What They Don't Teach You at Film School: 161 Strategies for Making Your Own Movies No Matter What

I read lots of filmmaking books. I didn’t go to film school, so by reading these books it gives me an insight into the theories and aspects of filmmaking that I never thought about before. It still amazes me that I can actually learn new things about a visual medium from a book, but I always have. Every time I’m at the local bookstore I swing by the film section to see if there is anything new worth reading. (Plus it’s a great location to meet new people to get involved in my future projects.) A couple of weeks ago I picked up "What They Don’t Teach You at Film School: 161 Strategies For Making Your Own Movie No Matter What" by Camille Landau and Tiare White. At first I was skeptical about this book. Any filmmaking book that promises to show me the yellow brick road to Hollywood and filmmaking success just makes me laugh since we all know that no book can show each of us this path since it’s different for everyone. But, as I flipped through the book there in the aisle I found myself laughing and learning new things so I had to bring it home with me. The book is organized into chapters named catchy phrases as "It’s the budget, stupid…", "Sex, lies, and 16mm…." , and "Friends, enemies, lovers, and thieves." Within each of these chapters is an ongoing bulleted list that make up the 161 strategies mentioned in the title of the book.What I liked so much about this book is the mix of blunt honesty, real world insight and sharp humor. The authors are both graduates of USC film school and together have made over 30 short films. After completing the book I could tell that they’ve "seen battle" and are not just looking for a quick buck from writing a book. (Although, I hope they make a few because they deserve it.) I think the reason why I really liked this book so much was that it covered every aspect of movie making. What I mean is that not only will it give you tips on fixing your script (pg 54), pitching your story (pg 132) and how to finance your project (pg 201). But, they even share a recipe for cookies to help you bribe your editor if need be. (pg 26) They realize that there is much more to filmmaking then actors, producers and cameramen. They take the time to talk about life, family and the heartaches you may run into along the way to making your blockbuster. My copy is already earmark, highlighted and beat up from flipping back and forth for a confidence boost when I needed it during a rough spot on recent Foo Projects. Trust me when I say this will be the best (money) you spend for your next project. I’m not the type of guy to spoil the ending, but the last point made in the book is the most important one to remember:"#161 DO IT AGAIN: If you want to make films, make films."I couldn’t have said it better! Happy reading!

Sometimes I randomly buy books like this that SOUND like they have a really great premise, but they turn out to be amateur and doltish. Not so with this book -- it more than delivered on the promise made by the title and description. What a book!I was struck in the first few pages at the encouraging tone of the book, and then again by the heft of the authors' intellects -- wow, these women have brains! But brains aren't all they have. They've got plenty of common sense about filmmaking with which they have been more than generous in their book. I learned more about filmmaking than I have from reading any other book, and at the same time I was energized and ready to pick up a camera, instead of discouraged and ready to run far away from any dreams of filmmaking.It may be too late to go to film school, but it's never too late to read this book and get the down-low on everything you could want to know about making a film, conceptually, practically, and realistically. I'll have to read this book a few more times, and keep it close at hand for reference.Well done, Camille and Tiare.

this is a great book! it's not just about movies, it's about life and figuring out how to make the most of it.i recommend this book for anyone who ever dreamed of being a filmmaker, novelist, rock star, poet, etc., etc.

This book has a very generous spirit and is liberating to read; it describes the possible.Specifically, it is full of precise, down-to-earth wisdom on how to realize the lofty dream of making a film. The good, bad and ugly of the process are laid out with technical and emotional depth, with no baloney and with nothing held back. The book's lessons extend to how to pull off any ambitious, excruciatingly difficult, creative entrpise where other peoples' participation is essential (as in making buildings, for example).Congratulations to the authors!