The Portable Film School: Everything You'd Learn in Film School Without Ever Going to Class

This book is perfect for beginners. That's pretty much it. If you are aspiring to be a filmmaker, definitely get this book.

This book has two main advantages over other screenwriting books I've read: (a) The friendly, conversational, humorous and self-effacing style of the author is a wonderful injection of self-confidence that cannot be underestimated. (b) If, like me, your focus is on screenwriting, this book provides plain-speaking insight into the process of actually making a movie, as both writer and director. Regarding (b): It had not occurred to me, before Gilles' book, that I needed to concern myself with `making' a movie, only writing one. While I'm confident you can make it as a screenwriter without knowing the deeper merits of film vs. video, etc., this does prompt the newbie screenwriter to think beyond his script to the larger process involved in actually producing that script. Mind you, I haven't taken his advice and actually made my own movie using a mini-DV camcorder - and, at times, I did have to coach myself to keep going through the film-making parts of the book - but I believe I'm better off knowing this stuff than not. For me, the juiciest part of this book was when Gilles' advice in Lecture 15, "The Screenplay That Wouldn't End," came at the perfect moment and really saved my bacon. I was writing my first screenplay from what I thought was a well-rounded treatment. I had the goal of finishing my first draft in one month, and working from the treatment was really making it flow. I never had writer's block, and all my sessions were a joy. I repeatedly racked up days of writing 6-8 pages and was ecstatic with my progress. Suddenly, somewhere in Act III, I realized that the ending from my treatment was going to be far too insipid and would not do justice to the set-up. I had a vague idea in my mind for a new ending, but this idea involved so many logistics I didn't know how to make it all work. I didn't know how to write it. I tried everything I could think of - brainstorming, asking my characters what they want, going for long walks, reading advice from screenwriting blogs, getting away from the computer altogether - but I was still stuck. Finally, I decided to use my enforced "down-time" to read Gilles' book. When I got to Lecture 15, this electrifying statement jumped out at me: "Often, even with a solid outline or three-act storyline, a screenwriter will find herself approaching the middle of Act Three with the horrible realization that the ending she *thought* would happen is no longer the right ending." What a relief to find out I wasn't alone with this problem. The simple advice given in the remainder of the chapter set me on fire to write my vaguely visualized new ending (first as a new ending for the treatment, and then as the final 30 pages of the script). The act of writing it cleared up the logistical problems and deepened the whole story. This was not only creatively rewarding, but Gilles' sage advice also allowed me to meet my goal of finishing my first draft in one month. I have plenty more to learn before I attempt my

This was a great book for people who are just getting started. I've read a lot of books on filmmaking and made films, and I think there are better books on the subject. I was also alittle disappointed that a majority of the book talked about screenwriting. I was looking for something that talked more about the overall process. I figured something that talked about the things you learn in film school would discuss everything. But overall it is a good beginner book for the beginner filmmaker.

I purchased this book while attending an intensive film course at NYU, and this book was an excellent complement to the course material. This is my second book I've read by D.B. Gilles. If you want to write your first screenplay, I'd suggest picking up "The Screenwriter Within," as well. Basically, anyone with a video camera can pick up this book and begin making short films. There are some neat exercises to get your creative juices flowing, but ultimately it's up to you to make your film. While it's difficult to find the self-discipline to be an independent filmmaker, this book points you in the right direction. You really have to be your own boss and entrepreneur. There are no teachers, parents or employers to create that structure for you. You have to be willing to go out and take risks, and realize that you will fail and make horrible films at first, but this book definitely shortens the learning curve. Buy this book before pumping $30,000 a year into film school. Will be the best $15 you ever spent.