NewEnglandFilm.com

It seems everyone wants to be a filmmaker these days. Perhaps it was the 1990s and the advent of Miramax and Matt and Ben. It probably wasn’t Dawson and his Creek. Maybe it was Kevin Smith and his meteoric rise from chubby slacker to great white hope of the independent film (uh, before "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back"). In any case, film school is expensive, and people are competitive wankers — but that shouldn’t stop anyone from achieving the glorious dream of film. Ah, if only there was a utopia of happy, shiny filmmakers wanting to share their love of the art? And maybe they could have their own website, where lots of information could be searched at any time, day or night.

Headquartered in New York City, The AIVF (Association of Independent Video and Filmmakers) is a multifaceted membership organization that provides support and resources to independent filmmakers in the U.S. and abroad. Founded during the 1970s, the group has developed many ways to support both the veteran and novice indie filmmaker through every step of the process. Today, the group boasts over 5,000 active members.

"Many arts organizations are comprised of arts supporters, not those who are working directly in the industry. What differentiates AIVF from other arts councils and foundations is that every single employee is a working filmmaker," says membership director Pricilla Grim, "All resources are gathered and tested through the staff first before we decide to present it to the membership."

While not every aspiring film producer and director lives in New York City, AIVF has created a truly national and international group. There are over 20 member-organized Regional Salons for those who live outside the New York area. These Salons serve as a more than a network of area filmmakers and mecca of workshops and events, but also as media advocates. If there is no Salon in a particular area, contact AIVF for information on how to begin one. Since many events and workshops are held at the main New York location, AIVF wants to make it easier for their members to attend. According to Grim, "We’ve made a deal with a hotel in downtown Manhattan for rooms priced at $66 / night for members. The hotel is also within a $5 cab ride from the office, so you can use it even if you come to use the library." AIVF uses a variety of methods to promote the growth of independent film through every channel possible.

AIVF publishes books and directories that provide assistance and guidance for the independent filmmaker. Annual directories give listings on international film festivals and distributors. There is also material available, however, that gives information on successful self-distribution and effective marketing. AIVF also publishes The Independent Film and Video Monthly, a magazine focusing on the people and the industry. Recent features offer advice on how to infiltrate this year’s American Film Market, as well as a Clinque Lee’s first person account of being a writer and an actor in the shadow of a prominent sibling like brother Spike. They go the extra mile by providing the companion to The Independent — a monthly e-zine / PDF entitled Splice! Splice! keeps members updated events and benefits, as well as providing online links to Independent articles.

The AIVF website is an essential tool for resources and discussion. In addition to their online store and event listings, AIVF also provides contact information for many arts councils and film commissions. Beginners can glean much knowledge from the Resources for Indies: Common Questions About Independent Filmmaking section. The organization’s foremost concern is fostering independent film and its creators — not providing snobby film school graduate commentary. Guidance is provided for those at every stage of the process and AIVF remains discouragement-free while giving a realistic take on the industry.

The New York headquarters is also home to a research library, featuring an ever-growing selection of titles and directories for the indie filmmaker. The library is open to the public on Wednesdays, and for members only on Tuesdays and Thursdays (by appointment only). Of course, more information can be found at AIVF.org. Members can access the vast database of film festivals via the web. This database is updated on a daily basis and can provide specific information in regards to region and season, as well as providing available press materials.

The life of a independent filmmaker can be a miserly one, so AIVF has partnered up with several companies to provide some great member benefits. Continental Airlines also gives 15% off airfare when flying to a festival to showcase your work. Other perks include discounts on editing and post-production resources. There are the typical trade discounts on hotels and car rentals, but AIVF also has hooked up a nice selection of insurance (everything from health to production insurance). Accidents can happen.

As media advocates, the AIVF has made their voice known when it comes to issues related to independent moviemaking, increasing federal funding for the arts, and to promote the use of public broadcasting for independent voices. A longtime advocate of free speech, AIVF works with the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Campaign for Freedom of Expression (NCFE). A member of the National Coalition of Public Television Producers, the AVIF is also part of the umbrella watchdog group that oversees the Independent Television Service (ITVS). The ITVS was created to provide independent producers with funding for public television projects. AIVF also works with the Media Access Group (www.mediaaccess.org), a non-profit group of lawyers on behalf of the media arts industry. The Group alerts them to things that may affect filmmakers and AVIF signs onto the cause. Some of the most notable recent work involved the Runaway Production Alliance, which successfully lobbied for solid tax incentives for productions based in the U.S. It’s just another way AIVF is increasing visibility and power of the independent production market. As Grim aptly points out, "Independent arts should not be a place where you either rise or fall from. You should be able to make independent art throughout the span of your career."