Check Out Local.com And Search For Local Organizations Near You!
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Native American Arts and Film Institute in California dedicated to promoting, preserving and protecting traditional and contemporary arts by Native American Peoples.
www.ableza.org
The Academy is a national non-profit professional association serving the Canadian film and television industry.
www.academy.ca
ACTRA represents the collective bargaining needs of professional artists in film, television, radio and commercials.
www.actra.com
Professional society devoted exclusively to audio technology. Its membership consists of engineers, scientists and other authorities worldwide.
www.aes.org
AFI promotes Australian film and television, both nationally and overseas. AFI serves as a national voice for the moving image, exhibiting and distributing innovative film programs, managing the annual AFI Awards, and operating the Research and ...
www.afi.org.au
New York based AICP is focused exclusively on the needs and interests of commercial production companies in the United States and represents most domestic commercials whether produced for traditional broadcast channels, or non-traditional use, p...
www.aicp.com
AMIA is a California based non-profit professional association established to advance the field of moving image archiving by fostering cooperation among individuals and organizations concerned with the collection, preservation, exhibition and us...
www.amianet.org
United Kingdom based organization of Film Sound Technicians. Members from the Film and Television Industry include: Production Sound Mixers, Re-recording Mixers, Sound Editors, Boom Operators, Sound Assistants, Foley Artists, and many other sou...
www.amps.net
Membership based film group open to both students and non-students at ANU.
www.anufg.org.au
Los Angeles based all-volunteer organization of industry professionals who come together in a "think-tank" conservatory environment in order to exchange the information, opportunities, relationships and experience required to advance and sustain...
members.aol.com
California Local 876's members conceive and manage the background and settings for film and television projects. They and most other crafts of the entertainment industry are members of the IATSE.
www.artdirectors.org
Los Angeles based non-profit organization founded by the Directors Guild of America (DGA), bringing together movie industry leaders to safeguard the rights of artists, protect their works from alteration, and ensure that the artists' vision rem...
www.artistsrights.org
The official site for the AFS, which hosts film series, gala premieres, and visiting artists, and supports film and video makers through advice, referral, workshops, newsletter, and annual grant awards.
www.austinfilm.org
Professional association for writers in the areas of television, radio, screen and stage. It protects the professional interests of originators and adaptors of written material.
www.awg.com.au
British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) - Organization promoting and rewarding the best in film, television and interactive media. Its high-profile Award ceremonies cover: Film, Television, Children's and Interactive Entertainment.
www.bafta.org
An independent, non-governmental body that exercises responsibilities over the cinema which by law belong exclusively to the local authorities. The Board had been set up by the film industry in order to bring a degree of uniformity to the standa...
www.bbfc.co.uk
Non-profit society that administers funding intended to expand and diversify the cultural industries of independent film and video production. This Canadian group provides support to film and television initiatives having that will be of econom...
www.bcfilm.bc.ca
Independent trade (labor) union for those working in broadcasting, film, theatre, entertainment, leisure and allied industries who are primarily based in the United Kingdom. The union represents permanently employed, contract and freelance worke...
www.bectu.org.uk
BFI runs the UK's National Film Theatre and the London Film Festival, supports cinemas and film festrivals UK-wide, preserves the UK's film and TV heritage, and acts as an authoritative source of information on film and television.
www.bfi.org.uk
Governmental institute aimed at supporting and promoting Icelandic films.
www.centrum.is
Web site for Cardiff University Film Society, and the society's production wing, Cardiff Film Productions. Located in the United Kingdom.
www.cf.ac.uk
Is an organization dedicated toward meeting the needs of the film and video production community of Colorado. The CFVA publishes the Colorado Production Resource Guide (CPRG).
www.cfva.com
A media arts organization that fosters the creation, appreciation and understanding of film and video as media for artistic and personal expression, as well as media of important social and community impact in the Chicago area.
www.chicagofilmmakers.org
The American Cinema Foundation is a non-profit, non-partisan arts organization that was created to nurture and reward television and feature-film projects that address fundamental social values in a positive manner.
www.cinemafoundation.com
A Serbian based project with no expiration date, its mission being the advancement of the aesthetics of non-pretencious cinema and the subversion of elitism on film. The project considers video-technology boom a very useful ally in the struggle ...
www.crsn.com
CSC promotes the art and craft of cinematography and provides tangible recognition of the common bonds that link film and video professionals, from the aspiring student and camera assistant to the news veteran and senior director of photography....
www.csc.ca
With offices in Los Angeles, and New York, DGA represents members working in US cities and abroad. Their creative work is represented in theatrical, industrial, educational and documentary films, as well as television live, filmed and taped radi...
www.dga.org
The Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) is a national labour organization which represents key creative and logistical personnel in the motion picture industries.
www.dgc.ca
Trade union representing directors in all media: film, television, theatre, radio, opera, commercials, corporate, multimedia and new technology.
www.dggb.co.uk
Michigan based non-profit organization established to encourage and promote the creation, production and distribution of wholesome family entertainment.
www.dove.org
Union for film editors; site has information, articles and resume postings.
www.editorsguild.com
A meeting point for all professionals who work in documentary film and television.
www.edn.dk
With offices in Los Angeles and Virginia, EIC's mission is to lead the entertainment industry in bringing its power and influence to bear on health and social issues. EIC is the creator and co-host of the PRISM awards.
eiconline.org
Foundation focused on coordinating the philanthropy of the entertainment industry to achieve maximum social impact.
www.eifoundation.org
Trade union representing artists across the spectrum of arts and entertainment.
www.equity.org.uk
ERMA is comprised of corporations and agencies providing entertainment resources to the filmed entertainment community, a practice commonly referred to as Product Placement.
www.erma.org
New York based ESTA is a non-profit trade association representing the North American entertainment technology industry. Members include dealers, manufacturers, reps, service and production companies, scenic houses, designers and consultants.
www.esta.org
Los Angeles based ETC at the University of Southern California, works to discover, research, develop and accelerate Entertainment Technology. By improving the accessibility and economics of the Entertainment Industry; ETC strives to continuous...
www.etcenter.org
The European Film Academy is a non-profit organization and was founded in 1989 by its first president Ingmar Bergman and 40 filmmakers to advance the interests of the European film industry. EFA’s policy is reflected in a number of activities de...
www.europeanfilmacademy.org
Information about the scope of the program and events hosted by the Film Society at Scotland's Edinburgh University.
www.eusa.ed.ac.uk
Organization aimed at advancing scholarship in the history and art of film and film-related fields.
www.film.queensu.ca
Nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing, awarding and promoting quality family-oriented and children's entertainment in film, video, TV, CD-ROMs, books and music.
www.filmadvisoryboard.org
A Bay Area based non profit organization dedicated to the support of independent film and video makers, providing resources for creation and exhibition.
www.filmarts.org
Registered charity funded by the film industry in the UK whose aim is to encourage and promote the use of Film and Cinema within the National Curriculum. This states that teachers should give pupils the opportunity to analyze and evaluate a wid...
www.filmeducation.org
Is a collective of filmmakers, - film and video artists, technicians and craftspeople - dedicated to empowering, educating and supporting fellow filmmakers and aspirants who share a common desire to express themselves creatively through the arti...
www.filmmakersalliance.com
Providing a complete introduction service into filming in New Zealand. Everything a filmmaker needs to know about our locations, facilities, crews, permits, immigration, transport and accommodation for overseas film and program makers.
www.filmnz.org.nz
Nonprofit organization created by the US Congress to save America's film heritage. Supports film preservation activities and access to films for study, education and exhibition.
www.filmpreservation.org
With a General Assembly meeting in St. Vincent Italy, FIPRESCI is the worldwide organization of film critics.
www.fipresci.org
Charitable organization dedicated to: discovery and nurturing of a new wave of promising cinematic talent; development and production of charitable feature films, from which proceeds will be directed to academic and vocational scholarship funds.
www.focusinstituteoffilm.com
Official trade association for the promotion and export of German films.
www.german-cinema.de
Affiliated with the Dutch Film Fund, is the official marketing and promotion agency for Dutch film abroad. The organization, financed from public funds, and some private sponsors offers a wide variety of services for Dutch filmmakers and produce...
www.hollandfilm.nl
Professional organization for Hungarian cinematographers.
www.hscmot.hu
Labor union representing technicians, artisans and craftspersons in the entertainment industry.
www.iatse-intl.org
Kansas City organization that promotes creative and artistic expression through film, video and media production. IFC is a resource for the local film and video industry. Through seminars, screenings, group projects, workshops and other activiti...
www.ifckc.com
Organization that promotes and elevates the status of Irish film and television.
www.ifta.ie
Builds and supports a strong independent media arts community in Atlanta and the Southeast by promoting the production, exhibition and public awareness of film and video as artistic forms of individual expression.
www.imagefv.org
Organization aimed at maintaining professional standards in cinematography.
www.imago.org
Canadian registered non-profit organization for the study and appreciation of film.
www.interlog.com
Bord Scannán na hÉireann provides loans and equity investment to independent Irish filmmakers to assist in the development and production of Irish films. The Board also acts in co-operation with other Irish semi-state agencies to improve the mar...
www.iol.ie
Trade association for those involved in children's entertainment. CEA members come from all areas of the industry, including music, theater, performance, publishing, film, television, video and radio.
www.kidsentertainment.com
New York based not-for-profit organization of licensors, manufacturers, retailers and other support organizations working for the advancement of professionalism in licensing.
www.licensing.org
Non-profit film co-op which supports and encourages independent filmmaking through the exchange of information and access to equipment and facilities.
www.lift.on.ca
Italian Association of set designers, costume designers and set decorators who design sets, costumes and decorations for the theatre, films and television.
www.mclink.it
Organization for professional sound and music editors who work in motion pictures and television.
www.mpse.org
Provides medical and surgical services, health care, child care, residential living and care for older adults, as well as social and charitable services, to the film and television industry. MPTF is not just a place to call when you're ready t...
www.mptvfund.org
Public agency that produces and distributes films, audiovisual and multimedia works which reflect Canada to Canadians and the rest of the world.
www.nfb.ca
Central agency in India promoting quality cinema. NFDC provides a wide range of services essential to the integrated growth of Indian cinema.
www.nfdcindia.com
Established as a result of a merger with the National Film Board of Norway, and reflects the Government's determination to improve conditions for Norwegian film and to rationalize its contribution to the film industry.
www.nfi.no
Part of the Portland Art Museum, the Center is a regional media arts resource and service organization founded to encourage the study, appreciation and utilization of the moving image arts, foster their artistic and professional excellence, and...
www.nwfilm.org
Based in France, the Observatory promotes the transparency of information in the audiovisual industry in Europe by gathering and distributing information and data on economic, legal and financial matters concerning the film industry, televisio...
www.obs.coe.int
AMPAS is a California based professional honorary organization that fosters cooperation among creative leaders for cultural, educational and technological progress. The Academy's field of activity does not include economic, labor or political ...
www.oscars.org
Entertainment technology trade association representing companies whose goods and services include: intelligent lighting, controllers and pro-audio systems, trussing, rigging and accessories to lasers, videowalls, architectural lighting, voice a...
www.plasa.org
California based Guild that is a resource for all aspects of producing in motion pictures and television. PGA's membership and affiliated membership includes working motion picture and television producers.
producersguild.com
Non-profit, member-owned association that has participation by marketing-focused companies in 35 countries who are active in television, radio, cable, entertainment and emerging technologies.
www.promax.org
Located in Indiana, SBE is a non-profit organization serving the interests of Broadcast Engineers. SBE members include: studio and transmitter operators and technicians, supervisors, announcer-technicians, chief engineers of commercial and educa...
www.sbe.org
Established as a non-profit organization representing the interests of the film and video community in Saskatchewan.
www.smpia.sk.ca
Non-profit organization representing the interests of the film and video community in Saskatchewan, Canada. Members of the organization work to improve opportunities for education, production, promotion and appreciation of film and video activ...
www.smpia.sk.ca
New York based Society that advances theory and application in motion imaging, including film, television, video, computer imaging, and telecommunications. SMPTE generates standards, engineering guidelines, and recommended practices. Members ...
www.smpte.org
California based honorary association established to advance the art, craft and creative contribution of the Operating Cameraman.
www.soc.org
Organization representing film technicians and actors in the independent film industry of Switzerland.
www.ssfv.ch
IATSE Local 884, an organization educating children in the entertainment industry.
www.studioteachers.com
Utah based nonprofit organization dedicated to the support and development of independent filmmakers, screenwriters, playwrights, composers, and other film and theatre artists.
www.sundance.org
International organization dedicated to the arts and sciences of film and video, and the development of motion pictures as a medium of communication; located at the Chapman University, School of Film & Television in Orange, California.
www.temple.edu
California based, non-profit networking and educational organization comprised of top production personnel working in television, feature films and new media. The AAP also has a formal affiliation with the Producers Guild of America.
www.tvproducers.com
UFI's mission is to promote French cinema around the world. Unifrance is an association of: producers, directors, actors and sales agents. UFI is united in its wish to enhance the presence of French product on foreign markets. Every year it laun...
www.unifrance.org
Undergraduate student organization that serves as an interactive resource center for TV and film enthusiasts at the University of Texas at Austin.
www.utexas.edu
Resources and Information for Screenwriters. The WGA represents writers in the motion picture, broadcast, cable and new technologies industries. Guild members also write news, animation, non-fiction and documentary programming.
www.wga.org
A professional organization founded in Los Angeles with the commitment to recognize, develop, and actively promote the unique visions of women in the global communications industry.
wif.org
UK student cinema society at the University of York. The organization gives its members the opportunity to experience running a cinema and shows films to the University community.
www-users.york.ac.uk
YMA is a non-profit, community-based organization providing information, advocacy and research on the impact of media on children and young people.
www.youngmedia.org.au
Check Out Local.com And Search For Local Organizations Near You!
Local.com
Members of film groups share their sales strategies, challenges, technical information and success stories. The organization itself is a wealth of information, representation and leadership with ultimately one goal: to grow the film industry. Professional development and partnerships are encouraged. Consider:
1. Using a film distributors association to forge relationships and grow as an individual.
2. Paying annual dues to film groups to cover the resources offered.
3. Membership benefits to range from events and conferences to job banks and newsletters.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Use specialized film organizations to network and further your career
A film distributors association offers an opportunity for individual and professional growth. It promotes partnerships and offers resources to make you a more successful professional in the film or television industry.
I recommend: Directors Guild of America (DGA) has more than 13,000 members who work in industrial, theatrical, documentary and educational films, and television. The group protects directorial teams' artistic and legal rights, promotes their creative freedom and strengthens their ability to grow their careers. View the "Basics" link to get membership information. Motion Picture Editors Guild is a national trade association that represents more than 6,000 post-production professionals.
Pay annual dues to belong to a film association
Whether you join a film and television association, dance film association or movie association, each one has different membership dues and levels.
I recommend: Entertainment Services & Technology Association (ESTA) is a trade organization for the North American entertainment technology industry. Members include manufacturers, service and production companies, dealers, reps, designers, scenic houses and consultants. Membership includes a job board, resources, membership board and cost savings. There are four membership options, depending on your profession. Join Entertainment Resources & Marketing Association (ERMA) if you work for an agency or corporation that provides entertainment resources to the filmed entertainment community, more commonly called the product placement industry. Members benefit from networking, websites, industry news and discounts. Review membership information and email if interested in joining ERMA.
Film organizations offer members a number of professional benefits
A film association brings you many resources and benefits. You get the chance to meet and talk with other industry professionals, participate in events, seminars and discussion forums, read educational literature and stay up-to-date on industry news.
I recommend: Audio Engineering Society (AES) is the only trade organization devoted solely to audio technology. AES has three different membership levels and allows you to register online. Benefits include meetings, forums, networking opportunities and a subscription to the Journal of the AES. Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) is a video association that addresses the needs of commercial production companies. AICP was formed in 1972 and is open to commercial production companies and suppliers. Benefits include chapter meetings, events, discounts and stationary. Review the types of memberships and benefits online.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • Take advantage of everything that's offered by your film industry association. That's the best way to get the most out of the group and grow professionally.


