3 Reasons Why New York is the Best Place for Indie Filmmakers

While Los Angeles holds the title of the film capital of the world, New York is a close second. The film industry in New York is thriving, to say the least. According to research by the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MONE), the film industry employs close to 200,000 professionals and generates revenue above the $80 billion mark. For indie filmmakers looking for the best place to grow and hone their talent, this article by Gritty Vibes will explore the reasons why New York is the perfect place to do so.Numerous Film Communities As any successful filmmaker will tell you, connections are the key to achieving your goals in the film industry. Whether it be getting hired for projects, finding actors, or meeting distributors, becoming a part of one or more of New York’s film communities will help you do just that. Here’s a list of some prominent communities in the city:

• Brooklyn Filmmakers Collective: This is one of the most active filmmaker communities in the city, as they organize weekly workshops and networking events. Their programs are divided into two sections – fall and spring for which you can apply in advance and pay a nominal fee of $10. 
• The Gotham: The Gotham is the largest and oldest non-profit organization for independent filmmakers in New York, having more than 30,000 members. Members of IFP receive various benefits such as equipment for projects, access to special screenings, resources for funding, and sponsorship opportunities.

More Film Festivals Than You Can Ask ForIf you’re a fan of film festivals (which we sure know you are), New York is the perfect place to be. The city has a film festival every other month where you can submit your films or simply attend and view the work of your companions. Some notable festivals include:

• Big Apple Film Festival
• Tribeca Film Festival
• New York Film Festival
• New York International Independent Film & Video Festival
• New York African Film Festival
• New York Indian Film Festival

Across these events, you’ll be able to watch films spanning numerous genres such as horror, comedy, thriller, anime, documentary, fantasy, and more. For those wanting to be more than spectators, there are always plenty of volunteer opportunities at every festival, allowing you to watch films and attend events for free or at a discounted price.A Plethora of Internship Opportunities Whether you’ve just started a career in filmmaking or have plenty of experience under your belt, there will always be room for improvement. And what better way to improve your skills than to intern at one of the major studios in the world? Here are a few names from a long list of reputable television and film studios in the Big Apple that actively hire interns:

• A24
• Disney
• AMC
• NBC Universal
• ABC Studios
• Paramount Network
• Warner Bros. Discovery

Interning at studios is also a great way to grow your network and find projects you’d like to work on. Additionally, the experience you’ll gain will improve your understanding of filmmaking, logistics, and being a good leader, all of which will help you excel in your career.Bonus Tip: Keep Your Housing Costs in Check It’s no secret that living in New York is expensive. According to research by Pay Scale, the cost of living in NY is 155% higher than the national average. But don’t fret, as there are ways to keep costs in check:

• Take advantage of New York’s strong public transportation system to find housing away from the main city.
• Group up with friends, find affordable rentals, and divide the cost of rent, food, and utilities.
• Become a member of film clubs and communities to get access to equipment at a nominal fee, rather than spending thousands of dollars buying your own.

As an indie filmmaker, New York needs to be on top of your list of places to live in. The city has a thriving film industry with a plethora of opportunities to meet like-minded professionals and develop a successful career. While costs can seem high, renting with friends will make it manageable, allowing you to completely focus on your passion.