The Film CULT

A Real-world alternative to industry filmmaking.


PROJECTS


Equipment Share

Pooling film equipment to break the barrier to expensive gear.

Projections

A free monthly interdisciplinary screening, sharing and workshopping space.

Spaces

Film locations database ready for indie filmmaking.

ROAD MAP


Crew Directory

Bring together the filmakers who share ethical ideals. Let them know they are not alone.

Library Expansion

Provide costumes, props and every resource needed for film, fight to bring prices lower or free.

Open Access Hub

Open up the resource of space, post production tools, builds, crafting, rehersal, meeting. Rise from the bedroom floors.

Ethical Network

Share our blueprint, learn from others. Come together on a bigger scale to make movements beyond local.


WHO ARE THE FILM CULT ANYWAY?

The Film Cult is a group brought together by the shared experience of mainstream professional filmmaking failing our screen culture.The moving image is a dominant and significant medium. Imagine what we are missing out on; the depths being left unexplored as a result of the minuscule sliver of practitioners the industry model allows. Audiences and filmmakers alike suffer from this weak diversity and we must work to correct it.We have been falsely convinced by the industry that enforced exclusivity and excessive suffering are requirements for our art form. Industry has glorified the mistreatment of our bodies, our relationships and our minds.

Instead of accepting defeat in the face of an elite and inaccessible art form, The Film Cult are building a radically accessible support network, to lift up grassroots filmmaking in the belief this will release the true heart of filmmaking.Their projects so far include a film equipment share, free local artist & filmmaker screenings, and a locations directory, with intentions to continue breaking down barriers one at a time.All they need is a little help and encouragement from those who share the vision! No one belongs here more than you.



KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING


Donate

⭐ Support alternative filmmaking
⭐ One-time and recurring donations

Major Donor

⭐ Become 1 of our target of 5 major donors ensuring the groups survival

The Film Cult

Equipment Share

Film Equipment For Everyone

• Rentals as cheap as humanly possible, with costs only covering the projects maintenace & insurnace• No means-testing or eligibility checks, everyone has equal accessPay-it-forward fund for anyone struggling to afford equipment.Free-access to safety and accessibility equipmentEasy to book through an online reservation systemProffessional level gear looking to serve all aspects of filmmaking• Opportunity to contribute skills, gain experience, meet the local scene and help maintain a community asset through volunteering

Together we've saved atleast:

£46,705

By pooling our resources for common good the expensive filmmaking ladder has been brought down a peg or two!

By providing access to:

£163,077

worth of film equipment rented out since our launch.

Supporting:

296 Projects

in the 2 years since project launch in 2024!

Support the pay it forward fund!

Some of our community still cannot afford to access our equipment. We have a pay it forward fund for anyone struggling to afford equipment for their project.Those of us with more means can support the fund through the 'pay it forward' account on the share website.Email us to see how we can support you if you are struggling!

F&Qs

Where is the equipment share?

The Nexus Room
9, St Peters Buildings,
Edinburgh,
EH3 9PG

Can I send someone different to the booking account?

You can but please shoot us an email to let us know at share@thefilmcult.com

The Film Cult

Locations Directory

IN DEVELOPMENT

What this project offers:

• An Easy to search diverse locations database.Pre-approved locations looking to work with indie filmmakers.• Detailed accessibility information.• Focused on ethical use, meaning locations and filmmakers engage in mutually respectful, non-exploitative relationships.Practical production guidance to help you understand necessary documents, insurance, and contracts.Affordable & Transparent with clear info on pricing, limitations, availability, access etc.

Common Questions

Public space permissions

Private space permissions

Location Insurance

Risk Assessments

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COMING SOON

RESOURCES

BRAND RESOURCES:

We're stronger together, use the graphics as you please!

The Film Cult Graphics Package, Logos etc.

INDUCTION PACKS:

Information on how we organise, roles and values.

Digital Launch Zine
Cult Members Handbook

ARCHIVE:

Recordings and written notes of past meetings.

Meeting Notes + Video Recording Archive

CONSENSUS RESOURCES:

Consensus Agreement Explained - Seeds for Change
How Consensus Democracy Works - Andrewism Youtube Video
^^ These first two resources are a great intro to consensus
Community Organising Guide - Neighborhood Anarchists
^^ A series of zines on consensus and conflict resolution
On Conflict and Consensus: a handbook on Formal Consensus decisionmaking
^^ The consensus bible, any questions still? This is your answer
Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next) - Dean Spade
^^ A book on community organisation and mutual aid groups

USEFUL REPORTS:

Looking Glass Report 2022 - Film and TV Charity
Production is Broken Report
Albert (Sustainability in Film and TV)

The Film Cult

CONTACT US

General enquires:
contact@thefilmcult.com
Equipment enquires & questions:
share@thefilmcult.com

We are a small volunteer run group meaning emails can get missed between us and between our schedules.We deeply value the time and effort taken to reach out and don't want you to think slow replies reflect disinterest.If we haven't gotten back to you please email again so we can keep on top of things!