Feature Filmmaking at Used-Car Prices: Revised Edition [Paperback]

Rick Schmidt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1995 | ISBN-10: 014024560X | ISBN-13: 978-0140245608 | Edition: Rev&Updt

For about $6,000 anyone with the right know-how--and this book--can write, produce, direct, film, edit, and promote a feature film. Step-by-step instructions, summary checklists, and lots of tips on how to save money support the filmmaker spiritually, aesthetically, and technically.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Schmidt offers a complete guide to producing a low- or no-budget feature film. This 1988 original has been updated with a new chapter on digital technology, dealing with agents, and more. Thanks to the success of "indys" (independent films) such as Clerks and The Brothers McMullen and with the help of books like this, more budding filmmakers are shunning Hollywood and going it alone.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics); Rev&Updt edition (August 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 014024560X
• ISBN-13: 978-0140245608
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #974,858 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars VERY DISAPPOINTING, October 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Feature Filmmaking at Used-Car Prices: Revised Edition (Paperback)

Why do so many of the previous 5 star reviews include a plug for a future edition of this book or a direct reference to the author as a friend? Could it be they're less than truthful, or at least biased? In fact, this book is already outdated, and it's advice for making a feature film for less than $10,000 is ludicrous. If the author had added a "0" to the sensational title and dealt with REAL WORLD facts and tips about making such a film this could've been a good book. As it is, it's nearly useless because it has no connection to how to REALLY make a micro-budget movie (ie. video or gray market stock, credit cards, deferrals, etc.).

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A good book for starting film novices., May 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Feature Filmmaking at Used-Car Prices: Revised Edition (Paperback)

Don't be fooled that after you follow this book, and make your "used car" budget film that you'll soon see it on the big screens everywhere. You'll end up with a first project on a journey of a long learning process. Is it better to spend the ten grand for school? Maybe. A lot can be said for taking that plunge into cold water and getting your feet wet. Although, some people want the prestige of a piece of paper from an institution. Most of the methods are sound, but the book is pretty much outdated for today's high tech world. Beginning filmmakers rarely shoot on film, but instead go for cheaper video. It's a less painful process. Especially for your pocketbook. It's a good book for student or hobby filmmakers. But please don't shoot a feature using this book as an example. Read it as inspiration.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars (2000 edition), June 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Feature Filmmaking at Used-Car Prices: Revised Edition (Paperback)

This is pretty much the first book that I've read on the subject of filmmaking that was actually interesting. I even read the forward and the preface, which I usually skip in books. I bought the revised version (the 2000 version, at a bookstore, even though it says it's not published until June...?) and I found the websites and dv section to be very helpful. This is an extremely informative, as well as entertaining read, perfect for a newbie (like me).