Making Independent Films

Making Independent Films reveals the new filmmaker's journey through his first production, from the basic decision on whether or not to attend film school to financing a film, finding deals on equipment, and getting a finished product publicized. Chapters are packed with practical ideas for producing independent films, and follows the careers of seven independent filmmakers on their journey to success.

Making Independent Films: Advice From The Filmmakers is both an invaluable "how to" guide for aspiring filmmakers, and a riveting expose of the behind-the-scenes realities of filmmaking today. Making Independent Films takes the reader from first pitch to final cut, chronicling the first-time filmmaker's quest through training, financing, preproduction, the shoot, post-production, film festivals, distribution, and more. If you are seeking to write, produce, or direct your own movie, from documentary to feature film, begin with a careful reading of Liz Stubbs and Richard Rodrigues' Making Independent Film.

Filmmakers offer their advice on how to avoid setbacks and produce an independent film on a budget in this handbook, which combines such interviews with tips on how to locate talent and make a film. Practical insights make for an important coverage packed with film and business tips.

I found this book was both informative and inspiring. For anyone contemplating making their first film I would call it a "jump-starter." For readers who have "been there" you will recognize these experiences and cheer for the filmmakers who overcame the odds. From the pros and cons of attending film schools to the art of selecting the right festivals, this book can be a step by step guide. It includes budgeted films like Michael Shoob's "Driven," (under one million) whose straight ahead discussion of raising money is exceptional, as well as other filmmakers, whose creativity in making a movie with no money at all, seems to be endless. It will allow you to select the right path for you or at least discover what path you will be taking out of necessity, and give you plenty of immediately applicable advice. On the set practicality runs from "you can never have too many clothes pins" to how to negotiate for better deals with equipment rental houses. It includes how to deepen the loyalty of your crew, and encourage people to believe in your project enough to help you get it shot. Advice like that is priceless. The authors allowed the filmmakers to tell their stories in their own words and that was a great decision. You can feel the pain, as well as the joy of triumph, straight from those who experienced it, yet seamless editing gets the point across briefly and intensely.Congratulations to the authors and their subjects for blazing a trail that will make this tough journey easier for those that follow.Larry Benedict Author: The Video Demo Tape

I think the book was great in that it gave the low down on making a first film. This is something that books of this type commonly miss. For someone planning their directorial debut, this stuff is invaluable and interesting to read. 2 Thumbs up!