This is a most exciting time for independent film makers. Now that the internet and digital technology have paired up, we are seeing the old way of Hollywood shifting to the new independent film makers. The emergence of this technology has paved the way to new markets and tools for the film making industry.

Most significant is the fact that this development has changed the areas where the independents have had the most difficulty- development, marketing, and distribution. Studio big-wigs have ignored the internet, treating it as a passing fad or a tool for film promotion. When Time-Warner was taken in by AOL, they understood what the impact would be.

The Blair Witch Project brought this point home, the young film makers brought fame to the film with very clever web marketing. Hollywood production, marketing, and distribution have become the old way of film making, and this is causing a good bit of anxiety with the major studios.

Independent film makers who have traditionally been left out and ignored by the film making industry, are now building websites. These sites deal with the traditional ways of film making, but many of them address the problems with financing, marketing, and distribution, and suggest remedies for these problems.

Independent film makers are able to directly contact potential investors with scripts and potential story ideas. They are able to pitch their ideas to the investor themselves. There has also been an insurgence of online festivals, distributors, and resources where an independent film maker can market their film to a worldwide audience and show the product to the interested party directly.

This market is available to all, and the forerunners make up the criteria as they go. These new film makers will harness the internet, and be successful in digital film making. There are several methods and techniques when it comes to digital production.

There are innovative trends and studies of up-and-coming independent film makers, online. You are able to learn about script development, marketing, digital distribution, how to enter film festivals, and much more. These topics are available to anyone who is interested in learning the new techniques in film making.

The internet is fast paced and growing steadily. These techniques have been out there for a while now, but as I said they has been ignored by traditional Hollywood for quite some time. These techniques are evolving rapidly and they will be critical tools for the independent film makers who want a successful career in the new revolution of the film making industry.

Of course, before you jump into film making with everything you have, my advice is to become familiar with every internet concept and tool that can help you produce, development, and market your project.

Weigh the possibilities to find the best technique for you, your budget (while it does come with a cost, you will find internet based film making is cheaper), and your artistic abilities. As far as financing your film making endeavor, you may want to look into film making grants. There are several out there, just do a search on the ever evolving internet.

What about internships in film making?

A job in film making is like any other position you apply for. If you have no experience, you will probably not get an interview. When you can't get an interview, you won't get the job, and if you can't get the job you will not gain experience.

Experience is a must to get a job in film making. There are times that people get a lucky break and seem to fall into a job in the film making industry, this certainly doesn't happen very often. Realistically, if you want to get into the film making industry, it will be up to you to make it happen.

While internships are hard to find, as there is fierce competition in the industry, they are a good way to get your foot in the door. You can overcome some of this by contacting production companies and proposing your own internship. Film makers are more liable to accept free help during busy times. You will probably make important contacts that can be invaluable in the future.

There are a few different ways to arrange your internship. You may approach a film crew during a shoot and volunteer to help. If you are persistent they will usually allow you to do some work on the set. This may not be your ideal job, but once you are in the mix you will meet people who work in the film making industry. These contacts could lead to big opportunities down the road, and the job you really want.

Or you can check the classifieds in the trade papers for mid-level or senior openings in the field you are interested in. If they are recruiting for that position, they usually are short-handed and need some help in that department. When you spot an ad like this, call the office manager directly. Once they are on the phone, tell them you are interested in an internship.

Add that you know they are busy and you could meet with an assistant instead. Ask them who you could contact about this and tell them you will call them yourself. Make sure you do contact them if you are serious about getting an internship. It is imperative that you act professionally when contacting anyone in this industry.

You can call the human resource department of any production company, at any time and offer to be an intern. Try to pick a department that you have the most interest in becoming part of, or learning about. Whatever your choice, make sure you keep a good attitude, it may take a little time, but sooner-or-later there will be someone who is willing to accept your offer.

The film making industry is a close knit group and the more people you meet, the more likely it will be that you find work in the area of film making you desire. Above all, even though it may seem fruitless, don't give up, you have as good a chance as anyone to break into film making.

Excerpted from the book Understanding the Basics of Film-Making by Wings Of Success .

This excerpt has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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