RESOURCES
INFORMATION = POWER
OTHER TRAINING
Training in one place is like only ever reading one book and hoping for a well rounded education. Here are some other great training centers and websites we love.
ACTING
ACTING STUDIO CHICAGO - Downtown
VAGABOND SCHOOL OF THE ARTS - Ravenswood
ACCOMPLISHED ON CAMERA - Lakeview
GREEN SHIRT STUDIO - North Center
FILMMAKING
CHICAGO FILMMAKERS - North Side Chicago
NO FILM SCHOOL - Online
MASTER CLASS - Online
FOR ACTORS
THE CONTRACT
All of us have been stuck waiting for footage that seems to take years to receive, if you receive it at all! This contract is a template for actors and producers for narrative content, keeping both parties safe, and making sure that those who work for free/cheap get the footage they are owed in a timely fashion.
The Forge and its employees are not an attorneys and do not certify that this form protects any particular legal interest. All forms and documents provided are for educational purposes only and any user should consult licensed legal counsel for any specific purpose or concern.
RESUME TEMPLATE
Too often resumés aren't looking their best. Here's a template you can use to start your work.
TIPS
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Use fonts that are easy to read and professional
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Stick to two fonts max
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DO NOT put your home address
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Use your agent's contact information if you have one
CHICAGO CASTING OFFICES
Compass Casting
Karge & Ross Casting
c/o I.O. Theatre
1501 N. Kingsbury St
O'Connor Casting
1219 W. Madison
Paskal/Rudnicke Casting
10 W. Hubbard, #2N
Simon Casting
2558 W. 16th St., 5th floor
CHICAGO SAG AGENTS
FOR FILMMAKERS
GROUPS TO KNOW
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Women in Film Chicago - For more than 30 years, Women in Film has been building a global community of film, television, advertising, digital and on-screen media professionals. With 6,800 members in the United States and 12,000 members internationally, Women in Film is the preeminent organization for the advancement of women in these industries
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Independent Film Alliance - IFA believes in Chicago as a place where all media creatives can achieve their dreams. Independent Film Alliance Chicago provides the community and resources needed to build a diverse and sustainable industry of independent content creators.
HELP TO GET
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Noise Floor - Starting with just two sound designers in 2005, NoiseFloor has grown to a strong ten member staff of sound designers, music composers, producers, audio implementators, mixers and location recordists.
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Camera Ambassador - Our favorite camera rental house in Chicago and a female owned business? Hell yes.
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Johnsonese Brokerage - A Chicago film insurance company who knows the industry and will have your back.
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OTV - Open Television is a platform for intersectional pilots and series, supporting Chicago artists in producing and exhibiting indie series
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Full Spectrum Features - Full Spectrum Features is committed to driving equity in the independent film industry by producing and distributing the work of women, POC, and LGBTQ+ filmmakers.