Reference works typically consist of brief selections of facts, data, or definitions, such as dictionaries. However, in today’s networked society, there are many other types of reference works online that can link you to key information. We have provided here links to key online reference works that specifically support Film Studies.
Online Magazines
Databases
Directories & Web Portals
Sometimes it can be challenging to identify specific movies, TV, and documentaries for writing assignments, so we have provided a list of resources available for review and analysis. There are many streaming services available now. We’ve provided a list of some that are freely accessible, as well as Fee-based services.
Free Streaming ServicesAmazon Prime Video: This is an Individual Subscription service, costs $7.99 Canadian per month; contains TV, Film, Documentary, including original productions such as Treadstone, Hunters, Fleabag, along with films such as Rocketman, John Wick and more. Amazon Prime Video is a free service for those who have an Amazon Prime delivery account.
Apple TV +: A new streaming service recently launched by Apple, including original content.
CBS All Access: This is an individual subscription, US based, costs $5.99, including CBS TV and Sports. It offers original content, content newly aired on CBS. This includes shows like Star Trek: Discovery, Live Sports (football), NCIS, Survivor, etc.
Crave TV: This is an individual subscription, Canadian based, costs $9.99 per month, which includes TV, Film, Documentary, a variety of content. This is a Canadian subscription video on demand service owned by Bell Media. This includes many dramas such as The Sopranos, Doctor Who, Star Trek, Although some HBO content is included, current & complete HBO content costs an additional fee.
Disney +: Individual Subscription, $8.99, Disney owned Film & TV. This offers an impressive library of high-quality shows and movies in a featured-filled video streaming package. The service primarily distributes films and television series produced by The Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney Television, with the service advertising content from Disney’s Marvel, National Geographic, Pixar, and Star Wars brands in particular.
Netflix: Individual Subscription, $13.99 CND; TV, Film, Documentaries, Animation, etc. Netflix’s large collection of TV shows and movies, including critically acclaimed originals, make it one of the best video streaming services to date.
The following resources provide support for identifying different strategies for creating “Beat Sheets” and “outlines” for TV and Film writing.
Beat Sheets & StructureThere are many ways to find scripts for TV and Film online. We’ve provided some of the most popular options.
Free Sites
TV Specific
Purchase Options
In this section we provide links to key supports for Screen Writing Mechanics and formatting, such as the Hollywood Standard which is a helpful book for formatting your screenplay.
Screenplay Writing & Formatting
Key Books
Key Websites
In this section we provide screenwriting software options.
Purchase Based
Free Software
The following section includes links to an array of information related to the film industry.
The following resources are open access free resources. The Open Access movement champions free, authoritative resources for academic achievement. Even though there are now high-quality resources available in Open-Access, you must always be critical in the assessment of any resource. Our goal is to post resources here that are primarily scholarly in nature as opposed to non-peer reviewed magazine articles and news.
Ebook Collections
Selected Journal Titles
These are additional supportive resources for film, including festivals, screenings and awards.
Canadian
Key to the Canadian Film industry includes knowledge of Government tax credits, copyright and other key information.
Federal, Government of Canada
Ontario
Intellectual Property, Copyright, etc.
A major part of your professional career will include keeping updated on and participating in professional associations. Professional associations set benchmarks, link you to career resources, provide information on the latest developments. Other types of organizations may publish reports, newsletters, blogs, etc. that will assist you in career development and learning new skills.
Provincial
Canadian
United States & International
This page provides resources and examples of the various components of Broadcast Journalism including information on news, commercials, PSA’s, etc.
Commercials
News & Journalism
Coming soon