Cynthia Whitcomb–author, screenwriter and the first lecturer I ever saw speak on the topic–gave me the first bit of screenwriting advice I ever received at the Sante Fe Screenwriting Conference. Her advice: watch a movie everyday. EVERYDAY. She says that’s pretty much what it takes to learn film frontwards and backwards. This is also how Quentin Tarantino picked up the trade.

I agree. I probably have averaged a movie a day since that time, and my understanding of film now blows away what I knew then (going to film school also helped, at least I hope considering what I paid). When you digest film on a daily basis, you get to the point where cinematic storytelling almost becomes instinctive. It’s not just the good movies either–bad movies can teach you just as much. That way you can learn from other’s mistakes, not just your own.

For this to work, you not only have to be a film sponge–you must also pay close attention. Watch the clock on your DVD player and make a mental checklist of what is happening when. Take notes. Reverse engineer films after watching them the right way. Have discussion groups with your cinephile friends, or just talk about film over coffee with whoever will listen. Decide what works, and what doesn’t. Digest film, but like a good meal you actually want to taste, take your time with it and digest it right.

You also have to read plenty of scripts, but I think watching film is every bit as important.

After the jump are four great sites that will help you digest as much film as possible:

Netflix - Rental stores are for suckers. With the somewhat new Instant Viewing feature (and now even Roku), Netflix is easily the best way to get your film fix. They have everything, too. If you are good about knowing what you want to watch and sending stuff back out, financially it is also much cheaper than renting from stores. Give it a try–you’ll get used to it. Another bonus is that they don’t charge extra for Blu-Ray.

Half.com - An eBay company where I consistently pick up ridiculously cheap DVDs, even Blu-Ray and HD DVDs. I’m a collector, and I watch my favorite movies over and over. I also like to have good commentaries available, especially featuring writers, to listen to when I’m in the mood, which definitely isn’t every day. You can even do wishlists and pre-orders so you can get the movies you want at the price you want. I mean, I picked up the first Harry Potter on HD DVD for 75 cents plus shipping last week. Crazy.

Mininova - This is a torrent site. I don’t download torrents, but if someone wanted to, this is the site. Again, I don’t download torrents, but this is the place. They already even have Hancock and Wanted. Not that I downloaded either. To download I’m told you need BitTorrent. That’s what I’m told

RedBox - For a buck a day you can rent new releases. Almost all McDonald’s and Wal-Mart locations have the vending machines. I use it from time to time when I want to watch something new and don’t have any other options. You can even reserve stuff online before you head out. No Blu-Ray or HD DVD, but a good selection of standard def DVDs. Why anyone goes to Blockbuster is beyond me.

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