When you join the IFGA, you are joining a community of professionals, of seasoned pros, of up-and-comers, of creative artists, of screenwriters, of actors, of crew, and of filmmakers who have either chosen to work outside of unions, or have not yet qualified for the appropriate union.
The Independent Filmmakers Guild of America is for people working in the industry on their own terms, united by common goals, looking for a supportive community with common interests.
A guild, by definition, is an association of people for mutual aid or the pursuit of a common goal. Independent, by definition, is to be free from outside control; not depending on another’s authority.
We offer a unique opportunity to network and connect with other filmmaking professionals. As a member of the IFGA, you can use the Official IFGA Seal on your productions and marketing materials, and you can add the IFGA acronym after your name to let people know you are an active member of this professional community.
As a member of the IFGA, you will be able to use the following services that are free to members:
- Use of the official IFGA Seal and Acronym
- Printable ID Cards
- Script Registry
- Online Courses
- Members Only Private IFGA Forum
- Members Only Private Facebook Group
- Submissions to the Annual IFGA Awards
- Member Knowledgebase
- Member Directory
- Advisory Board Insight
- Webinars & Periodic Zoom Mixers
- Document Library with Sample Contracts and Boilerplate Documents
- Affiliate Sales
- State-by-State Resource Directory
- List in the IFGA Entertainment Business Directory
- & More
We are also putting together a Best Practices and Ethical Production Guidelines Manual, which will be free to members to aid in the production process.
We are continually looking at ways to help our membership and expand our services.
We have also added our State-by-State Listing of Local and Regional Resources. This is an ongoing process, but it will continue to expand and be a great resource available exclusively to our members.
We have recently added the IFGA Entertainment Business Directory. This is accessible to members and non-members, and members can list their businesses for free. We currently have more than 6,000 weekly visitors to the site so this is a chance to advertise what you offer.
We periodically conduct research and surveys to help benefit the indie film industry and our members. We recently published the complete results of the 2023-24 State of the Industry of Indie Filmmaking Survey. The results are publicly accessible.
IFGA Member Certification has recently been added. Certification means your expertise will be vetted and verified via the IFGA. You will receive a plaque and a formal letter of endorsement.
COMING SOON! We are preparing to launch the IFGA Mentor Program in 2025. This is an exciting program where industry experts can take another professional under their wing.
The following are some of our fee-based IFGA-provided and third-party services.
- Member-based Service Providers
- IFGA Member Certification
- Business Insurance (Third-Party Provider)
- Health Insurance (comprehensive medical options, dental coverage, vision, and pharmacy solutions) (Third-Party Provider)
- Concierge-Style, Online Health Care (Third-Party Provider)
- Contract Reviews and Legal Access (Third-Party Provider)
- Discounted Digital Cinema Package (DCP) Creation Services
While anyone can become an active member of the IFGA, it takes experience and expertise to earn the IFGA Member Certification.
When you become a Certified Member of the Independent Filmmakers Guild of America, you will receive a seal bearing your name, status as a certified member, and a letter of endorsement.
Professional certification and a letter of endorsement are crucial as they serve as formal recognition of an individual’s skills, expertise, and dedication in their field. Certification provides validation that the professional has met industry standards and possesses the necessary knowledge and competencies to excel in their role.
It enhances credibility and trustworthiness, making them more attractive to employers and clients. A letter of endorsement, on the other hand, offers personalized commendation from respected peers or organizations, highlighting the individual’s accomplishments, professionalism, and contributions to their industry. Together, they bolster your professional reputation, open up new career opportunities, and establish you as a trusted and esteemed figure within the creative community.
The IFGA was founded by independent artists striving to make this world work without the luxury or requirement of joining a union.
We wanted to bring people together in a networking forum, offer a variety of services and help artists navigate their way through the indie production world.
As our membership grows, so will the offerings. We look forward to watching the members grow, connect, and expand their professional network.
You can learn about some of our founding members here!
