One of the most enjoyable aspects I’ve found about blogging is the wonderful people we can ‘meet’ online. I’m especially gratified when someone provides a link or heads-up about resources on the web that can benefit people interested in learning more about the craft of screenwriting. Just like yesterday where Daveinla posted a comment alerting me to a new web resources called MakingOf. The site has been created by actress Natalie Portman and her longtime friend and producer Christine Aylward. Here’s what Portman has to say about the genesis of the site:

When friends come to the set, they always want to know: Who are the many individuals who take part in the making of a film? What do they do? How do they do what they do? How did they get the chance to do what they do? And often: how can I do that too?

These questions led me to believe that there was a desire for this inside look, especially from the vast majority of people who don’t have friends who can take them on set. With the ever-increasing number of self-taught filmmakers, who find audiences for their films using new opportunities for video-sharing online, I thought there would be an additional audience for our content among those who want an experienced filmmaker’s advice as to how to light a certain type of scene or how to achieve a particular makeup effect, and so on.

And here’s what Aylward has to say:

When I started my film development company, I became immersed in trying to translate books to screen, develop compelling characters and great stories and find the right directors. It was then that I realized the magnitude of what really goes into making movies — and wished there were more people to give me insight and direction. Several treatments, screenplays and pitches later I met Natalie on a film set. We became dear friends and soon the idea for MakingOf was born. MakingOf’s mission is to champion the art and craft of entertainment creation. Natalie and I know that so much of what goes into entertainment creation is unavailable to the people who love and consume it most. We wanted to give fans a way to experience how it’s done and learn from the insiders. At MakingOf we feel very lucky to sit and talk with the most amazing filmmakers – hear their insight, their path, and their advice. And the MakingOf team and I get to share all that wisdom and experience with you! We hope you enjoy it as much as we do. As William Goldman writes in his book Adventures in the Screen Trade “Movies help mark out our lives.” We agree with Mr. Goldman and believe that in some way each of us has a deep relationship to movies. We hope that MakingOf brings you closer to your favorite movies and sheds some insight on how the world’s greatest filmmakers create movies that touch our lives.

Sounds like they’re coming from a great place re the site. So what’s available for aspiring screenwriters at MakingOf? How about video interviews with Aaron Sorkin (A Few Good Men, Charlie Wilson’s War) and Don Roos (The Opposite of Sex, Marley and Me). They’re both excellent pieces (Sorkin is about 10 minutes long and Roos is almost 4 minutes) and I’ll be featuring them on upcoming weekend video interview highlights.

So another great resource about moviemaking (in general) and screenwriting (specifically). I’ve added the site to my resource links and encourage you to bookmark the site.

And a special h/t to Daveinla! Many thanks!