s Make Movies! A Free Online Filmmaking Workshop for Kids and Teens
An introductory filmmaking workshop presented by The Echo Park Film Center.
Submitting your Film with Film Freeway
Ask a Librarian Live: Teens of LA Film Fest
Learn about the film festival and hear from two educators who give advice and recommend tools for student filmmakers.
Filmmaking Resources
Apps and Software
- OpenShot - Free video editor (macOS, Windows, Linux)
- Blender - Free editing, animation, and 3D compositing tool (macOS, Windows, Linux)
- WeVideo - Free web-based video editor
E-books
- The Documentary Filmmaking Master Class by Betsy Chasse
- The DSLR Filmmaker's Handbook by Barry Andersson
- The Lego Animation Book by David Pagano & David Pickett
- Videojournalism by Kenneth Kobre 2012
- An Introduction to Storytelling by Cristine Willison
- The Oral History Workshop: Collect and Celebrate the Life Stories of Your Family and Friends by Cynthis Hart
- Filming Stop-Motion Animation by Zoe Saldana
- Classic Origami for Beginners by Michael G. LaFosse
- So You Want to... Write a Screenplay by Talor Gaines
- The Director’s Six Senses by Simone Bartesaghi
- ORAL HISTORY: An Introduction for Students by James Hoopes
- Filmmaking for Change: Make Films That Transform the World by Jon Fitzgerald
Online Classes
- Filmmaking Instruction (playlist on kanopy.com)
- Film Studies (playlist on kanopy.com)
- Learning Stop Motion Animation (lynda.com)
- Creating Online Video with Android Phones (lynda.com)
- Creating Online Video with the iPhone (lynda.com)
- DIY Filmmaking Tips Weekly (lynda.com)
- Video Lighting and Grip Basics (lynda.com)
- Learning Video Lighting (lynda.com)
- Making a Short Film: Start to Finish (lynda.com)
- Video Interview Techniques (lynda.com)
- Video Lighting Outdoor Techniques (lynda.com)
- Learning Cinematography: 1 Narrative Fundamentals (lynda.com)
- Learning Lighting: Natural Light (lynda.com)
- Documentary Video: 1 Planning and Pre-Production (lynda.com)
- 21 Foundations of Animation (lynda.com)
- Animation Foundations: Drawing Cartoon Characters (lynda.com)