1. Finding film industry resources that provide movie industry financials and other data to help you analyze current trends and opportunities in the movie industry.
2. Discovering movie industry information that covers movie industry history to help you determine what ensures business success in every aspect of film production.
3. Using directories to uncover film industry info and training for every aspect of the movie-making business from writing and acting to production and entertainment law.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for movie industry statistics to track movie trends before launching a new career

Finding publications and websites that provide film industry information ranging from box office statistics to production costs can help you determine what business models are working and where you should focus your effort if you're entering the industry as an actor, film maker or caterer, for example.

I recommend: The Numbers provides movie industry analysis covering everything from box office charts to movie budgets, franchise information and market analysis. Get film industry details including movie industry sales, movie and studio news and theater information through Box Office Mojo.

Study movie industry history to familiarize yourself with the styles of films

Before entering any industry, it's vital to become well versed in the business' background, growth and key players. For the movie business, this includes learning film industry history from the first motion picture to the forces behind the biggest financial and critical successes.

I recommend: The American Film Institute website covers topics from movie industry history and awards lists to film industry training opportunities. Get information on the history of the Academy Awards, insight into the movie industry and details on upcoming industry events through the website for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

Get information on specific areas of the film industry through listings and directories

When you've begun to hone your business focus, using movie industry information resources can help you narrow the search for related training classes, workshops, mentors or job openings that can get your career started.

I recommend: Cover Script provides film industry information such as classes, existing companies and other information on careers like entertainment law, screenwriting and production. Find everything from goods and services to job openings for facets in the movie industry including accounting, craft services, special effects, transportation, hair and makeup, writing and stunts through Film Biz.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find film industry resources to learn about the business

You may want to start your search with free industry resources. There are many places you can go to learn sales and attendance data as well as a variety of other things.

I recommend: The Motion Picture Association of America answers the most popular questions about the movie industry and compiles several reports about the movie business. WordwideBoxoffice allows you to search for movie sales data by year.

Subscribe to magazines to have movie industry information delivered to your door

If you are interested in movie industry information resources, then you should subscribe to several different magazines. They present articles about current issues in the industry and provide valuable movie industry statistics for you to study.

I recommend: Subscribe to the print version of Variety, which has been an industry leader in movie information for many years. If you are interested in the film industry on a global level, then you should look at Film Journal International.

Join a professional organization to get exclusive movie industry data

It doesn't matter which side of the camera you're on, there's a professional organization for you to join. These organizations protect the interests of their members and do what they can to help them succeed. They will give you all the movie industry information you need to know.

I recommend: If you qualify for membership, the Writers Guild of America is one of the best resources for those who write for the movie and television industries. The Directors Guild of America is great for directors.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Networking is one of the best ways to get movie industry information. Take the time to meet other people in the industry and develop relationships.