A must read for new filmmakers!
927141
Very well written and informative. Advice can apply to actors as well as filmmakers. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
708212
I just finished reading this book and I have to tell you this is the book aspiring directors have been waiting for. It clears all the misconceptions and mystery of cinematography for the none cinematographer. This book is great for the the Director who wishes to know more about what the DP has to do make his vision an reality.(Well not really reality since it's fiction but you get the point.)Don't go on your next project without this. It will definitely come in handy on the set.
1538844
There are a lot of books on filmmaking out there, and it is hard to know which ones to buy and which ones you can skip. This book turned out to be a little treasure of real-life filmmaking. In fact, I was so impressed I actually bought his movie, Running Time, and thought that was well-executed too. I am surprised we haven't seen more films from him. I think he has a thorough understanding of the filmmaker process and isn't talking in abstractions, but true-to-life filmmaking. It is nice he took the time to write this book and share what he knows. He covers a lot of ground from the story idea to theatrical release. His advice ranges from technical details (the film stock he used when shooting Running Time [Eastman Plus-X 7231, 80 ASA) to the profound (that we like watching movies because we like to see a character make a real difference, but that's probably not the reality most of us really know). This is one of my top 20 filmmaking books.
4753276
Okay so you have a new camcorder, now what?  Get this book for starters. If you follow the instruction and wisdom that Barry has stuffed between front and back covers, I guarantee that your video images will stand far apart from the average weekend shooter. Packed full of clear, concise photos to accompany the read you can't go wrong. Although I've taken videography classes, this book serves as a great refresher and reference. Barry also gives you technical advise thats easily digested. There is way too much information in this book for me to pinpoint one particular segment (although I have MY favorites), but if you are a novice to intermediate shooter buy this book like, yesterday!&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Five-C-s-of-Cinematography-Motion-Picture-Filming-Techniques/dp/187950541X/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Five C's of Cinematography: Motion Picture Filming Techniques</a>Get the book, get your camera, and get focused!
1697742
I absolutly loved this book.  It has given me much direction for making my own movie.  I never understood how to start, how to fund $$$ the movie, or where to find actors. Furthermore, it answers all the questions and fears I had.  This books clearly explains what it takes to be the next Steven Spielberg or my favorite Quentin Tarantino.  If you got the passion and the drive but need the direction GET AND STUDY THIS BOOK!!!
4388579
A must have for any indie filmmaker. It has answered many of my questions ranging from scripts to post production. It is written in an easy to understand and easy to follow format that anybody can understand. The laws are laid out in plain language and there are even examples of how the law applies in the real world. A definite tool kit to have at your disposal when you are involved in the movie business.
690020
This is an incredible, get down to it, grass roots, no holds bar book on what it takes to make a film.  From the practical to the emotional, Camille Landau and Tiare White have managed to capture the essence of filmmaking, the true gritty nuts and bolts of the experience as well as getting you excited to go out and shoot, to just do it, whether it's your first feature or your latest blockbuster.  Honestly, it's the "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maitenance" for the filmmaker, teaching and pondering life's lessons along the way.  I loved it and am totally motivated to go shoot my first film.  This is definitely a must have classic!
2761825
I recently picked up this book (as well as many others on film financing) from
amazon. This book has been so thoroughly excellent I am compelled to leave a review.
It's easy conversational style belies the wealth of information compiled therein but makes it so compelling that you can read it in a little more than a half a day.

You see, I'm part of an online sketch comedy troupe that has had some fiscal
success with doing things for the web. But during the past three years
we knew we needed to make a feature but kept avoiding it because it's
scary. Recently, we decided this year was the year it was going to
happen. And then we all looked forward at the giant brick wall of film
financing looming overhead.

'Bankroll' has become my new bible for film financing. It so succinctly and clearly outlines the steps necessary to move forward that although I know it won't be easy, I know I can get it done. It's broken through the wall and now I'm excited to run through it and get my movie MADE!
3247246
Where has this book been??? I love it! Im a working filmmaker and film professor who went to a famous (and expensive) film school but I learned almost nothing about copyright, contracts and basic business; including licensing. This is the book I needed 15 years ago. Its clearly written, includes easy to understand summaries and its completely up-to-date. The authors don't sound like codgers behind big desks talking theory; the book has info about Kickstarter, copyright, trademark, contracting, working with investors + +. Highly recommended for any creative ESPECIALLY if you're sharing your work online.
2122
For the film school student yearning to break out of the classroom and just create something, this should be the first book to buy.  It treats the process of making a movie with a low budget (is there any other student movie) with respect and seriousness.  A group of students pooling their money need a person like Draven to help organize the shoot.  But, a fan of film, will probably enjoy it too as a guide to the nuts and bolts of filmmaking

Even more than the organization of the shoot, Draven shows the interesting minutia of film making from the ground level; short interviews with industry insiders, script samples, shooting schedules, story boards, recommended readings, etc. The interviews are biased more to the nuts and bolts, practical side of movie making and away from the intellectual analytical side.  All I can say is, you go Draven!

Draven covers all the details, big and small, that a would-be horror film maker probably wouldn't think about until the week before shooting. Exactly what DO you use for blood and entrails that won't blow the budget and cleans up well?  How much of the script should we plan on shooting each day? What's the best way to schedule shooting scenes to maximize the budget? Even I knew that answer; storyboards.  This isn't film school dilettantism. It's more of "Everyone moves scenery on this set!"
2288382
<div id="video-block-RBYHVHSSBBU3D" class="a-section a-spacing-small a-spacing-top-mini video-block"></div><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/C1-ReSwuLHS.mp4" class="video-url"><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91YI9H4ORmS.png" class="video-slate-img-url">&nbsp;It is easy to underestimate this book, simply because of the cover.  Tanya York has a ton of movie experience, because she started very young.  Tanya York has produced over 30 movies and distributed well over 100 movies.  Randall Frakes co-directed Xenogenesis with James Cameron, and participated in both Terminator movies.

Here are three reasons why I like this book.  First, this book is unique, because filmmaking books are written mostly by directors, not distributors.  There are thousands of books on how to make a movie, and very few that tell you how to sell one.

Second, Tanya York is a distributor in the direct-to-dvd and low budget independent film market, which is the most likely entry point for a beginning filmmaker.

Third, this book is very well written, the the assistance of veteran screenwriter Randy Frakes.  It balances autobiography with experience, and a little inspiration.

The author's great passion and brutal honesty regarding the film industry elevated this book above the mere clich filmmaking industry monograph.  This book is not just an inspiration, but a nuts-and-bolts guide that refuses to hide the ball.

Tanya frankly outlines what terms you should expect in your first development deal, and spells out exactly how to approach a distributor, and what content that distributor is likely to buy.

For example, after a basic description of film genres, the author gives a no-holds barred, cogent list of genres to avoid, the kind of tough-love that only a distributor can serve up to a filmmaker.  Better know it now than later...

How to Make Money Making Movies is worth reading.
3518737
Let's just state a fact: Nobody knows the subject of film crowdfunding more than John T. Trigonis. I've had the pleasure of speaking on many crowdfunding/crowdsourcing panels with John and I can tell you if you haven't seen his TEDx talk or his other online videos on the subject, you've been missing out. And if you haven't yet caught up with his terrific book, Crowdfunding for Filmmakers, you're not only missing out, you're putting yourself at a competitive disadvantage. Raising capital through crowdfunding requires a massive amount of planning and strategy. Additionally, due to the rising popularity of crowdfunding, there are more filmmakers than ever launching campaigns. John shows you how to not only set up a game plan that will have you in a position to win weeks before launch, but will allow you to rise above the noise and stand out. This is insightful, detailed, applicable information that will have you fired up to launch your campaign. I simply cannot recommend this book enough.
3771570
I'm a film newbie (starting to shoot film) and this book is a goldmine of info by a master.

I'd suggest it to any film fan or someone (like me) who's starting to learn the business.
2708592
I have recently started to develop online content and I never knew the first thing about what a producer does, but the Film Skills series was recommended to me and I have gotten a TON of help and information out of it.  Thorough, easy to grasp, and filled with awesome tips and information that you couldn't even get in film school, this is a fantastic read and worth your time if you want to get into the world of (or just understand) film producing.
1909552
I wanted to learn how to do video for some classes and this book was just the ticket to get started. Robyn knows her stuff and tells you how to do vids on a budget, and how to get the most from the video recorder built into many of today's Smartphones. And for those of you who want to make the next indie great flick, she even tells you how to find cast and crew on the cheap! I am really glad I read this. THANK YOU, ROBYN!
1190539
It's a biography and technical manual all in one.  Mike's generous personality shines through his book as he reveals all his techniques with abandon, while his passion ignites your creativity and dreams.  The book has a wealth of information with real-life experiences, mixed in with technical and creative advice.  He shares his filming tricks, money saving techniques, and gadgets needed.  The reader is never left wondering about his approach, his opinion, or how he did something.
This book answers all the questions of "How did he do it?"  I am so excited to have this book as a resource to enhance my film in progress.  I already have a list in my head of stuff I need to do or do differently to improve my film project.  This book is a very easy read; it feels like the author is talking to you as you're reading.
This book is destined to become the how-to Bible for D.I.Y. (Do it yourself)/Indie film making.
135107
Very helpful book. A few areas are repetitive but 95% of the book is great info told in a very organized and readable way. It is also set up in clear chapters that are extremely helpful when needed for quick reference. I will reference this book during the filmmaking process over and over.